Why is RI Ranked 5th Worst for Beach Water Quality in U.S.?
Friday, July 04, 2014
How did the Ocean State end up ranked 25th out of 30 states for beach water quality for 2013?
The National Resource Defense Council's recently released report "Testing the Waters 2014" showed that 16% of samples in Rhode Island exceeded the national Beach Action Value for designated beach areas in 2013 -- and that 86% of the state's beaches were not monitored or had a limited number of samples.
Despite the bay being the leading economic engine of Rhode Island and driver of the Ocean State's major industry -- tourism -- Governor Lincoln Chafee was defensive of the findings by the NRDC, who prefaced their national report by stating, "Don't get sick at the beach, check our guide to beach water quality."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"Governor Chafee said that generally Rhode Island is known for its many gorgeous beaches. If someone wants to dwell on a “Debbie Downer” approach to Rhode Island so be it," said Chafee spokesperson Faye Zuckerman.
Weather Factor
As for the state's low ranking in 2013, both Save the Bay and the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) cited the weather as a factor in the elevated sample levels in 2013.
"Rhode Island experienced an increased number of beach closures due to an increase in precipitation during the summer season," said Amie Parris with HEALTH. "As Rhode Island beach closures are closely related to precipitation, due to storm water runoff, we did see an increase in elevated sample levels."
Jonathan Stone with Save the Bay similarly noted that the weather pattern in 2013 played a role in beach water quality.
"The underlying cause of poor water quality as measure by these test is human wastes and pollution. The variability depends on a lot of factors. One of the reasons last year was the worst for closures was a wet May and early June followed by hot and still weather, which results in bacteria growth and dissolved oxygen levels," said Stone.
Parris pointed out that Rhode Island regularly monitored its "high-risk" beaches, which she said skews sample results -- and that the NRDC utilized a higher risks standard that has been recommended -- but not mandated.
"It is important to note [that] Rhode Island applies a risk-based monitoring plan to all beaches," said Parris. "This means beaches with the highest potential for water borne illness are sampled more frequently (3-4 times per week) while lower risk beaches are sampled less frequently (twice per month). While this approach does result in more elevated sample results and a higher exceedance rate it is the most protective of public health."
Parris continued, "Currently, the Rhode Island and federal EPA threshold for safe swimming is 104 colonies of bacteria per 100 ml of water (cfu/100ml) and according to 2013 data submitted to both EPA and NRDC, 10 percent of saltwater beach samples exceeded the above threshold. A 10 percent exceedances rate is slightly higher then we have seen in previous years, but expected, as this number does correlate with the increase in precipitation."
"NRDC also reported a 13 percent exceedance rate for 2013 samples of 60 cfu/100ml or above. It is important to note however, A Beach Action Value of 60 cfu/100 ml was the recommended threshold proposed by EPA earlier this year. This value has not been approved or mandated and EPA is still working with states on the final recommendations," said Parris.
Location Role
According to the NRDC, the beaches with the highest percent exceedance rates of the BAV in 2013 were Oakland Beach in Kent County (41%), Fogland Beach in Newport County (37%), Conimicut Point Beach in Kent County (35%), Hazard's Beach in Newport County (33%), and Scarborough State Beach South in Washington County (28%).
Stone spoke to the role that municipalities played in beach water contamination.
"The Clean Water Act as written is a powerful act -- it requires local communities to invest in upgrades," said Stone. "There are two aspects -- federal funding and local funding -- and the federal government has reduced over the years the amount of federal funding available."
"Greenwich Bay is the epicenter of beach closures. It's pollutions from the local communities that are the particular problem," Stone continued. "Every town has to make critical investments. Save the Bay embarked on a campaign to focus on beach closures. Last year, Oakland Beach was closed half the summer. Warwick and the City Council were well aware of this. There was commission that did a outstanding job of recommending a financial initiative underwriting sewer extension and upgrading, which the City Council approved, and voted to underwrite."
Looking Ahead
"The state of Rhode Island, cities, and towns are all working hard to improve water quality and help keep our beaches open and safe for swimming," said Parris. "The public can help in this effort by refraining from feeding ducks, geese, seagulls and other waterfowl, picking up after their pets, and ensuring their septic systems are in working order, and not leaking.
Stone addressed the role that the upcoming clean water bond referendum would have an impact.
"Save the Bay worked for a clean water bond referendum, and the General Assembly did make the decision to give voters the opportunity to approve clean water financing -- the total bond is $56 million," said Stone. "The biggest single allocation is $20 M is for the state revolving fund for clean water to match federal money. So for every dollar Rhode Island uses to invest in sewer systems and upgrade septic systems. will be matched two to three times from the federal government." The is what is the state ought to be doing, and the GA should be praised for recognizing this," said Stone.
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