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BEACHES HEALTH SURVEY
Impact/Purpose:
Human health risk potential at swimming beaches and comparison of diferent bacteriological analysis methods for health risk indication.
Description:
Baterial samples were taken at swimming beaches (primarily freshwater beaches) in Region 10 while evaluating potential bacterial sources (e.g., people, cattle, pets, septic systems, runoff, birds). For each beach selected, the preferred sampling is: background, low/no use period; and during heavy use. The Region 10 mobile laboratory was employed. In 2000, samples from four freshwater and two marine water beaches were analyzed by: three different EPA-approved methods for E. coli; two EPA methods for Enterococci, and one method for Staphylococcus aureus. During 2001, eight freshwater beaches in Washington, and beaches in Oregon were analyzed for Fecal coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococci, amd E. coli (modified mTEC media). Although the goals are similar, this project is not associated with the Beach Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (Clean Water Act as amended October 2000).