ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK — Sewer line blockages prompted state park officials to limit the number of visitors allowed into Island Beach State Park on July 6, according to New Jersey officials.
“The park has experienced sewer line blockages over the past several days, requiring the closure of restrooms while Island Beach State Park staff and outside contractors work to identify and resolve the issue,” state officials wrote on the park’s webpage. “Per the New Jersey Department of Health’s Public Recreational Bathing Code, operational restrooms are required to safely allow public access.”
As of the morning of July 6, the park had “limited functioning restrooms” and staff were working to bring in portable toilets to accommodate the public, according to the post.
Island Beach State Park attracts about a million visitors each year.
“Without operational restrooms, it would be both unsanitary and unsafe to allow visitors into the park,” New Jersey officials wrote on the park website.
Island Beach State Park is home to one of New Jersey’s most popular beaches, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The park attracts about a million people each year, and most of those visitors come in the summer months, according to the agency.
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Limited entry to Island Beach State Park after ‘sewer line blockages’