Beach Closure Was a Healthy Decision
* We should all be grateful for the quick action taken by the Orange County Health Care Agency in closing west Newport beaches when grease balls were recently washed ashore. Health Care Agency specialists recognize that grease balls containing kitchen grease from garbage disposals and high bacterial levels from human fecal waste are associated with sewage.
The Health Department had to make an immediate decision to protect public health before the results of bacteriological tests were available. The safety of small children playing on the beach was of major concern.
Subsequent laboratory tests of the grease balls showed extremely high levels of fecal contamination (5 billion fecal bacteria per 10 grams) documenting that there was a significant health threat. It is clear that the grease balls were of waste water origin, the source of which is yet to be determined.
In retrospect, the beach closure ordered by the health department and implemented promptly by the Newport Beach Fire/Marine Department was a difficult but appropriate decision. We are fortunate to have such dedicated public employees concerned about our welfare.
DR. JOHN P. SKINNER
Newport Beach
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