Despite Hurricane Sandy, Maryland Seafood is Still Safe to Eat!

According to Steve Vilnit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources all Maryland seafood is safe to eat. The DNR has been testing water all around Maryland in an effort to make sure that seafood coming from our water are safe. They have yet to find any reasons to be concerned. Also, because of Hurricane Sandy they have extended the female crabbing season, in order to help the industry which was affected by this storm.

Release from the Maryland Department of the Environment:

MDE has been assessing reports regarding problems with sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, and spills.  As of now there have been no reports that directly impact open shellfish harvesting waters.  In addition, unlike our neighbors, Maryland has many conditionally approved waters triggered by rain events.  Tidal flooding and storm surge has not been as extensive as it was during Irene or Isabel when we did a precautionary closure.  All conditionally approved waters are currently in the closed status through Nov. 2, 2012.  I was concerned about Maryland’s coastal bays and the reported flooding down there.  However, our field staff have reported that the tides are down and there is not a significant amount of standing water in yards in areas observed on the mainland side north of the Route 50 Bridge.  Much of the populated area near aquaculture operations in the coastal bays behind Ocean City is served by public sewer and there have been no reports of spills or problems from the Ocean Pines or Ocean City WWTPs.  As of now, there is no need for emergency closures in Assawoman Bay or the Cheasapeake Bay and tributaries.

We did have a report of a large spill at Snow Hill, approximately 30 miles upstream of open shellfish waters in Pocomoke Sound and a power outage at a sewage treatment plant on the Little Patuxent River (power restored Tuesday) about 60 miles upstream of open shellfish waters in the Patuxent River.  No further action needed due to travel time and distance to shellfish areas from these spills. Neither of these problems are on-going. 

There are flood conditions around Public Landing in Chincoteague Bay, where coastal flooding may be a concern in areas on septic tanks that are now under water.  Again, somewhat removed from aquaculture sites and not a large human population there.  Minimal impact and no need for an emergency closure in the Coastal Bays at this time.