The National Resource Defense Council released a report earlier this week examining the nation?s beaches and listing those that have exceeded federal standards on bacteria, as well as beach closure.
The number of Maryland beaches NRDC reviewed showed a 4 percent increase in those that exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for bacteria in the water.
Kim Coble, Maryland executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, was interviewed by The Examiner to get the foundation?s take on the report.
What does the report say about Maryland beaches?
This is yet another reminder that we have poor water quality in Maryland and that we have a lot of work ahead of us. In addition to the high bacteria, we have dead zones in the Bay and rivers where oxygen levels are too low to sustain life. All of this is indicative of an aquatic water system that is out of balance.
How valid is this study, considering it uses the state?s data on water quality?
The data in the report is only as good as the data from the states. In Maryland, our data [collection] tends to be pretty good overall.
What causes the water at beaches to have a high bacteria count?
It?s hard to pinpoint precisely where the pollution is coming from, but some potential places are leaking septic systems, sewage treatment plant runoff and stormwater runoff.
What kind of health risks are involved?
If the water exceeds the standard for bacteria and someone is exposed, that person can suffer nausea, diarrhea and possible infection in wounds that are open.
