Some of Oregon’s coastal waters are polluted with fecal matter, which can make people sick, according to a report from an advocacy group.
Environment Oregon Research and Policy Center found 18 of the sample sites it tested indicated potentially unsafe levels of fecal matter for at least one day.
The highest percentage was found in Coos County, where the average beach was potentially unsafe on 25% of the days sampling took place.
Celeste Meiffren-Swango, state director, says this water can be unsafe for swimmers.
“We’re concerned because fecal bacteria can make people ill, particularly with gastrointestinal ailments. A lot of common sources of this pollution can include storm water run-off and sewage overflows,” says Meiffren-Swango. “The good news though is that we can actually solve these problems by investing more money in water infrastructure to prevent pollution.”
Though the fecal matter exceeds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold, the state has different standards and the beaches remain open.
Copyright 2019 KLCC
