MARGATE The Board of Commissioners will continue an executive session at 10 a.m. this morning that was started following last nights lengthy public meeting. The commissioners met in closed session last night to discuss a strategy going into court-ordered negotiations with the NJ DEP and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday morning.

All beaches, except for Huntington Avenue will be opened and staffed by lifeguards over the weekend.

Commissioner John Amodeo said Thursdays executive session started at 6:30 p.m. and lasted more than an hour before it was continued to Friday morning. It was held after 2 1/2 hours of public testimony at the regular commission meeting that started at 4 p.m.

It will be more of a strategy and goal setting meeting, Amodeo said in a telephone interview early Friday morning. We need to see what we can get accomplished. I dont think our goal will ever be met, but we can consider a best-case scenario.

At Thursdays meeting, the board appropriated $100,000 for expenses it might incur in the city's latest battle to get the state and federal government to fix ponding and drainage problems created by the dune building project. Amodeo said it was merely an appropriation for expenses, which could include engineering studies and expert fees should an extended court battle ensue. The board also approved a contract with attorney Jordan M. Rand of Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg, LLP of Philadelphia not to exceed $25,000.

The contractor building the dune across all of Absecon Island, Weeks Marine, Inc. of Cranford excavated several feet of sand to lower the beach and create a drainage basin between the dune and existing bulkhead, which resulted in several feet of water collecting behind the dune rendering much of the beach inaccessible. The area was supposed to percolate within 24-36 hours, but water stagnated as beach access was cut off. As much as 2-feet of water festered for days until Weeks Marine was ordered by the NJ DEP to pump the water into the ocean.

As a precaution and to protect swimmers, Commissioner of Public Safety John Amodeo closed the beach from the citys border with Ventnor at Fredericksburg Avenue to Gladstone Avenue where fetid pools of water were pumped into the ocean. Most of the standing water has been pumped away, but wet spots remain.

Amodeo reopened those beaches for the weekend after all ocean water quality tests proved bacterial levels are in the acceptable range.

We had our beach raker out there and will have all the lifeguard stations manned for the weekend, Amodeo said. Water quality tests show we are in good shape.

The latest results from Atlantic County Water Quality Program, which tests ocean water in three spots in all Atlantic County shore towns every Monday, show water quality in Margate for the week of July 31 was in the excellent range, with a reading of 6. A bacteria count above 104 would require beaches be closed to swimmers.

The beach at Huntington Avenue behind the Margate Library and Bloom Pavilion will remain closed because it is being used as a staging area for Weeks Marines heavy equipment during a 7-day work stoppage period ordered by Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez Thursday afternoon.

There are still workers on site, Amodeo said. If it rains over the weekend, they will have to pump out the water. They own the job and are responsible for everything that happens there until the job is done.

Mendez called the ponding problems that developed behind the newly built dune following a 5-inch rainstorm horrendous, and ordered the parties to meet every day to hammer out a solution before their next court-ordered appearance before Mendez 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

He said the city and its residents and businesses are suffering irreparable harm and the situation must be rectified.

The defendants have until noon Wednesday, Aug. 9 to file briefs on short and longterm solutions to all the drainage problems, Mendez said.

The judge is expecting a resolution, Amodeo said. If its not, then he will rule as he sees fit.

Amodeo said the commissioners would discuss a strategy going into negotiations, which could be contentious.

They want us to share costs. We didnt ask for these dunes. It was a state mandate from Gov. Chris Christie. It was forced on us. Why should we have to pay for anything? If its a state mandate, then all expenses should be paid for by the DEP, Amodeo said.

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Margate beaches reopen for the weekend as commissioners go into negotiations with NJ DEP and Army Corps of ... - Shore News Today

Many Pennsylvania state parks have lakes or pools for swimming. Splashing around in water is a great way to cool off on a hot day, and swimming laps is great exercise.

Beaches (except Presque Isle) are open to swimming from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day, unless otherwise posted, under the open swim policy--swim at your own risk. The exact opening and closing dates vary at each park. Swimmers should read posted instructions for regulations on swimming.

Pools are usually open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Lifeguards are on duty when pools are open.

Beaches at lakes and some pools are free, but some pools charge an admission fee.

Admission fees at Pennsylvania State Park swimming pools vary based on the type of operation. Some pools are operated by park staff and may or may not have an admission fee. The admission fees in the Price Guide are for park operated swimming pools that charge a fee. To determine the admission fee for the swimming pool in the park you plan to visit, please contact the park for the most current admission fee information.

With the exception of Presque Isle State Park and Fuller Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, all park beaches operate under the "Open-Swim" policy. Lifeguards arenot present, however beachesare patrolled by park staff. Swimming is permitted only at designated beaches, within the buoy line from 8 a.m. to sunset, daily. Visitors are urged to be vigilant when their children are swimming. Please follow posted rules and regulations. Should you have any questions, please contact the park office.

Presque Isle is as close to ocean swimming as can be found in Pennsylvania. Long sand beaches and small waves make it a very popular summer destination. Presque Isle has different rules from other state park lakes. Swimming is only permitted when the beach is open and when lifeguards are on duty. Presque Isle beaches are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

After a successful two-year operation of a pilot smoke-free beach and swimming area at one Pennsylvania State Park, the PA Bureau of State Parks has expanded the program to several other parks across the Commonwealth. Effective May 1, 2015, the pilot program prohibits smoking on the beaches and swimming areas of the newly designated state parks. For visitors who smoke and still want to use these beaches, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars, e-cigarettes or other handheld lighted smoking devices. The pilot program received positive customer feedback for the improved air quality and the reduction of cigarette butt litter in the swimming area.

Lifeguards are on duty at park swimming pools.

Swimmers are permitted to use soft water toys like inner tubes, noodles and air mattresses, unless otherwise specified. All children ten years of age or younger must be accompanied by a person at least 14 years of age.

Pets are prohibited in swimming areas.

Explore Rules and Regulations for the rules and regulations for swimming in Pennsylvania State Parks.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

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PA DCNR - Swimming

If youre eyeing New Jersey beaches in order to soak up some sun, theres something you need to know. (Sorry, we dont mean to steal your sunshine.)

