Prudence Island shellfishing area closed ahead of boating event

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is closing 700 acres of shellfish grounds off of Prudence Island ahead of Aquapalooza as a precautionary measure due to increased chances of accidental or illicit discharge of sewage into the waters.

This closure will run from sunrise on July 27 until sunrise on August 3 and extends from the shoreline of all waters south and west of a lone from Prudence Point to the northwest extension of Warner Avenue on Prudence Island.

The event is expected to bring more than 1,000 boats and personal watercraft, increasing the chances of accidental or illicit discharge of sewage.

The closure will allow for sufficient volume of water and time for the dilution of inadvertently discharged sewage in the area.