Thousands of small white wagon-wheel shaped disks have been washing up for over a week on Suffolk County’s North Shore beaches, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services said on Friday.  The disks came from a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mamaroneck, a town in Westchester County, officials said.

The disks–which were washing up from Northport to Mattituck–are made of polyethylene and were discharged into the Long Island Sound in early March, officials from the Westchester Department of Environmental Facilities said.  The disks, which are used to help clean wastewater, escaped from one of the six aeration tanks at the plant.  The plant is currently under construction, officials said, as two of the six tanks are being upgraded for advanced wastewater treatment.

But officials said there is no evidence which suggests there is a public health threat due to the washed up disks.

“Based upon review of information from Westchester County, and discussions with New York State’s Department of Conservation and  Department of Health, it appears that there is no evidence which suggests a significant public health concern associated with the washed up disks,” said Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services said in a statement.

And according to Tomarken it is unlikely that if anyone touches the disks they will encounter contaminants because the disks have been through a chlorination process already.

“As with any debris or litter, gloves should be used as a precaution when handling and disposing of these materials.” Dr. Tomarken said.

The disks are used to help remove nitrogen from the wastewater to prevent hypoxia (inadequate oxygen) in the Long Island Sound.

Any Suffolk County residents who have questions about health concerns related to the disks can call the Department of Health Services at 631-853-3055.

And for anyone with questions about the disposal of the disks should contact the Westchester Department of Environmental Facilities at 914-813-5400.