By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Shellfish harvesting restrictions remain in effect until March 1 in Manklin Creek following a sewer main malfunction.

The 10-inch sewer main break near the corner of Ocean Parkway and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines caused approximately 1,200 gallons of sewage to spill into an adjacent marsh that drains into Manklin Creek.

According to a press release issued by Worcester County Public Information Officer Kim Moses, Worcester County Public Works identified and repaired the break on Feb. 7. Before the situation was handled, the fracture allowed around 1,200 gallons of sewage to find its way into a nearby marsh, one that drains into Manklin Creek.

The Maryland Department of the Environment issued an emergency closure of the waterway on Feb. 8. The restrictions will be lifted on March 1.

“The county immediately notified the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), which issued a public notice temporarily restricting shellfish harvesting in Manklin Creek,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker said in the press release.

While there are no oyster bed leases in Manklin Creek, the press release urged in its Feb. 12 issuance that anyone who may have oyster floats or cages in the body of water should not consume any shellfish from the creek for the next 21 days.

Worcester County Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said in the announcement that the weeks-long closing will give the waterway time to return to normal, safe conditions.

“Closure restrictions are based on providing 14 days to dilute out any bacteria and 21 days to strain out potential viruses, such as Norovirus,” he said.

The shellfish harvesting restrictions will be lifted on Saturday, March 1.