High bacteria counts in the water led to fifteen New Jersey beaches closing down in late July. The water quality advisories were in effect due to heightened levels of bacteria found in the water (chemicals, bird droppings, all that fun stuff). Now, according to new reports from ABC, these fifteen beaches have been reopened.

If youre curious, the main offender found in the water was something called enterococcus, a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of most warm-blooded animals (so, its found in animal or human poop).

These fifteen New Jersey beaches have now been reopened, but for more information on the topic or to check up on closures and additional beach advisories you can check the Department of Environmental Protection Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Programs site. There, the Department of Environmental Protection states in regard to beach closings, Beaches are closed if two consecutive samples collected at a bathing beach exceed the state standard. Beach closings remain in effect until subsequent sampling indicates bacteria levels are again below the standard. The closure applies to water activities like swimming, wading, and playing in the water. Other beach related activities like sunbathing and walking on the beach are unaffected.

Rest assured that they have firm policies and action plans in place, and bacteria is far from the only cause of routine beach closures. The statement continues to say Health authorities may close beaches at any time for any reason as a precaution in order to protect public health. Precautionary beach closings can be caused by wash-ups of debris or trash or household medical products, breaks or spills to sewer lines that may discharge to a bathing beach, extraordinary weather events, or any other condition that may affect public health. If a health authority closes a beach due to a wash-up of debris, they may limit all access to the beaches, if needed, to protect public health. For more information, visit their site at njbeaches.org/closings_advisories.

While you may now be free to soak up the sun and frolic in the waves, make sure you shower off after your beach day thoroughly.

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Going to the beach this weekend? You might want to read this - Metro US

Tucked away on the east end of Long Island, the Hamptons' pristine beaches and brisk waves help cool off the summer heat. But tensions in one town are boiling hot over an age-old tradition of driving on the beach.

"There are just so many trucks, and it's dangerous. And it's very crowded and loud, and there's alcohol, and I just don't want to expose my children to that," homeowner Jennifer Ford said.

Ford and another homeowner Cindi Crain live within walking distance of Napeague Beach in East Hampton. A small stretch of it, less than a mile, allows trucks. They want to ban them altogether, reports CBS News' Meg Oliver.

"It feels like a parking lot. Doesn't feel like the beach," Ford said.

CBS News

Home videos shows some close calls. In one, a truck narrowly misses a child. No one has been seriously hurt here, but for many, it's a big fear.

"I have a son who is on the autism spectrum and he has very limited impulse control, and so he's someone who wouldn't necessarily think ahead that there might be an accident," Ford said.

At Ormond Beach in Florida last month, a pick-up truck ran over a 4-year-old boy, causing serious injuries.

Trucks pack tightly together on beaches across the country, an off-road ritual from North Carolina and Georgia to Texas and beyond.

Laurie Posimota has been driving on Napeague Beach for decades. She said she's always felt safe having her kids on the beach with the trucks. Town trustee Bill Taylor has also spent decades patrolling the beach in East Hampton. He said it gives locals who don't live within walking distance a chance to enjoy it. Taylor said the homeowners who live along the beach don't just want a ban on trucks, they want to make it private.

"I think that if they could have this declared a private beach, it would make their real estate incredibly more valuable," Taylor said.

Crain said it's not about wanting to privatize the beach.

"Our issue is about safety. Children's lives are at stake," Crain said.

The legal fight over who owns the beach continues. In November a judge ruled in the town trustee's favor, but homeowners like Crain and Ford are not done. Their homeowners association is in the process of filing another appeal to ban the trucks.

2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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East Hampton homeowners push to ban truck drivers on the beach ... - CBS News

Folks living in the Santa Maria Valley and vicinity are lucky when it comes to having multiple choices in beaches.

Point Sal and the Guadalupe Dunes are fairly close, and putting a few more miles on the family SUV will get you to El Capitan or Surf beaches.

El Capitan, as a state park, is more fully developed, but that tends to attract bigger crowds on nice beach days. Who wants to go to a beach teeming with humans or when the weathers not cooperative?

If youd prefer to walk a beach in relative solitude, those up the coast better fit the bill, and Surf Beach would be the natural choice, even with the longer commute from the Valley.

But theres a problem, and its the same problem year in and year out. Surf Beach is now officially closed until the end of August, or the end of the nesting season of the Western snowy plover, a drop-dead cutie of a bird, but a species that doesnt do well when a lot of humans are tramping over its nesting area.

And Surf Beach definitely falls into that category. The plover probably like Surf Beach for the same reasons humans like it surf, sand, dunes and relative peace and quiet.

But the area or at least major segments of it is shut down every year because the feds decided there werent enough Western snowy plover to support continuation of the species and they set a limit on the number of violations by humans entering their territory. The magic number is 50.

Dont look for relief from the beach closings anytime soon, if ever. Wildlife experts reckon the plover will need 3,000 breeding pairs to even qualify to be removed from the federal Endangered Species Act roster. They also reckon that wont happen until at least 2047.

So, having maxed out this seasons allowable violations, Surf Beach was officially closed to the public last Friday, until at least the end of August, although the ban could be extended because the official end of the plovers nesting period runs through September.

This has been going on since the 1990s, with the closure date fluctuating and dependent on when folks cross the line into the plovers turf too many times.

We have written about this problem for years, often wondering what there is about the potential extinction of a small, but truly magnificent creature that so many humans either dont understand, or dont care about.

The planet is losing species at an alarming rate, which could turn out to be a huge problem. Most living things are players in a delicate, interactive ballet that maintains balance in nature, and in mankinds existence.

A good example of this has been the recent die-off of bees, which are the conduits for the growth and survival of so many plants that feed the animals humans included and that maintain a balance of life on Earth.

Thats a problem of global significance. But what most folks here on the Central Coast are primarily concerned about is having access to local beaches, so they can enjoy the wonders of nature.

