Fairhope, Alabama
Update: Tests of water samples taken Tuesday had returned to normal.
THIRD HIGH TEST IN A ROW WITH NO RAIN
Test results of bay water taken yesterday (Monday) at the municipal beach by the health department indicated bacteria levels still higher than the EPA threshold, the third consecutive high test in a row (although not for consecutive days).
Historically, high bacteria readings usually only occur after heavy rainfall when storm water infiltrates into the sewage collection system causing overflows.
Tests of water samples taken last Wednesday and Thursday also indicated high levels; no water tests were conducted Friday or over the weekend. (Yesterday's test did indicate declining levels of the bacteria though.)
NO OVERFLOWS REPORTED
Fairhope city Utility Operations Director Peterson told the Times yesterday the sewage treatment plant is operating normally; no overflows or anomalies have occurred. He agreed the high readings were unusual since no significant rainfall occurred this month
Peterson thought that expanded testing of beach water could help pinpoint current sources; only one sample is being taken roughly from the center of the beach.
NEW STUDY PROPOSED
Councilman Burrell has proposed commissioning a new study to pinpoint exact sources of the bacteria; previous ones determined it has both human and animal origins.
Update: Tests of water samples taken Tuesday had returned to normal.
THIRD HIGH TEST IN A ROW WITH NO RAIN
Test results of bay water taken yesterday (Monday) at the municipal beach by the health department indicated bacteria levels still higher than the EPA threshold, the third consecutive high test in a row (although not for consecutive days).
Historically, high bacteria readings usually only occur after heavy rainfall when storm water infiltrates into the sewage collection system causing overflows.
Tests of water samples taken last Wednesday and Thursday also indicated high levels; no water tests were conducted Friday or over the weekend. (Yesterday's test did indicate declining levels of the bacteria though.)
NO OVERFLOWS REPORTED
Fairhope city Utility Operations Director Peterson told the Times yesterday the sewage treatment plant is operating normally; no overflows or anomalies have occurred. He agreed the high readings were unusual since no significant rainfall occurred this month
Peterson thought that expanded testing of beach water could help pinpoint current sources; only one sample is being taken roughly from the center of the beach.
NEW STUDY PROPOSED
Councilman Burrell has proposed commissioning a new study to pinpoint exact sources of the bacteria; previous ones determined it has both human and animal origins.
Comments
Why????? We have another mayor in case you haven't heard.
In order to maintain a proper system,it must also be pumped ever 5 to 7 years depending on size.
Age is also a factor.SO the septic systems along the beach are minimal.
Least we forget the entire city system is 75-100 years old and has been patched and parted for decades.SO instead of buying old buildings that the city really doesn't need ,wouldn't it be nice to see some real improvements in the city infrastructure,so all of the new growth can be accommodated without a future failure that would cost even more.It that really too much to ask of our city officials.7- P's