Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Fecal Matters: Semiahmoo Spit Beach Closed to Water Contact

BEACH Program Update

The Whatcom County Health Department sent out the following press release today:

"WHATCOM COUNTY — An immediate closure of Semiahmoo spit southwest of Tongue Point (outside of Drayton Harbor) is being issued by Whatcom County health for recreational water activities (wading or swimming) and department officials are currently posting warnings signs. Recent test results from the Blaine Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) outfall are above acceptable levels for fecal coliform. Representatives from the State Department of Health, Ecology, and Blaine WWTP are working cooperatively to correct the issue. As a reminder, this area is currently closed to commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting due to high PSP levels. The beach closure will remain in effect until further notice."

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

Jessica Archer is the BEACH Program Manager.
She is available at 360-407-6543 or jessica.archer@ecy.wa.gov for questions.
Visit the BEACH web site to find all beach closures: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/


1 comment:

Timothy said...

I think thats a typo in your headline. Isn't it Semiahpoo?

Tim Colman