Its a shame Surf Beach has to be closed, but it is important. Its notable that this years closure came more than a month later than last years shutdown. Maybe we are gaining a little more respect for the plovers need for privacy at this crucial segment of their life-sustaining cycle.

One can only hope thats true.

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Our View: Hot days, beaches and birds - Lompoc Record

Daily testing part of extra precautions

Low levels of blue-green algae toxins have been reported present in the Russian River, according to the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

On Wednesday, July 26, DHS received test results indicating that the level of toxins is high enough to trigger public warning.

We have been watching conditions like the water temperature and visually monitoring the river, stated Dr. Karen Milman, Sonoma County health officer. When we noted conditions were present that could support rapid growth of algae, including blue-green algae, we started laboratory testing.

DHS began testing the river weekly last Monday. After Wednesdays elevated results, the county posted caution signs along Russian River beaches in English and Spanish.

Test results indicate there could be a risk to pets and children in particular and therefore Caution signs are being posted.

Caution is the lowest of three levels of state recommended advisory signage (Caution Warning and Danger). A couple weeks ago, the Monte Rio Beach was closed for several days when tests indicated presence of E. coli bacteria.

Although, the Russian River is open for recreational use, the public should be advised that potentially harmful algae might be present, according to DHS. Care should be taken to keep children and pets away from algae, and prevent them from drinking river water.

We want to inform people using the Russian River to take steps to protect themselves, their families and especially their pets, Milman said. Dogs like to eat things and are known to preferentially seek out blue-green algae. Be aware of this in deciding how you supervise your dog.

Signs will include these recommendations:

Weekly laboratory testing will continue until two successive weeks of negative test results. River conditions will be monitored until they no longer support the rapid growth of blue-green algae.

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Algae warnings remain at river beaches - Sonoma West

The piping plovers are continuing to fledge, which means more of Chappaquiddick is opening to over-sand vehicle (OSV) traffic. Most of Leland Beach is now open to OSV traffic, according to Chris Kennedy, The Trustees of Reservations Marthas Vineyard superintendent.

Weve kept a small section of Leland Beach closed because there are still some unfledged plover chicks, he said. The south end of Leland is still accessible by driving the interior roads. Its still not possible to drive around Wasque Point to reach Norton Point, due to severe beach erosion.

Mr. Kennedy urged drivers to take it slow on the beach for the next several weeks. He said the new adult birds have not learned to fear approaching cars, humans, or dogs. Recently fledged tern and plover chicks often do not move out of the way to avoid oncoming traffic, he said. When you see 5 mph speed limit signs, that should be a warning that chicks may be in the trail.

Mr. Kennedy said he expects a portion of Cape Poge from the Dike Bridge to Arudas Point (just short of the jetties) to be reopened within a week.

For updates, check The Trustees of Reservations Facebook page.

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More Chappy beaches open to vehicle traffic - Martha's Vineyard Times

Tests performed at five Lake Wildwood beaches confirmed the presence of high levels of E. coli bacteria in shallow water at three of the tested locations, the Nevada County Environmental Health Department reported Wednesday.

The department plans to continue testing the water twice-weekly. A health advisory will remain in effect, warning residents and their guests at the gated community not to swim in the lake, until bacteria levels drop.

"With lakes, unfortunately, time is the enemy," said Environmental Health Director Amy Irani. "It's not like a pool where I can just add shock treatment. Time is the only fix."

The department is still investigating possible sources of contamination.

"It could be from normal wildlife that's in the area, it could be from tributary streams, it could be from the people that were in the water at the time. There's just so many different factors. We're looking into every option," Irani said.

The department closed Hideaway Park and Meadow Park beaches Tuesday evening. The Community Center Pool Beach has remained closed since Saturday, following several reports of E. coli-related illness that affected people who had recently gone swimming there.

Beginning July 27, nine young children and one adult have reported symptoms consistent with exposure to E. coli O157, a strain that can cause diarrhea, dehydration and other complications, the Nevada County Health and Human Services Agency's Public Health Department said Wednesday. Some of the affected individuals have received test results confirming presence of the strain, and, as of Wednesday, six have been hospitalized.

According to the Public Health Department, symptoms of E. coli-related illness usually appear between three and 10 days after contamination occurs. Most affected individuals recover without medication within five to 10 days, and most cases resolve without long-term effects, barring complications.

Three of the hospitalized children have developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, the Public Health Department said. The syndrome is a serious complication that can sometimes be caused by E. coli-related illness, according to the department. The syndrome can cause kidney complications and anemia and can have long-term effects. Between 30 and 90 HUS cases per year result in fatality in the U.S., the department said.

Emily Adams, a close friend of two of the affected families, said she's seen firsthand the effects HUS has had on the children who have developed it.

One child with HUS, she said, who is three years old, has undergone multiple rounds of dialysis and blood transfusions. He had been visiting Lake Wildwood with his family on Aug. 18, she said, when he was likely exposed to the E. coli strain that caused his illness.

"He's pretty out of it," Adams said. "He's a really spunky, high-energy kid, and he's just kind of laying there."

The child was originally admitted to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, but was later airlifted to a hospital in Davis when his condition worsened, according to Adams. As of Wednesday, the child was still in an intensive care unit.

"Though HUS is a very serious condition, most people who are diagnosed with HUS recover fully," the Public Health Department said in a release.

To contact Staff Writer Matthew Pera, email mpera@theunion.com or call 530-477-4231.

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More beaches closed at Lake Wildwood as E. coli reports continue - The Union of Grass Valley

The fight began late Friday not far from the popular beach town of Mazatlan, when several armed men in trucks shot and killed two people.

What makes Porto Heli unique, and perhaps singular, is the combination of high-end properties, like Amanzoe and Nikki Beach; scattered mid-range beach hotels; and villa rentals.

A farmers market, live music and graffiti artists during the day; a silent disco glow party and patriotic, family-friendly movies on the beach at night. 2-11 p.m. Saturday at Schnebly Redlands Winery & Brewery, 30205 SW 217 Ave.,

The home wraps around an infinity pool which spills onto the white sand beach that parallels the waters of Bay St John.

