State proposes water tests at seven Peninsula beaches
Published 12:01 am Sunday, April 27, 2014
PORT ANGELES — The state departments of Ecology and Health propose to test the water at seven North Olympic Peninsula beaches this summer as part of a statewide program to reduce the risk of disease for those who play in saltwater.
The Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health, or BEACH, program monitors bacteria at popular beaches and notifies users when bacteria levels are high or when pollution occurs.
Risks of pollution
It also educates the public about the risk of pollution and how to reduce that risk, Ecology officials said.
The state-led program is supported by local agencies, tribes and volunteers.
It monitors marine beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Fifty-nine beaches are being proposed for the 2014 BEACH program.
The Clallam County beaches being considered are Cline Spit County Park, Hollywood Beach and the Salt Creek Recreation Area.
The proposed Jefferson County beaches are Fort Flagler State Park, Fort Worden State Park, Irondale County Park and Herb Beck Marina.
Comments on the list are being accepted through May 15.
They can be emailed to debby.sargeant@ecy.wa.gov.
