June 18, 2003 -- The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Water has announced two beach grants and released the results of its annual Beach Survey, which shows further increases in beach monitoring nationwide.
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman announced Friday in Quincy, Mass. that $257,000 is expected to be awarded to Massachusetts, and today she announced a $544,552 grant in Cherie Down Park, Cape Canaveral, FL. A total of $10 million is available in 2003 to help 35 states and territories improve their water testing and public notification.
The number of beaches participating in the annual survey has grown from 1,021 in 1997 to 2,823 in 2003. About 25 percent of the beaches surveyed had at least one advisory or closing during the 2003 swimming season.
Most advisories are issued to warn of elevated bacteria levels.
Frequently identified reasons for elevated bacteria levels are storm water runoff, sewer overflows and failing or inadequately maintained septic tanks.
For further information, visit http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches.
