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 Village of Patchogue Wastewater Treatment Plant. The study will track the flow and dispersion of treated wastewater from March 24 to 30. The study will improve DEC and FDA’s understanding of the destination of the treated effluent discharging into the Patchogue River and Patchogue Bay and support efforts to protect the health of consumers of shellfish harvested from New York waters.

The dye used for this study, Rhodamine WT, is a water-tracing dye 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 village of Patchogue Wastewater Treatment Plant beginning March 25 and continuing for 12.4 hours. This is the only dye injection period scheduled during the study. The public is advised that due to the dye injection, portions of Patchogue River and Patchogue Bay 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 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 or visit the DEC website at Shellfishing - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.