Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Department of Health has issued an advisory to avoid the Hudson River from Peekskill to Yonkers due to a break in a force main at the Crotonville sewer pump station. This incident, located at 100 Croton River Road in Ossining, is resulting in the release of partially treated sewage into the river.

"Due to this event, there is a probable environmental impact to the surrounding waters," stated the department. "Contact with the sewage is a potential public health threat."

Residents are advised against engaging in recreational activities in the Hudson River through the weekend and until further notice. Consequently, Croton Point Park Beach and Philipse Manor Beach have been closed.

The Department of Environmental Facilities is currently addressing the issue by repairing a section of 24-inch cast iron pipe. Until these repairs are completed, it is estimated that up to one million gallons of partially treated sewage could be released into the Hudson River daily.

"The Westchester County Department of Health is advising all recreational boaters and swimmers from Croton-on-Hudson south to Yonkers to avoid contact with the Hudson River until further notice as a precaution due to an ongoing force main break and repair in Ossining," reiterated officials.

A contractor on-site is conducting excavation work to access and repair the damaged pipe. According to county officials, "a segment of the pipe will be cut out, replaced, and encased in concrete." The duration of these repairs remains unknown.

During this period, water quality may be affected depending on tidal movements, potentially impacting areas as far north as Peekskill and as far south as Yonkers.

Notifications have been made via telephone to marinas and beaches about this situation. The County Health Department will continue monitoring conditions and will announce when permitted bathing beaches can reopen once discharge ceases and repairs are finalized.

For more information, visit http://health.westchestergov.com or subscribe to their weekly My Westchester email newsletter for updates on selected events.