Aucoot Cove has been closed to shellfishing effective Tuesday, Dec. 12 “due to a discharge at the Marion Wastewater Treatment Facility,” announced the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in a press release.

According to Marion Town Administrator Geoff Gorman, a “spike in levels of fecal coliform” was detected during routine testing on Dec. 12.

The results of the test were received on Dec. 15 and were “unexpected because sampling from Dec. 11 showed levels well within state-required limits,” he said.

Aucoot Cove will be closed “for at least 21 days or until further notice from the [Massachusetts] Division of Marine Fisheries,” according to the press release.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has the authority to “immediately” designate shellfish areas as contaminated in emergency situations, according to Massachusetts General Law.

“Digging, harvesting or collecting … shellfish or the possession of shellfish [from Aucoot Cove] is prohibited until further notice,” according to the press release.

An investigation into the source of the fecal coliform discharged by the Marion Wastewater Treatment Facility is ongoing, said Gorman.

“The contamination mechanism within the facility is currently undergoing a complete maintenance and cleaning to address the increased levels,” he said.

New test samples will be taken on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20.