NYDEC Sets Perimeter at Crescent Beach

While Glen Cove's Crescent Beach has been off limits to swimmers since June 2009 due to high bacteria levels in the water, the state Department of Environmental Conservation re-opened about 2,500 acres of Hempstead Harbor to shellfish harvesting on June 1 after 40 years.

Officials from the DEC plan to place buoys on Tuesday to mark a 250 yard semi-circle diameter around the beach, which has been violated by some fishing boats.   

The City of Glen Cove, along with the Nassau County Health Department, informed and updated the NYDEC on the septic issues causing the high bacteria count in the area, causing the agency to not open the area to shellfishing.

"It can be hard sometimes to judge distances on the water," said Mike Bopp, a spokesperson from NYDEC. "But enforcement needed to be stepped up."

Bopp said several residents complained about boats shellfishing near the closed beach.

A prior sign warning of the beach closed due to bacteria had a question written in Sharpie marker on it: "But clamming + fishing is ok?"

Popp said it's a group effort at Crescent Beach right now; the NYDEC brought the buoys and city officials provided boats.

City police dispatchers know about the closed area and say they will send their own officers or harbor patrol if residents call in a violation.

Check back later on Glen Cove Patch for photos and more information on Crescent Beach closing.