An estimated 2.4 million gallons of sewage was released into the marsh in the Stono River from February 19th to the 26th. The pipe has been repaired, but wastewater may contain viruses that can transferred to people if they consume contaminated oysters.
DHEC issued a recall for all oysters harvested from the impacted area between February 19th to the 28th. They have notified vendors and harvesters to ensure the are individually aware of the recall.
“This closure affects shellfish harvesting from Charleston Harbor south to the North Edisto River. This includes all rivers and tributaries associated with them. The affected area will be closed for a minimum of 21 days and will reopen after that, once water quality data indicate that bacteria levels are again suitable for shellfish harvesting.” – Mike Patterson, manager of DHEC’s Shellfish Sanitation Section
DHEC Shellfish Monitoring Program