PROVIDENCE - Based on the results of shellfish samples collected on Monday in the Kickemuit River, the Department of Environmental Management announces that the prohibition on shellfish harvesting in the Kickemuit River enacted on June 26 remains in effect.
A sewage overflow from the Town of Bristol's Kickemuit River pump station on Kickemuit Avenue caused by a crack in the pump station's force main valve impacted the river. The system was repaired at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, and the discharge of sewage to the river ceased at that time.
The following area of the Kickemuit River will remain closed to shellfishing until further notice: All waters of the Kickemuit River north of a line at the so called Narrows in Bristol from the utility pole located at the end of Narrows Road in Bristol on the western shoreline to the stone wall at the most southwest point of land on the opposite side of the Narrows on Touisset Neck (east side of Bristol Narrows).
Also based on water column sampling results, the Rhode Island Department of Health announces that contact recreation and swimming in the Kickemuit River can safely resume. For additional information, call Amie Parris in the Division of Environmental Health at the Department of Health at 222-7727.
DEM will conduct additional shellfish sampling to determine when shellfish harvesting can resume.
DEM maintains a recorded telephone information line, 222-2900, with the most updated information on shellfish closures.