Austin Bogues

@AustinBogues

The seepage and contamination had led to the prevention of harvesting shellfish beds along the Shark River

Investigators were able to pinpoint the sewer leakage to a pair of municipal lines in Neptune City

A few leaky pipes are to blame.

The source of bacteria contamination that played a role in preventing the harvesting of shellfish beds in the Shark River has been pinpointed, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

With the help of dye tests and cameras provided by NJDOT, officials said they found sewage leaking into a stormwater discharge pipe at West Sylvania Avenue in Neptune City, the source being two municipal sewer lines. The lines have been repaired.

The investigation was done in collaboration with NJDOT, the Department of Environmental Protection, Monmouth County and Neptune City.

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“NJDOT personnel have the experience and skills needed to investigate the vast network of underground water and sewer pipes that run beneath the roadways in New Jersey – whether they are state, county, or municipal roads,” NJDOT Commissioner Richard T. Hammer said.

Last November, after the high-bacteria levels were detected, DEP's Bureau of Marine Water Quality Monitoring suspended clam harvesting on two stretches of the Shark River. The two areas of the river totaled 266 acres, 122 acres in the northern portion of the river in Neptune City and another 144 acres in the western portion in Belmar, according to a release.

The Shark River is about 12 miles in length and is connected to the ocean by a narrow inlet.

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“This has been a team effort in the truest sense of the term,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, in a statement. “Our scientists worked very closely with NJDOT engineers, who provided extensive technical and resource support."

DEP is now launching an effort to find the source of bacteria being discharged into the western portion of the river basin, which the agency believes is also being caused by a sewer leak.

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The shellfish beds have not been harvested in years because they would have to be taken to a special plant to be cleaned, before being shipped to market, the release said.

According to the most recent data, the percentage of shellfish beds considered safe for harvesting across the state is now nearly 90 percent, compared to 75 percent in 1977.

Austin Bogues: 732-643-4009; abogues@gannettnj.com