MONMOUTH BEACH, N.J. (WCBS 880) — New Jersey officials say hundreds of syringes that washed ashore at state beaches over the weekend came from a sewer system overflow.
Hundreds of syringes washed ashore on Sunday, prompting beach closures in Long Branch and Monmouth, but it appears to be an isolated incident, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation.
According to the department, the syringes were insulin needles used by people with diabetes who flushed them down the toilet.
Because of intense storms over the last few weeks, flood waters caused a combined sewer overflow (CSO) miles from the beach, which then carried the needles from the sewage system to the Jersey Shore.
“In a period of high rain that CSO could discharge wastewater without first being treated by treatment plant,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.
LaTourette says the water and beaches at the Jersey Shore are now clean and the beaches have been reopened to the public.
“The beaches aren't just safe, the beaches are outstanding,” he said.
Long Branch business administrator George Jackson says he and his team continue to look out for anymore syringes. They’ve collected five needles between Sunday and Monday.
“We had zero today,” Jackson said Tuesday. “We only had one yesterday so, we're hopeful that what happened was a rare occurrence.”
Medical debris has washed up on the Jersey Shore in the past, also following intense storms or heavy rain.
Stay informed, stay connected — follow WCBS 880 on Facebook and Twitter. Listen live to WCBS 880 Newsradio.