IV-469 



An outbreak of hepatitis 1n 1961 was traced to consumption of raw 

 shellfish from the Rarltan Bay. In 1963 the Public Health Service 

 found the same level of pollution as in 1961 and the project 

 scientist concluded that in that year this health hazard "precluded 

 a safe shellfish industry and interfered with legitimate use of the 

 waters of Raritan Bay." 



The Bay was closed in 1961 to all shellfishing by order of the 

 New Jersey State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kandle. 



Bathing has been restricted on most of the beaches on Staten Island 

 along this bay (see case study on Staten Island beaches). 



A total of 3,789 fishermen lost their livelihood in all of New 

 Jersey due to closings, as of 1965. The Raritan Bay closing, there- 

 fore, would represent a maximum of 3,000 men out of work. 



All 1961 and 1962 water samplings by the Public Health Service show 

 a heavy FECAL bacteria count, both on mean average as well as for 

 spot samples. (Lowest mean 50/100ml, highest 9, 700/1 00ml .) The 

 origin was traced to many insufficiently treated sewerage plants 

 particularly at Atlantic Highlands, and Keansburg and raw sewerage 

 from the Earle Ammunition Depot (N.J.) and seven sewerages serving 

 a total of 3,000 inhabitants in Tottenville, Staten Island. Besides 

 these, three additional sources of pollution are (1) the Narrows 

 where sewerage from New York City passes through a "funnel," (2) the 

 Raritan River, and (3) Arthur Kill. 



