FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jeff McCool
(251) 432-7618
(251) 331-0617

The Alabama Department of Public Health has closed shellfish growing waters in Area II. This includes Portersville Bay and Grand Bay.

The order by State Health Officer, Dr. Donald Williamson, closes harvesting as of 3 p.m. on Aug. 30, 2010. The order is issued as a result of possible bacteriological contamination of the oyster beds due to recent heavy rainfall.

The Alabama Department of Public Health will continue to monitor bay waters and the shellfish. Harvesting can be resumed as soon as areas meet acceptable bacteriological criteria.

For additional information concerning the closure, contact Jeff McCool, Alabama Department of Public Health, in Mobile (251) 432-7618 or (251) 331-0617.

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8/30/10