UPDATE:
On November 15, 2012, EPA’s vessel‘The Boston Whaler,’ was used to collect water samples in the East Rockaway, Hog Island and Reynolds channels adjacent to Island Park and Long Beach, New York. The EPA took 11 samples of water to determine concentrations of bacteria and dissolved oxygen from releases of raw or partially treated sewage from the storm-damaged Bay Park sewage treatment system in Nassau County.

The samples were analyzed for fecal coliform, a common group of bacteria associated with human waste, and dissolved oxygen. The established limit in New York is 200 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water for secondary contact such as boating, fishing, etc.

Fecal coliform levels from the EPA’s samples were below this limit.

Nevertheless, The EPA strongly advises that people avoid activities that could bring them into contact with the waters in and around the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant. Should contact occur, wash with soap and water.