OCEAN PINES, MD - The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has issued an emergency closure for shellfish harvesting in Worcester County’s Manklin Creek due to a sewage spill, according to the Assateague Coastal Trust.
The Assateague Coastkeeper says MDE issued the closure following a sewage spill on February 7. The closure impacts parts of the Isle of Wight Bay and Sinepuxent bay as well.
The closure is in effect until March 1, 2025. A map of the closure and nearby safety zones can be found on MDE’s website here.
“Assateague Coastal Trust will closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” Assateague Coastkeeper Taylor Swanson said. “Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out or contact MDE.”
The Ocean Pines Association says they are working closely with state and local authorities to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.