SANITARY SURVEY NEEDED?
According to the mayor and Councilman Kingea, the decision to hire Auburn University Biology Professor Dr. Yucheng Feng to conduct a study to determine the sources of the bacteria that causes frequent closings of Fairhope beaches has been delayed -- until a sanitary survey is begun.
The Mayor said he had met with the Environmental Committee and there were 3 areas of study involved: the proposed sanitary survey; upgrades to the city's sewer plant; Dr. Feng's DNA study.
Kant said the ultimate aim is to "come back with a recommendation for the council ... how to solve the problem of bacteria going into the bay."
Councilman Kingrea said he also met with the Committee (Gary Gover, Jim Hoerner) who wanted to try "a more comprehensive approach" than was previosly discussed.
Kingrea warned that the proposed studies would probably take over a year to complete.
Kingrea: " ... not a quick fix solution ... goal here ... make sure our beaches are safe for swimming ... ."
(Winter water temperature is a limiting factor since the bacteria cannot survive below about 50 degrees F.)
According to the mayor and Councilman Kingea, the decision to hire Auburn University Biology Professor Dr. Yucheng Feng to conduct a study to determine the sources of the bacteria that causes frequent closings of Fairhope beaches has been delayed -- until a sanitary survey is begun.
The Mayor said he had met with the Environmental Committee and there were 3 areas of study involved: the proposed sanitary survey; upgrades to the city's sewer plant; Dr. Feng's DNA study.
Kant said the ultimate aim is to "come back with a recommendation for the council ... how to solve the problem of bacteria going into the bay."
Councilman Kingrea said he also met with the Committee (Gary Gover, Jim Hoerner) who wanted to try "a more comprehensive approach" than was previosly discussed.
Kingrea warned that the proposed studies would probably take over a year to complete.
Kingrea: " ... not a quick fix solution ... goal here ... make sure our beaches are safe for swimming ... ."
(Winter water temperature is a limiting factor since the bacteria cannot survive below about 50 degrees F.)
Publisher's note: According to EPA data, Sanitary Surveys are usually reserved for Public Water Systems; but can be done for watersheds as well. They are conducted to:
- Identify and evaluate pollution sources
- Evaluate meteorological factors
- Evaluate hydrographic factors (distribution of pollutants)
- Assess water quality
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