Officials have issued swimming bans at several beaches in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia after medical waste, including hypodermic needles, washed ashore.
Authorities are investigating the source of the waste.
Local, state, and federal agencies are collaborating to assess when it will be safe to reopen the waters.
The Maryland Park Service implemented a ban on swimming, wading, and surfing at Assateague State Park after rangers discovered needles, needle caps, feminine hygiene products, and cigar tips, scattered along the beach.
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The discovery was made on Sunday morning, and prompted officials to close the beach, according to Gregg Bortz, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Additional needles were found on Monday, extending the ban.
“There have been no reports of injuries or people encountering these items while swimming,” Bortz said.
Assateague Island National Seashore’s ocean-facing beaches in both Maryland and Virginia have been closed to swimming and wading as a precaution.
Maryland’s Department of Emergency Management elevated its state activation level to “partial” in support of the incident.
Ocean City, Maryland, also implemented a temporary swimming ban after medical waste was discovered.
Joe Theobald, the town’s Emergency Services Director, called the situation serious and said officials are working closely with the Worcester County Health Department to trace the source.
“Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely,” Theobald said.
By Monday afternoon, Theobald reported that the amount of debris had “significantly decreased.”
The town continues to monitor the situation closely, particularly as high tide cycles were expected Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
In Delaware, beachgoers were advised to avoid beaches from the Indian River Inlet to Fenwick Island.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) issued a statement confirming the discovery of minimal waste, including plastic caps and a single needle near Dewey Beach.
“Despite the low level of waste observed, DNREC is taking the situation seriously and advising caution,” the agency said.
The department maintains Delaware’s two state park beaches, but decisions about municipal beaches are up to town officials.
Delaware’s Dewey Beach also barred swimming Sunday and said it would continue to monitor the situation.
Fenwick Island officials closed the beach for swimming, announcing inspections scheduled for late Monday and Tuesday before deciding on whether to reopen the beaches.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
