Update: The state Recreational Water Quality Program on Wednesday lifted the below advisory posted Tuesday because floodwaters had rescinded, and pumping ceased.
Original report follows below:
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Oak Island beachgoers are being cautioned to steer clear of an ocean surf area where the town has pumped floodwaters that pooled on streets following recent rains.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued the advisory Tuesday morning warning the public to avoid the surf area near Crowell Street.
The town is discharging floodwaters to ensure emergency vehicles can safely travel on the island’s streets. Floodwaters may contain any number of pollutants, including wildlife and pet wastes, oil and gasoline from parking lots and human waste from septic systems or sewers.
“This notice does not imply that disease-causing organisms are present in the water; it is meant to caution beachgoers of an increased risk of contamination that can cause adverse health effects,” according to the release.
Warning signs were to be placed on the beachfront at the discharge site and are to be removed 24 hours after pumping stops. The state is to notify the public once the signs have been removed.
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