Auburn Study Confirms Beach Bacteria Sources

Fairhope, Alabama

COMBINATION OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL

A 3 month long preliminary study conducted by Auburn University biology professor Dr. Yucheng Feng has confirmed that the fecal bacterial pollution (enterococcus) that causes frequent closings of Fairhope beach waters originates from  both human and animal  sources. Feng said that storm-water runoff into the bay, gullies and creeks after heavy rainfall events (9 separate sites were monitored) produced spikes in the fecal bacterial concentrations; and the duck ponds are also implicated since they routinely register very high bacteria concentrations as well.

Test results also indicated the bacteria may exist independently in some of the sediment under the water, according to Feng.

Dr. Feng: "Since we observed high enterococci counts after rain events ... we think that storm-water, surface runoff, and the duck pond contribute to the fecal contamination at the municipal beach.  There is a presence of human contamination ... in addition ... other animal waste in the storm-water runoff also contribute."

(Publisher's Note: Additional phases of testing may be conducted to help pinpoint the exact sources.)

Comments

Anonymous said…
We already knew that. what is going to be done about it?
Anonymous said…
Sounds like we need to get rid of the ducks & geese.
Anonymous said…
A lot of it comes from septic tanks.
Anonymous said…
ok this needs to be corrected..what is the use of having nice parks and a pier to go visit next to a shoreline of fecal matter..I would say getting rid of the ducks would be a good start..thanks Times..please keep us updated when they decide to discuss this further
Anonymous said…
What would you call a duck pond without ducks? Alligator pond?
Anonymous said…
The north retention pond that was installed several years ago was supposed to filter waste from the duck pond. Does not seem to be working as designed.
Anonymous said…
The problem comes from all the poo coming from the end of highridge drive
Anonymous said…
"The problem comes from all the poo coming from the end of high ridge drive"

Now that's funny...well done :)
Anonymous said…
A month earlier, April 2012, University of South Alabama study reported that the stormwater, bay flushing, and local runoff was causing beach bacteria levels. Auburn University confirmed South Alabama was correct and South Alabama was not paid.
Anonymous said…
Fish pond
Anonymous said…
Canadian geese land directly in the bay and poop more than the ducks.