Swimming has been banned at Hart-Miller Island, the third beach in eastern Baltimore County to be closed this month because of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria.
Officials said yesterday that the beach at Hart-Miller Island will be closed through at least the middle of next week, when additional test results are received.
Hart-Miller Island, located in the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Middle River, is a popular boating destination. Officials said boating, including kayaking, canoeing and operating personal watercraft, will be allowed.
The high levels of bacteria at Hart-Miller Island are believed to have been caused by warm summer weather and runoff, officials said. Those factors - along with waste from waterfowl - apparently caused elevated bacteria levels at the riverfront beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park's Hammerman Area and at Miami Beach in Middle River.
The Gunpowder beach, which has been closed since Aug. 10, is to remain closed through at least the middle of next week. Miami Beach, open only on weekends, will stay closed at least until Aug. 26.
