Changes for Oregon Beach Monitoring Program, Oct. 20

The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is beginning a process to adopt a new beach action value (BAV) for bacteria of 70 MPN that will be used as the basis for public health advisories at Oregon beaches starting in 2017. The 2015 and 2016 monitoring seasons will remain unchanged and continue to use the current BAV of 158 MPN. The adoption is recommended by EPA in the 2014 National Beach Guidance and Required Performance Criteria for Grants. Studies suggest that exposure to bacteria levels below 158 MPN may still cause gastrointestinal illnesses from accidental ingestion of water during recreational activities. Additional information about OBMP’s adoption process is available on the New Beach Action Value webpage. In a parallel process, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is revising Oregon’s water quality standard for bacteria based on EPA’s latest 2012 national recommendations. More information about DEQ’s rulemaking process is available on their webpage, Water Quality Standards Revisions for Bacteria. For more information or questions about DEQ’s rulemaking process contact Aron Borok by phone at 503-229-5050 (toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-4011, ext. 5050. DEQ and OHA will host four public meetings in late October to present the changes and solicit feedback on beaches to monitor in 2017. Details of the public meetings are provided: 10/20/2015 – South Coast, Marshfield High School, S 10th & Ingersoll St., Coos Bay, OR 97420, Heritage Hall, 6- 9 pm; 10/21/2015 – Mid Coast, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365, Multi-use Room, 6- 9 pm; 10/22/2015 – North Coast, Chamber of Commerce, 207 N Spruce, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, Community Hall, 6- 9 pm; 10/29/2015 – Portland-metro, DEQ Headquarters, 811 SW Sixth Avenue Portland, OR 97204, EQC-A (10th floor), 4 -6 pm.