The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently came to a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which calls for new public health standards and pollution testing methods for U.S. beaches.  Tens of millions of people flock to U.S. beaches each year and these new standards will result in a healthier experience for all.

            The settlement requires the EPA to study and develop higher water quality standards by 2012. These new standards were developed specifically to help safeguard swimmers against swimming related illnesses that are associated with beach water pollution.

            Many people may be surprised by the types of illnesses that can come along with swimming in polluted ocean water.  Illnesses include but are not limited to: skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory illness, ear infections, along with serious illnesses like hepatitis and meningitis. The new standards set forth in the settlement protect against all of these whereas the old standards protected only against what is commonly known as the stomach flu.

            Also involved in this settlement was a commitment by the EPA to develop a rapid test method that would allow for same day results of pollution tests.  The tests that are used today by the agency delay test results by up to 48 hours.  Needless to say, under the current methods of testing, many people could be adversely affected before the agency even becomes aware of the problem.

            In addition, in the past the EPA has totally ignored the effects of stormwater runoff in setting safety standards. However, this new settlement requires that the EPA study the health risks posed by stormwater runoff.  According to Nancy Stoner the director of NRDC's clean water project, "Stormwater carries human and animal waste to the beach, where it can make people sick."

            This settlement will not require local beaches to employ the new methods of testing until the U.S. Senate passes the Beach Protection Act which is currently pending in Congress.  So call or email your Senators and encourage them to act on this bill.

Blog submitted by Jordan Stewart