Human or Avian pollution – does it matter?
June 12, 2007 by Joanna · Leave a Comment
Letter to the Editor:
“As a person well-versed in environmental law and water quality regulations, I would like to respond to comments made in the Discussion Group. Fecal coliform, whether human or animal-generated, can cause health problems. While it is possible to tell whether the bacteria are from humans or animals, the fact is that our health can be affected either way. In addition, both humans and animals can pass along cysts, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which can affect swimmers, especially those who are immunocompromised.
Differentiating between human and animal sources is important, though, from another standpoint – it provides insight as to how to resolve the problem. There are bird discouragement devices that could be useful if the source is avian, and there are measures that could be taken to reduce human pollution, if that is the determined source of the coliform.
I would also like to comment on the dialogue about changing dredging regulations. In a US navigable water, the US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for permitting and enforcing dredging activities, subject to federal regulations promulgated by USEPA. It would not be feasible in any short- or even long-term horizon to effect major changes in these regulations, which resulted from federal laws. The process to propose changes to federal regulations is cumbersome and could take many years. Not much different is the process to change state regulations, promulgated by NYSDEC. I would not count on the ability of our group, no matter how active or vocal, to get current dredging regulations changed.
Having said that, there’s certainly an advantage of a well-informed and dedicated group speaking out with one voice. There are many interpretations of environmental laws that can be made, and pushing for the appropriate interpretations at the town level is certainly advantageous. So I encourage our group’s activities and will do everything I can to support them, but I advise us to be realistic about possible outcomes and ability to make meaningful changes at the state or federal level.
Sue Melamud
East Marion”
Please, how can I have the water in front of my home tested for fecal coliform? Our inlet at Cedar Beach has narrowed, the water in front of our home is unusually warm for early July and it is not as clear as it was two years ago. My children swim off the dock and I’m concerned about the quality of the water this year.
Thank you
Candace,
Thanks for your interest. We have a huge number of opportunities to take a lead on items that interest you: We are looking for folks who want to organize a group to take on the dredging issue and motivate the public to demand action at the government level, we need research and reporting and communication with the Trustees DEC and Army Corps. We need folks to take the lead to organize a group to study the water quality of our creeks and bays and find out what is being tested for now, how often and what creek closures are based upon. What tests and data are required, by what agency, and what tests would be more informative. We need someone to help with planning the first fund raising social, we need someone to work on communicating with folks who don’t use the interrnet, we need membership outreach, etc etc…What’s your passion? we have a place for you!
John Kramer