State lifts July 15 ban on shellfish harvesting

The Maryland Department of the Environment will reopen the Patapsco River and a portion of the Chesapeake Bay to shellfish harvesting Aug. 12, lifting a ban that was imposed July 15.

The ban covered an area from North Point to south of Bodkin Creek. Storm water from Tropical Storm Bertha overwhelmed the Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant, causing a discharge of more than 250 million gallons of inadequately treated water into the Patapsco River. The plant is back to normal operations.

The department's decision was based on tests of water and shell stock samples that indicate the river has recovered from the effects of the storm. The restriction primarily affected soft shell clams and did not affect crabs or fish.

Pub Date: 7/30/96