Kids played in the bounce houses, learned about beach safety or chatted with Splash, the official mascot.

A month after the body of federal prosecutor Beranton J. Whisenant Jr. washed up in the surf on a beach in Hollywood, there is still no answer from police about what happened to him but plenty of unfounded internet speculation.

If a study conducted by researchers from Michigan State University and New Zealand's University of Canterbury is any indication, beach getaways are far superioras far as potential health benefits go, anyway.

BEACH HUT moves up in class after winning back to back races at Aqueduct.

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Beach | Definition of Beach by Merriam-Webster

Photo: Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media

Raymond Morales and Karylane Velazquez test the waters of Long Island Sound on their first trip of the season to the beach at Seaside Park, in Bridgeport, Conn. April 11, 2017.

Raymond Morales and Karylane Velazquez test the waters of Long Island Sound on their first trip of the season to the beach at Seaside Park, in Bridgeport, Conn. April 11, 2017.

Jackie Turiano, of Shelton, enjoys a book while keeping her feet cool in the waters of Long Island Sound at Seaside Park, in Bridgeport, Conn. July 27, 2016.

Jackie Turiano, of Shelton, enjoys a book while keeping her feet cool in the waters of Long Island Sound at Seaside Park, in Bridgeport, Conn. July 27, 2016.

Pleasure Beach, a 71 acre peninsula between Bridgeport and Stratford, opens to the public Saturday, June 28, 2014, after being closed for nearly two decades.

Pleasure Beach, a 71 acre peninsula between Bridgeport and Stratford, opens to the public Saturday, June 28, 2014, after being closed for nearly two decades.

Alex Stetter, left, of Fairfield, chats with a fellow runner while taking a cooling dip in the Sound after the Fairfield Half Marathon at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, June 25, 2017.

Alex Stetter, left, of Fairfield, chats with a fellow runner while taking a cooling dip in the Sound after the Fairfield Half Marathon at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, June 25, 2017.

Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Conn. June 28, 2014.

Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Conn. June 28, 2014.

Jennings Beach in Fairfield July 2, 2016.

Jennings Beach in Fairfield July 2, 2016.

University of Bridgeport students during a polar at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Conn. February 2, 2017.

University of Bridgeport students during a polar at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Conn. February 2, 2017.

Save the Sound: Water quality at Bridgeport, Fairfield beaches dropped in 2016

Several Connecticut beaches had significant drops in water quality in a years time, an environmental advocacy group says.

But Bridgeports Health Department says the methodology of that report is murky.

Pleasure Beach and Seaside Park Beach of Bridgeport and Jennings Beach of Fairfield are among the beaches that Save the Sound reported had declining water quality when comparing bacteria samples from 2015 and 2016.

Bridgeport Director of Public Health and Social Services Maritza Bond said her issue with this data is that it isnt recent.

The entire summer, we have not had to shut down either beach, Bond said of this years swimming season at Seaside Park Beach and Pleasure Beach. If we have an elevated level, we will notify the public. We post signs.

The mission of Save the Sound, a program within Connecticut Fund for the Environment, is to improve and protect the air, land and water of Connecticut and the Long Island Sound, its website said.

Grading system

Percentages based on swim safety failure rate.

A = 0 to 5 percent

B = 6 to 11 percent

C = 12 to 17 percent

D = 18 to 23 percent

F = More than 23 percent

West Haven beaches

Seabluff Beach

-2015: B+

-2016: F

-Percentage of samples that failed: 26

Dawson Beach

-2015: A+

-2016: D-

-Percentage of samples that failed: 21

Rock Street Beach

-2015: A+

-2016: F

-Percentage of samples that failed: 32

Oak Street Beach

-2015: A-

-2016: D-

-Percentage of samples that failed: 21

Seaview Beach

-2015: B+

-2016: F

-Percentage of samples that failed: 43

Source: Save the Sound

By the groups assessment, Pleasure Beach received a D in 2016, compared to the A-plus in 2015, with 11 percent of last years samples failing to meet safe swimming conditions.

Seaside Park Beach went from a B-plus in 2015 to a D-plus in 2016, with 12 percent of samples falling short of safe swimming standards.

Bond said the problem with this data is that the grading system created by Save the Sound is not, as far as she knows, enforced by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Prevention or the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The Save the Sound website indicates its measurements and grading system are based on the EPAs criteria for safe swimming.

We developed the grading scale in consultation with scientists who study water quality in Long Island Sound, the website said.

The data used for Save the Sounds report was gathered from local and county health departments which is where Bond said the Bridgeport health department sends its information each week. She said that every Monday the health department conducts a water test to check for elevated bacteria levels at the beaches.

All summer, so far we only had one elevated level, that was in the third week of June, Bond said.

She, along with Save the Sound, said the reason for occasional elevated levels of bacteria in the water is likely because of rain runoff.

The data analysis for the report was led by Save the Sounds Soundkeeper, Bill Lucey.

Well keep the public updated about what happened at these beaches, and what can be done to make sure it doesnt happen again, Lucey said in a prepared statement.

Bridgeport beaches arent the only ones under the microscope in Save the Sounds report.

Fairfields Jennings Beach earned a B-minus in 2015 and a D-plus for 2016, with 14 percent of samples failing to meet safe swimming conditions last year.

Save the Sound said the failures at Jennings Beach correlated with rain, and that storm water runoff can pick up pet waste and overwhelm sewer systems.

Mark Tedesco, the EPAs Long Island Sound office director, told Hearst Connecticut Media in 2015 that septic systems in the area should be further studied.

We need a better understanding of where we are with septic systems and storm water runoff, Tedesco said at the time.

For those concerned about water conditions at beaches, Lucey said to contact local health departments for more information.

Beach conditions can vary dramatically from day-to-day, and high bacteria counts on a few days last summer dont necessarily mean bad conditions this year, he said in a prepared statement.

The most recent information from the DEEP on the water quality for state parks in Connecticut indicated all designated swimming areas were open Tuesday.

