WORCESTER COUNTY SEWER MAIN BREAK LEADS TO PUBLIC BEING URGED NOT TO HARVEST SHELLFISH FROM MANKLIN CREEK

Worcester County, MD - Worcester County Public Works crews took swift action on February 7, 2025, after identifying and fixing a 10-inch sewer main break in the vicinity of Ocean Parkway and Cathell Road, Ocean Pines. The ensuing leak, amounting to nearly 1,200 gallons of sewage, spilled into an adjacent marsh thus contaminating Manklin Creek.

In response to this mishap, the county reached out to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to update them on the situation.

Following this, MDE put out a public notice putting a temporary hold on shellfish harvesting in Manklin Creek, as confirmed by Public Works Director Dallas Baker.

The public should note that Manklin Creek is not currently a home to oyster bed leases, however, it is crucial for individuals with oyster floats or cages in the creek to exercise caution.

For their own safety, consumption of any shellfish from Manklin Creek is strongly advised against for the upcoming 21 days.

The duration of these restrictions are accounted for by providing two weeks for any bacteria to be diluted, and an additional week for potential viruses, such as Norovirus, to be strained out, as explained by Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell.

MDE, acting upon the situation, declared an emergency closure a day after the incident, on February 8. The closure is set to be upheld till March 1.