City Beach Closed Indefinitely; DEP Called In

LOCK HAVEN – The city beach off Vesper Street has been shut down indefinitely as water bacteria readings remain above acceptable levels set by the state Health Department.

Because of the recurring water bacteria problem, city Recreation Director Jack Bailey said Monday, the state Department of Environmental Protection is sending a team to find out why. In the meantime the beach will remain closed, Bailey said. It had opened only briefly earlier this month, until the periodic water samples came back too high.

The shutdown comes as the weatherman predicts temperatures in the 90s later this week. Until there is an all-clear, swimmers won’t be able to use the beach and the closure also means beach lifeguards will be without work until if and when the bacteria source is found and the problem rectified.

Bailey said he heard from DEP’s clean water department and a contingent is due at the city’s Susquehanna River beach site, although he was not told when they would be arriving. City officials have been at a loss to explain the continued bacteria outbreak problem; they are hoping DEP can find the cause.