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Save the Sound: Water quality at Bridgeport, Fairfield beaches ... - CT Post

MARGATE, N.J. A half-dozen beach entrances were blocked off with caution tape Tuesday as Margate officials said the large pools of standing water behind newly constructed dunes had elevated bacteria levels and the Army Corps of Engineers worked to pump the water into the ocean.

Mayor Mike Becker, whose town fought the dune construction project for years, said beaches from Fredericksburg to Huntington Avenues were closed by the city as a safety precaution. Pumps were brought in Tuesday by the corps contractor to pump out the pools that have collected behind the dunes since the weekends rain.

Margate residents and officials have been furious since the pools developed, pointing out that their expert witnesses had accurately predicted the possibility of stagnant water collecting behind the new dunes and not having anywhere to go. Before the dunes were built, Margate addressed drainage problems by digging trenches to the ocean to give the water someplace to go, but the new dunes block that option.

State engineers had argued that any water that collected behind the dunes after a storm would percolate into the sand within 24 to 36 hours. That has not happened. The state also said it was working for a permanent solution to drainage issues related to storm water.

With residents and summer home owners in an uproar, Margate officials are meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday to consider going back to court to seek an injunction against the project, part of an order from Gov. Christie to build new dunes and widen beaches along the states 127-mile coastline. The basins, the size of Olympic swimming pools, have been dubbed Lake Christie by fuming residents.

Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, said in an email: The corps initially pumped water from the pond onto the other side of the dune. That has stopped. They are bringing in hoses to extend the discharge to the ocean. When that is all set up, the 300-foot stretch of beach will be closed, with primary sampling for 150 feet on either side of the discharge, and secondary sampling 150 feet in each direction.

Becker said the city had decided to close the beaches in the citys north end and was awaiting further results of testing.

Margate in uproar over 'Lake Christie,' may go to court to halt dune work Jul 31 - 6:20 PM

People in Margate are sad, mad about their new dunes, wider beach Jul 26 - 8:12 PM

Published: August 1, 2017 2:48 PM EDT | Updated: August 1, 2017 2:51 PM EDT

We recently asked you to support our journalism. The response, in a word, is heartening. You have encouraged us in our mission to provide quality news and watchdog journalism. Some of you have even followed through with subscriptions, which is especially gratifying. Our role as an independent, fact-based news organization has never been clearer. And our promise to you is that we will always strive to provide indispensable journalism to our community. Subscriptions are available for home delivery of the print edition and for a digital replica viewable on your mobile device or computer. Subscriptions start as low as 25 per day. We're thankful for your support in every way.

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Margate beaches blocked off as Army Corps pumps out standing water - Philly.com

As the city's thermometers hit triple digits, many folks get the same idea: Venture to one of the metropolitan areas sunny beaches. But while the Big Apple does many things well, between its wondrous bagels and remarkably edible dollar pizza slices, New Yorks beaches are, unfortunately, not on that list.

RECOMMENDED: See moreNew York rants

A classic NYC beach day typically kicks off with the epic

trek to get there, since the few beaches the city has to offer might as well be in Siberia for most New Yorkers. After the journey, whether it involved being stuck in endless traffic, roasting like a rotisserie chicken on a snarled train or dodging screaming children on a packed beach bus, sand seekers are usually zapped by the stress it took to arrive.

Then the real pitfalls start to

pile on like garbage on a restaurant-packed street: Sure, the citys beaches have sand, but if youre expecting the smooth stuff, think again. Prepare to gingerly step through the sharp and rockyvariety.

Want to take a scenic walk? A jaunt along the shore involves a minefield of junk; visitors can expect to dodge everything from Nathans Famous wrappers to hypodermic needles and beer cans. And if you think a dip in the water provides a welcome respite, youre sadly mistakenunless youre into weak surf and bone-chilling temperatures.

Despite all of the above, youre typically also forced to push through massive crowds made of hapless tourists and exasperated residents, all forming snaking lines for the bathroom, the overpriced, limited concessions and anything else in sight. And if you dare visit on an overcrowded holiday weekend, well, youre in my prayers.

All of it makes you want to just nose-dive into the notably polluted East River in order to grasp at a moment of cool on a steamy city summer day. Almost.

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Why are New York's beaches so shitty? - Time Out New York (blog)

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Survey: Two Jersey Shore towns named among most expensive beaches in the country - PhillyVoice.com

Patch.com

Tropical Depression Emily Leaves Carolina Beaches At Risk Patch.com CHARLOTTE, NC -- The storm known as Emily may have fizzled into a depression while over Florida Monday night, but she still stands to impact beaches in the Carolinas this week as the flow of air raises sea levels, forecasters warned Tuesday. Tropical ... Jacksonville Beach lifeguards warn of rip currents after Tropical Storm EmilyActionNewsJax.com Visitors at Siesta Beach not concerned about weatherYourObserver.com all 101 news articles »

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Tropical Depression Emily Leaves Carolina Beaches At Risk - Patch.com

BOWERS BEACH, Del. -- Officials in Bowers Beach on Monday afternoon said the town's water is safe after they initially told people not to go swimming there after a wastewater treatment facility in Kent County recently discharged under-treated effluent into the Murderkill River.

Bowers Councilman Bob McDevitt said he installed signs telling people not to swim in the water because of the discharge of under-treated wastewater that prompted a recreational shellfish harvesting ban in the Delaware Bay north of the Mispillion inlet. The signs were removed last week after officials from Kent County told Bowers leaders that the bacteria count in the area around the town's beaches were acceptable.

Earlier this month, Delaware Environmental Secreatary Shawn Garvin ordered a 21-day ban on recreational shellfish harvesting, which impacts the harvest of bivalve molluscan shellfish like clams, oysters, and mussels but does not affect the legal harvest of other shellfish species such as crabs and conchs. The ban was set to go into effect once the treatment issues at Kent County's facility were addressed and it will remain in effect until Aug. 14.

However, DNREC also advised in a news release on July 18against"swimming in the affected area of Delaware Bay or other physical contact with the water."

"That's a red light for me," McDevitt said.

