Health Concerns Close Record Number of U.S. Beaches in 2006
Environmental News Service profiles the latest Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) report on beach water quality, with over 25,000 closing and health advisory days reported at the nation’s 3,500 beaches in 2006. The report points out that pollution was one of the largest culprits for beach closures, with pollution-related closures doubling in New Jersey and New York alone.
The report wasn’t all bad news, as it did award “Beach Buddy” distinction for good beach water quality monitoring to several beaches around the U.S. For the first time this year, a person was awarded Beach Buddy status as well.
“Dr. Carl Berg of Hawaii, a marine ecologist and water quality champion, was nominated as a Beach Buddy by the staff of the Hawaii Department of Health for his work with the Hanalei Heritage River organization and the Hanalei Watershed Hui on the island of Kauai.”
While this year’s survey may have shown an increase in closures, it’s also important to point out that beaches are now taking more precautions when it comes to closures. For more information on beach quality in your area, visit Earth 911′s sister site, Beaches 911.
