MDEQ Issues Closure for Segment of Beach in Ocean Springs

MDEQ Issues Closure for Segment of Beach in Ocean Springs

(Jackson, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, issued a preemptive beach closure Tuesday for a section of beach in Ocean Springs:

► From Jackson Avenue to the Small Craft Harbor.

MDEQ advises residents not to enter the water or consume any seafood collected from these nearshore waters until further notice. Beginning today MDEQ will monitor the water and lift the closure when bacteria levels indicate conditions are safe for water contact. Jackson County officials have posted closure signs along this section.

This segment of beach has been closed due a sewage leak caused by a break in a wastewater force main on Ocean Avenue. The city was able to contain the spill at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday and is working on repairing the line. It is unknown at this time how much wastewater was released.

To receive beach advisories directly, send an email to rwilbur@mdeq.ms.gov for inclusion in a public group email list, text “MDEQbeach” to 95577, or follow MDEQ on Twitter: @MDEQ.

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