Bowers Vice-Mayor Patty Mabis said she was informed by Kent County's public works department that the bacteria levels in the water near the area surrounding the entrance to the Murderkill River were at acceptable levels, which meant people could swim in the water.

It's not clear how much of the undertreated wastewater was discharged. The facility handles an estimated millions of gallons each day.

For some visitors to Bowers, the fact that the most recent wastewater problem had occurred was unsettling. Dave Udoff of Magnolia was worried about the scope of the issue, especially since he likes to bring his 9-year-old daughter and family to Bowers.

"As nice as the ocean beaches are further south, it's nice to come here and not deal with the crowds," he said.

It's not the first time shellfish harvesting has been affected this year by problems from Kent County's wastewater treatment system. A sewage line break in February near Postlethwait Middle School in Dover prompted David Small, then the state's environmental secretary, to order a similar closure of recreational shellfish harvesting in the Delaware Bay.

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Bowers Says Beaches are Safe After Kent County Wastewater Issue - WBOC TV 16

BOYNTON BEACH

Red-light cameras have been a thing of the past in Palm Beach County for eight months. While drivers might still spot the cameras on top of the lights, you arent going to get a ticket in the mail if you run a red. The programs are over.

But, that could change tonight.

Commissioner Mack McCray, who has long voted against the cameras, has requested his colleagues reconsider their decision that ended the program Jan. 1. McCray needs two votes and Mayor Steven Grant and Vice Mayor Justin Katz have been proponents of the cameras, citing safety benefits.

I hated them, but then after they went away people must have known they went away and people have just been zooming through, McCray told The Palm Beach Post last week.

The cameras are only one item on a packed agenda that is sure to last well into the night. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd.

Among the other key topics:

What: Should dispensaries be allowed in the city?

Why: In November, Florida voters overwhelmingly passed Amendment 2, making marijuana available to people with certain illnesses. The state has licensed organizations to grow, distribute and sell medical marijuana. The law went into effect July 1.

While the state worked on their law, the city worked on a local law. But city staff recently found out that portions of the local law such as how many dispensaries will open in the city and where are moot according to state law. State law says rules for locating dispensaries cant be tougher than the ones on pharmacies. The City Commission can either allow the dispensaries to open in the city and not restrict them more than pharmacies; allow the stores but change requirements for pharmacies in order to write stricter rules; or ban the dispensaries.

What: The first of two votes allowing a $1 per month increase on residential garbage rates for the next two years. If approved, beginning Oct. 1, single-family home rates would be $17 per month and multifamily home rates would be $13.75 per month. Those increases would bring about $460,000 a year in revenue to the city. For 2018-19, the rate for single-family would be $18 per month.

Why? Vehicle and personnel costs for Solid Waste are rising, and the city wants to keep enough money in the Solid Waste fund to be able to handle unexpected emergencies.

What: Commissioner Joe Casello has requested to discuss allowing dogs at Oceanfront Park beach during certain hours. If the dogs could be confined to one area, he said the dogs wouldnt need to wear leashes. If not, they would wear them.

Why: Just to have the ability to have dogs be on the beach and enjoy the water would be a huge success, Casello said.

What: State Rep. Emily Slosberg has asked Boynton to support legislation that would make the ban on texting while driving a primary offense. As it is now, police officers cannot pull over drivers who are texting while driving because it is a secondary offense.

Why: Slosberg said new legislation would save lives, prevent injuries and prevent property damages.

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Red-light cameras among five big items at tonight's Boynton meeting - Palm Beach Post

Its been thought for decades that stormwater runoff is the major source of bacterial pollution in the countys rivers, bays and beaches triggering swimming advisories up and down the regions shoreline for 72 hours after it rains.

However, the greatest source of dangerous pathogens flowing from these urban waterways into the ocean may actually be coming from human waste. Thats according to a newly released study commissioned by the areas top water-quality regulators in collaboration with the city and county of San Diego.

The reports authors said cleaning up sources of human feces such as leaky sewer pipes and homeless encampments near rivers and streams is the cheapest way to improve public health at beaches and bays following periods of precipitation.

Human waste carries significantly more pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal illness and other infections than waste from other warm-blooded animals, including raccoons, coyotes, horses and dogs, according to scientists.

I was personally surprised at the extent of human waste that weve observed in our monitoring, said Todd Snyder, manager of the watershed protection program for the county of San Diego. The preliminary results that were seeing is that this human waste is everywhere upstream in the watershed, downstream in the watershed, tributaries, the main stem of the San Diego River.

The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board has required cities under its jurisdiction to limit bacterial pollution at specific locations during dry-weather conditions by 2021 and during rain events by 2031. The program stretches through more than a dozen watersheds, from Chollas and Scripps to San Marcos and Laguna Beach.

The new report looked at the most cost-effective ways to meet state standards for cleaning up fecal bacteria at 20 of the most impacted beaches, rivers and creek segments in San Diego and southern Orange counties.

Following release of the cost analysis, environmental groups expressed concern that local governments would try to use the findings to delay compliance with broader water-quality regulations. But they agreed that leaking sewer pipes and other sources of human waste could be the primary culprit polluting beaches with harmful bacteria.

While we question the motives behind the study and some of its methodology, to the extent this study allows our governments to reverse years of poor planning and fix aging wastewater infrastructure, we hope it can be useful, said Matt O'Malley, executive director of San Diego Coastkeeper.

According to the report, for every $1 million spent by public agencies to reduce human waste in rivers and beaches, about 152 fewer people a decade on average would get sick from associated pathogens.

A different analysis the Surfer Health Study commissioned last year by the city and county of San Diego found that adults who went surfing 72 hours after it rained were more likely than dry-weather beachgoers to suffer gastrointestinal illnesses.

For every 1,000 surfers who went into the ocean within three days of a rain event, 30 fell ill on average, according to the Surfer Health analysis. Thats compared with 25 out of 1,000 surfers who got sick after getting in the water during dry-weather conditions.

