The Louisiana Department of Health announced today the reopening of oyster harvesting Area 1.
The decision came after two consecutive lab tests show that the water in Area 1 is safe.
Oyster harvest Area 1 is on the east side of the Mississippi River, in Orleans and St. Bernard parishes. LDH closed Area 1 May 14, 2011 as a precautionary measure, due to freshwater intrusion from the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway during this spring's Mississippi River flooding.
LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the order this week to reopen Area 1, which will take effect a half an hour before sunrise Oct. 29. The oyster season on public seed grounds remains closed.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about LDH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.
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