More Testing of Ocean Storm Drains Needed
The storm drain bacteria and virus contamination study referred to in the South Bay edition (Times, Sept. 26) was completed under the auspices of the state and federally funded Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project (SMBRP). The project was one of those rare efforts where an environmental group, Heal the Bay, worked together with local government agencies, the city of Los Angeles Environmental Monitoring Division and the L.A. County Sanitation Districts, to complete a major research effort.
The results of the study pointed to the need for further virus testing in the many storm drains that discharge untreated pollution to our beautiful local beaches. Other research needs recommended were further bacterial testing at our beaches and to design a large scale health-effects study on people who swim near storm drains. Currently, the SMBRP is working on these much needed projects.
MARK GOLD
Heal the Bay
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