The Surfer Health examination, which was conducted by UC Berkeley and the Surfrider Foundation, also found that while higher rates of illness were correlated with wet-weather conditions, the increase didnt exceed water-quality guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

At this point, San Diego County officials are trying to pinpoint where the human sewage in watersheds is coming from. The potential sources are wide-ranging: broken septic tanks, illegal dumping by RVs, transients camped in creek beds and cracking wastewater pipes.

Were doing more water-quality monitoring to see where are the highest concentrations, so we can go after those and dig in further, said Snyder, the watershed protection manager. For sewer pipes, we just need to keep working our way upstream to figure out where those hotspots are.

Community advocates for river and creek rehabilitation projects said homeless encampments are a significant source of pollution in urban waterways.

One of the large problems is transient populations in the creek, all up and down the watershed, said Leslie Reynolds, executive director of Groundwork San Diego.

On Friday, she was standing next to a section of Chollas Creek at Market Street and Euclid Avenue that her nonprofit group has helped restore dramatically, including a walking path, interpretive signage and native vegetation.

The revamped creek also had at least half a dozen homeless people congregating in and around it Friday, including 64-year-old Marcel Smith. He said people sleep in a culvert in the dry creek bed and that some relieve themselves in the area.

We have Starbucks across the street, so a lot of times if a person needs to go to the bathroom, thats where we go, Smith said. You find a lot that go over to the Starbucks and then you find the ones that dont. It varies.

The newly released cost-analysis report for reducing fecal bacteria comes as part of a debate about how and to what extent to improve water quality throughout the region. Should cities and counties follow traditional metrics that look at particular types of contamination, such as harmful bacteria? Or should they embrace broader approaches that seek to restore entire rivers and streams? Or should they concentrate on improving only aspects of watershed health that directly affect people?

Water-quality regulators have long pressured cities in San Diego County to clean up pollution through improvements to their stormwater systems. River contamination is worsened by rains, which flush everything from cigarette butts and industrial chemicals to lawn fertilizers and pet feces into waterways.

Municipalities have submitted extensive plans for meeting these goals, and in the past decade have started limiting hardscape surfaces in targeted areas because they speed up runoff flows and tightening rules on new housing and commercial development to require filtration systems that enable more urban runoff to soak into the ground.

All the while, cities have routinely pushed back on the huge price tags associated with larger river restoration projects and major overhauls of public stormwater systems. The collective cost runs into the billions of dollars over time.

After accounting for financial benefits associated with recreation, public health and other factors, the expense associated with cleaning up bacterial pollution in the regions rivers, creeks and beaches during and after storms would amount to about $34.6 million a year for the next 65 years, according to the new report.

In light of the latest findings, city and county officials have a chance to petition the regional water quality board to revise its overall approach and extend timelines for compliance.

While focusing efforts on human waste wouldnt necessarily satisfy the boards current standards for limiting overall bacterial pollution, it would be cheaper requiring about $20.7 million annually for the next 65 years.

The new report also said if the deadline for wet-weather compliance were postponed until 2051, municipalities could reach compliance by spending only $7.8 million on average for the next 65 years.

Environmental advocates have strongly rejected a longer timeline for compliance, arguing that the water quality board has already extended its deadline for wet-weather standards from 10 years to two decades.

They have pushed for even more expensive changes, calling for large-scale rehabilitation of urban rivers and streams. They believe such investments would create lush, clean and inviting spaces that would also boost home values.

The new report found that incorporating more restoration strategies along with upgrading stormwater systems would have by far the greatest benefits including millions of dollars of savings in public-health costs and higher revenues associated with recreation.

But wide-scale rehabilitation of rivers and comprehensive restoration of wetlands would also end up costing the most money in the long run. To meet the regional water quality boards standards for limiting bacteria, it would cost on balance about $60.4 million a year for the next 65 years.

Elected officials in San Diego and Orange counties will have a chance to submit their latest proposals to the water quality board later this year. The board will then likely make a determination of how to proceed in early 2018.

Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com

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Surprise: storm runoff not main cause of illness from polluted beaches - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Home to 300 miles of coastline, its no wonder millions of people flock to North Carolina each year for a taste of beachfront paradise.

While the beach options further south may get more attention (were looking at you, Florida), the sandy beaches of the Tarheel State have everything to satisfy every beachgoer's needs, whether thats picture-perfect sunsets, activities for family fun, or a stretch of sand complete with iconic landmarks.

North Carolinas charming coastline has it all.

With only 92 permanent residents, Indian Beach is known for its upscale aesthetic.

Entering this town, youll see lush maritime forest surrounding the road that you drive along centered around Salter Path that give way to soft sand and Emerald green waters.

Related: The Top 15 Cities in the U.S.

Its not just known for its beauty, though. Indian Beach proudly works in conjunction with the North Carolina Aquarium by running the Bogue Banks Sea Turtle Project, which is staffed by volunteers who study and protect the nesting population of sea turtles. Depending on what time of year you visit, baby turtles are scheduled to hatch you can even to call and inquire about potentially seeing that sight for yourself.

For those who are craving more of a family-friendly beachfront, Carolina Beach checks off most must-haves on your list: a boardwalk fully loaded with carnival rides, endless stores and food vendors, and kid-friendly waters where youll find boogie boarders and body surfers.

Related: The Top 100 Hotels in the World

For the best view of the beach, take the kids on the ferris wheel and show them the beauty of the ocean from a unique perspective.

Accessible only by boat, Shackleford Banks is an isolated barrier island between Beaufort Inlet and Cape Lookout. And, while theres nine miles of shore and sand dunes you can enjoy, theres nothing you will marvel at more than the wild horses that call this beach home.

The arrival of the horses are still a mystery, though its said that they may be descendants of Spanish Mustangs that survived a shipwreck hundreds of years ago.

Related: 8 Ways to Wear Your Swimsuit Out of the Water

After youve had your share of photographing these stunning creatures, walk along the beach to go seashell-hunting, as Shackleford Banks is known for having some of the best shelling along North Carolinas shores.

