A boat launch on the east side of Lake Leelanau remains under a public health advisory, following the release of raw sewage into the water earlier this week.

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (BLDHD) issued the advisory on Wednesday, August 13, “following an equipment failure during routine maintenance that resulted in the release of raw sewage into Lake Leelanau at the Lake Leelanau DNR Boat Ramp East on East Bingham Road.” In that initial advisory, BLDHD warned residents and visitors “to avoid any direct contact with surface water” in the area surrounding the boat launch, citing the health risks of exposure to untreated sewage.

BLDHD cleanup crews were dispatched to the site on Wednesday “to contain and minimize the spill.” The department also promised to conduct water sampling of the site “to assess contamination levels.” The public health advisory will remain in effect “until testing confirms that the water meets public health safety standards.

A second notice from BLDHD issued Thursday kept the advisory in place for at least one more day, but slightly downgraded the exposure risk. According to that notice, water sampling results from the area around the boat launch show E. coli levels “at a Level 2 partial body contact advisory, meaning they meet Michigan EGLE safety standards for wading, fishing, and boating.”

“However, contact with water above the waist is not advised at this time,” BLDHD wrote. “Additional water samples are being collected today [Thursday] to monitor any changes. The public health advisory for the area near the boat ramp remains in effect until further notice.”

According to the Lake Leelanau Lake Association, which has also posted about the sewage spill, the advisory extends “approximately 200 yards” from the boat ramp in all directions.