Luxe California oyster farm announces major recall after sewage leak

Oh, poop.One of California’s most well-known oyster farms finds itself in a somewhat stinky situation after a sewage leak from a nearby tourist business.Hog Island Oyster Co.

in Marshall announced a recall of 200k oysters and temporarily halted farming operations in Marin County’s Tomales Bay after the contamination was discovered.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story The smelly spillage reportedly occurred Oct.9 at the ritzy Olema House hotel in neighboring Point Reyes, where guests can pay around $400 a night for a room.A fault in the septic drainage system at the property’s Due West Tavern is said to have sent sewage into the nearby Olema Creek, which drains into Tomales Bay, the county said.In response to the leak, the California Department of Public Health ordered all Tomales Bay shellfish growing operations to shut up shop.Hog Island said they were going a step farther and ordering the recall out of “an abundance of caution.” In a press release, the company said they do not believe the leak posed any food safety threats, and no illnesses were reported.The county said the leak was immediately plugged, but that repairs were still ongoing.“Although the sewage release was stopped on 10/9, Marin County Environmental Health Services (EHS) is working with the property owner and contractor regarding repairs to the septic (sewage) system,” Greg Pirie, the deputy director of EHS, told SFGATE.

“The system will not be operational until the repairs are completed.”  In addition to farming oysters, Hog Island also operates several upscale restaurants and bars in Marin County and the wider Bay Area.The company also offers farm tours in Marshall, and sells oysters and fish on their website.Olema House general manager Fran Caiazzo told SFGATE that tha...