Yuck! Health advisory issued for Agate Beach

Lovely... might want to avoid any surf launches in this area for a while....


DHS news release
Oct. 11, 2007
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2007news/2007-1011.shtml

Health advisory issued for water contact at Agate Beach
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A public health advisory was issued Thursday due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Agate Beach in Lincoln County.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as storm water runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and even animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Direct contact with the water should be avoided until the advisories are lifted, especially for children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

While these advisories are in effect at Agate Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

State officials advise that the status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, please visit the Beach Monitoring Program Web ( http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/beaches/index.shtml) site or call 877-290-6767.

Although state officials discourage water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities on these beaches because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

Since 2003 state officials have used a federal Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are DHS, DEQ and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. More detailed test results are available at the Beach Monitoring Program Web site ( http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/beaches/index.shtml).

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as storm water runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and even animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

Well, there's certainly no livestock in the area.  And most of the area is on city sewer.  I'd guess that some of the rainfall recently has swept pet and other waste that's been sitting in the drains all summer.

This is actually one of my favorite beaches.  I took my first walk on the beach at night with a cute girl there, back in Highschool.  Sophmore year, Homecoming night.  They used to always do big bonfires after the homecoming game there.  I still regularly drive down to the wayside and eat my Taco Bell before returning home.   They recently cut down a large amount of vegetation by the wayside.  It now allows clearer ocean views, but I think I'd rather have the vegetation.

Anyway, it's a horrible beach for a surf launch.  Even at high tide, you probably have 100+ yards from the parking area to the water.  And it's all sandy, with small dunes and hills the whole way.  You'd need a 30 minute break to recover from getting the kayak over those, even if you had a good cart.

Devil's Lake in Lincoln City also recently had a bacteria alert towards it's outflow into the ocean.  That was active shortly after Labor Day.  It's probably gone by now though.

What phynix said. First fall's real rain usually picks up all the nasty stuff that's collected all summer. I used to get all kind of funky illnesses this time of year in Cali when I'd go surf. Thank god for that Hepatitis vaccination back in my lifeguard days.

Z

I don't know the particulars for Agate Beach, but some areas on the Oregon coast also suffer from houses leaky septic tank systems. 

Surfrider Foundation does some work on this very issue, and has an active chapter in Oregon now:

http://www.surfrider.org/stateofthebeach/05-sr/state_summary.asp?zone=WC&state=or

Yup.  Agate Beach has public water and sewer access.  There are several apartment complexes, hotels, and businesses in the area, including Izzy's Pizza, which is located on the same road you use to get to the lighthouse.  Agate Beach is a popular surfer area, as the surf zone is rather large out towards the lighthouse area.  I actually sat at Izzy's eating Pizza watching as the coast guard took two boats out in the very large surf ( 8+ feet) to train their new people.

Beverly Beach, which is the area north, is probably all septic tanks.  The recent Problem's with Devil's Lake are probably totally from failing or in need of repair septic drain fields on the east side of the lake, where there is no city sewer. 

Although state officials discourage water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities on these beaches because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

Doesn't that sounds like the "city officials" in "Jaws" after the first shark attacks?
I did notice the Nestucca Saturday had a LOT of suspended solids and there is certainly no dearth of cattle in that area. YUCK

That said, I'm going back out there this morning! I'll post a report later.