Environmental Woes Impact Summer Fun

It’s only mid-July but Westchester County residents have already been the victim of several environmental hazards that limit enjoyment of the outdoors, the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound.

In late June, smoke from Canadian wildfires sent a cloud of dust into the air. The orange skyline and dangerous air quality levels made it too dangerous to be outside for any length of time forcing many to cancel recreational activities.

Air quality has now improved, but last week a broken pipe at a sewage treatment plant in Tarrytown sent untreated sewage into the Hudson River. The county warned swimmers and boaters to avoid use of the river until testing showed that the water was safe.

This past week, heavy rains forced the closure of beaches along the Long Island Sound? Why? Because when too much water deluges the stormwater retention system, harmful bacteria is released into the Sound.

According to the county website, “Heavy rains and discharges from stormwater drains directly affect these waters. As a result, these waters may contain high levels of harmful bacteria that may cause illness after a heavy rain.” Simply put, when the stormwater system overflows, untreated sewage ends up in the Sound.

After the rainstorms on Sunday July 16, beaches in Mamaroneck and New Rochelle were closed on Monday and Tuesday. The county website says that as of Wednesday July 19, Harbor Island beach in Mamaroneck remains closed. Check for updates from the county here.