Full Notification

Ipswich Beach Closures

At approximately 12:50 today, July 12, 2012, the Town of Ipswich Board of Health closed public beaches within its jurisdiction including Pavilion Beach, Crane Beach, Steep Hill Beach, Little Neck Beach and Clark Beach. It is stressed that this was not done due to a public health emergency; rather the beaches were closed as a pre-cautionary measure while awaiting the results of water quality testing.  This action was taken as a result of information received from the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
 
On Monday, July 9th 2012, the Waste Water Treatment Plant experienced a mechanical malfunction and all discharge ceased. On Wednesday, July 11, 2012 discharge resumed which was likely to exceed the discharge permit levels. As of Thursday, July 12, 2012 the Waste Water Treatment Plant was fully functional and the risk of elevated bacterial levels addressed. All appropriate regulatory agencies were notified in a timely manner.
 
In addition, the Division of Marine Fisheries is currently collecting water samples to reopen any shellfish beds closed as a result of this incident.  A state certified lab has collected water samples to analyze for bathing beach bacteriological quality standards.   As a precaution, public beaches will remain closed until water quality testing results confirm there is no public health risk. Test results are anticipated to be available late afternoon on Friday, July 13, 2012.  Town Officials are confident that the test results will show the samples to be within safe parameters.
 
 
Questions should be directed to the Public Information Officer, Justin Daly at 978-356-4343 or
Jdaly@ipswichpolice.org

Address/Location
Ipswich, MA Police Department
15 Elm St
Ipswich, MA 01938

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 978-356-4343