Of course you can spend your entire day enjoying this park that contains over 1,000 acres of beautiful land, but the beauty of Hammocks Beach State Park presents itself at twilight, where youll find that at dusk, the sky turns a majestic purple. If you do find yourself here during the daytime, youll be able to enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing.

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The Best Beaches for a North Carolina Getaway - Travel+Leisure

WATCH LIVE

(Published Monday, July 31, 2017)

Bodies have been found off beaches on Long Island and New Jersey amid searches for two swimmers swept away in rough waters in what appears to be a pair of tragic accidents, authorities say.

Jevoney White, 19, of Queens vanished off Smith Point Beach on Long Island Sunday evening. Twenty-four-year-old Zuzana Oravcova of Slovakia, a student working at Jenkinson's boardwalk as part of a visa program, disappeared off Point Pleasant early Monday when she went for a swim with her boyfriend.

Authorities confirmed late Monday morning both bodies had been positively identified as the missing swimmers.

White wasswept away around 6:45 p.m. Sunday. His body was found 20 feet from shore about 12 hours later.

A witness, John Rankin, said there are no lifeguards at the beach after 5:30 p.m. Sunday and everyone swims at his or her own risk. Rankin described a harrowing scene as the man struggled for his life.

"He had his hands in the air and he was trying to gasp for air," he said. "Then a wave had taken him under and I looked around and started panicking."

Rankin ran for help, but the next thing he knew the swimmer was under water and could no longer see him.

Meteorologists had issued a rip current warning along Smith Point Sunday afternoon, but it is unclear if rip currents played a role in sucking the swimmer under water. There is a moderate risk for rip currents Monday.

Published at 10:14 PM EDT on Jul 30, 2017 | Updated at 8:03 PM EDT on Jul 31, 2017

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Bodies Found After Swimmers Go Missing off Long Island, New Jersey Beaches - NBC New York

Hundreds of thousands of people plunge into the water along Chicagos lakefront each year, and theyre joined by trillions of beach-going bacteria. This summer, city parks officials and a team of University of Illinois at Chicago researchers believe they have come up with a way to keep swimmers out of the water when theyre too far outnumbered by microbes.

For decades, public health experts and park officials have been bedeviled by the problem of when to close city beaches to protect swimmers from the invisible scourge of illness-causing bacteria like E. coli.

Testing required letting water samples incubate for up to 24 hours, meaning swimmers wouldnt know if theyd dunked themselves among dangerous levels of bacteria until the day after theyd taken the plunge. And day-old data meant the lifeguards were warning people out of the water based on conditions the day before, likely discouraging people from swimming on days the water was perfectly safe.

Its not that the old (culture) test wasnt giving us accurate results, it just turned out that they werent as useful, said Cathy Breitenbach, the Park Districts director of cultural and natural resources.

It turns out, yesterdays water quality wasnt the same as todays.

The city last year ended a five-year pilot program to predict bacteria counts using high-tech buoys that measured water temperature, currents and wave action, which also coincided with a two-year pilot of a rapid-testing method that measures bacterial DNA in the water within just a few hours.

This summer, park district officials picked a team from UIC to conduct same-day tests of the water, the first major city to adopt testing protocols recently approved by the EPA to identify the concentrations of bacterial DNA in lake water.

Everybody else reports to the public what water quality was yesterday, because they use the old culture procedure, said Dr. Samuel Dorevitch, a UIC public health professor who is leading the team of researchers who conduct the daily testing.

Here are the beaches along Lake Michigan in the Chicago area where water samples are taken to test for contamination. | Provided

Water samples from 20 spots on the lakefront, and the artificial beach in Humboldt Park, are dropped off each morning by 8 a.m. at the West Side campus, and test results are completed by noon, Dorevitch said. The quick turnaround allows the Park District to post warnings at beaches based on the levels of bacteria measured that morning. The data also is posted to the web at http://www.cpdbeaches.com, and bacteria counts of 1,000 Calibrator Cell Equivalents trigger an advisory.

The Park District in 2012 ended the practice of banning swimming based on bacteria levels beaches still are closed for rough surf and after the rare instances when the locks on the Chicago River are opened to release stormwater instead posting advisories to alert swimmers of the risks.

So far this summer, the Park District has posted advisories for high bacteria 180 times at 26 beaches tested, which appears to be on pace with the number of advisories in the previous two years. But, Breitenbach said, this year, advisories will likely do more to protect public health, since the alerts will be based on data that is only 4 hours old.

Environmentalists have praised the switch to rapid testing for just that reason, said Joshua Mogerman of the National Resources Defense Fund, which sued the EPA more than a decade ago in a bid to force the agency to authorize faster testing protocols.

Timely information is important for making sure that a day at the beach is really a day at the beach, and not something really unpleasant, Mogerman said, noting that bacteria can lead to infections that cause rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses.

The NRDC hopes that Chicagos program will be a model for other cities with lake and ocean beachfronts, Mogerman said.

So far this year, North Avenue Beach is the only beach that has gone without a single advisory day, said UIC researcher Abhilasha Shrestha, who also worked on pilot studies that did rapid testing on city beaches in each of the last two years. The beach that has most frequently had high bacteria counts is the artificial beach at Humboldt Park, with 38 advisory days since the citys parks and pools opened on Memorial Day.

Generally, bacteria in the lake stem from animal sources, especially feces from seagulls, dogs, and, to a far lesser extent, dirty diapers, said Shrestha. Levels climb when heavy rains cause runoff into the lake. Rough water, which stirs up algae and sediment in the water, also can free more bacteria into the beachfront.

Those concerned about bacteria in Lake Michigan should be aware that a Centers For Disease Control study from 2012 found that three-quarters of bacteria-related illness outbreaks were linked to pools and spas, rather than oceans and lakes. The Chicago lakefront may have issues with runoff in some areas, but the fact that the Chicago River flows away from the lake means sewer overflows seldom are being poured into the lake, Breitenbach said.

Our beaches are actually pretty clean, she said.

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Faster bacteria testing solves decades-old dilemma at Chicago beaches - Chicago Sun-Times