The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is conducting a hydrographic dye study of wastewater from the Oyster Bay Village Wastewater Treatment Plant within Oyster Bay Harbor. The study will track the flow and dispersion of treated wastewater beginning on Sunday, Nov. 26 through Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. The study will improve the understanding of the destination of the treated effluent discharging into Oyster Bay Harbor and continue ensuring the protection of the health of New York’s shellfish consumers.

The dye used for this study, Rhodamine WT, is a water-tracing dye that is approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will not cause environmental harm. Low concentrations of the dye will be introduced from the Oyster Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant beginning on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 29 and will continue for 12.4 hours. This is the only dye injection period scheduled during the study. Due to the dye injection, portions of Oyster Bay Harbor may appear discolored and turn red or pink for a brief time. The discoloration may be visible from the shores.

The data generated from the study will be used to assess the required shellfish closure surrounding the Oyster Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant outfall. In addition, this study will enhance emergency readiness and the ability to respond to events related to any potential spills or untreated discharges at the wastewater treatment plant.

For more information on this study, please contact the Division of Marine Resources Shellfisheries Bureau at 631-444-0492.

For general shellfishing information, visit DEC’s website.