Ocean City Beaches Reopened After Sewage Backup
By Jim Melwert
OCEAN CITY, NJ (CBS) - Beaches in Ocean City, closed for the second time in about a week, are back open this morning. And, vacationers say they're eager to get back in the water.
The most recent round of closures were in place from Stenton Place to Delancey Place, right at the northern tip of the boardwalk.
Officials say it was a precaution after the sewer system backed up, possibly into storm drains that empty into the ocean. That back-up was likely caused by grease, either from restaurants or from people dumping cooking grease down their sinks.
The Cape May County Health Department ordered Ocean City to collect water samples to test for bacteria. Test results showed the water was safe for swimming and the Health Department notified the city at 8 a.m. today.
And, vacationers say now that they have the all-clear, they have no problem getting back in the water.
"It's only our second day, so the kids want to get in and boogie board and swim and all that, you know, it's really what you come down for, to sit on the beach and swim, and enjoy the nice weather."
There was a similar closure of some beaches last week for the same reason. Again, test results should be back today, and we'll know if the beaches will re-open or stay closed to swimmers.
