For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Marion Town Administrator Provides Update on Shellfishing at Aucoot Cove

Swimming in the Cove Has Not Been Impacted

MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail would like to provide residents with an update on the status of shellfishing in Aucoot Cove.

On Friday, June 14, an employee of the Marion Waste Water Treatment Plant notified the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that a water quality test at the plant revealed an isolated sample that indicated a temporary exceedance of the bacteria standard for its effluent.

The water sample had been taken at the plant, which tests water that flows into Aucoot Cove, and town officials followed state guidelines to immediately close shellfishing in the cove. It should be noted that swimming in the cove was never impacted at any time and the cove currently remains safe for swimmers. In addition, no other shellfishing sites in Marion were affected.

Following an investigation into what caused the issue, it was discovered that a filter that is part of the treatment process had become clogged. The filter has since been replaced and the issue has been resolved and is not anticipated to recur.

Out of an abundance of caution, the DEP has ordered that shellfishing at Aucoot Cove remain closed for the next two weeks. At that time, the water will be tested again by state officials and if no contaminant is present, shellfishing will be able to resume.

Notification will be made once shellfishing resumes at Aucoot Cove.

“I want to thank our residents and those who utilize Aucoot Cove in advance for their patience and understanding as we have been working diligently to resolve this issue,” Town Administrator McGrail said. “Residents should know that the problem that caused this issue has been resolved and thankfully we were made aware of the situation by our routine testing of the water quality at the treatment plant.”

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