Heavy rain forces closure of shellfish areas in Narragansett Bay, Point Judith

Alex Dube,
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management shared this map of the area impacted by the shellfish area closures.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced the closure of several shellfish areas in Narragansett Bay and Point Judith Pond.

The DEM said the closures are in response to the excessive rainfall the area saw on Sunday.

The rain caused heavy runoffs and several sewers to overflow, leading to a possible risk of bacterial contamination to shellfish in the area.

Officials with the DEM said they will be testing the areas later this week to continue assessing bacteria levels.

All affected areas are expected to reopen by Monday, July 24.

For more information on shellfish closures, call the DEM’s 24-hour shell fishing hotline at 401-222-2900 or click here.

Categories: News, Rhode Island

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