SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — An annual “Seashore Report Card” launched Wednesday concludes historic winter precipitation in California is leading to excessive charges of runoff and dirtier water alongside the coast.
Heal The Bay stated simply two seashores statewide made its 2022-2023 Honor Roll — Bean Hole State Seashore in San Mateo County, simply south of San Francisco, and Level Loma in San Diego County.
Within the final survey, 51 seashores made the Honor Roll. The environmental nonprofit surveys greater than 500 seashores and assigns letter grades, A-plus by means of F.
The exceedingly moist winter introduced a number of rain-triggered sewage spills and flushed pollution, together with micro organism, by means of storm drains into the ocean, the report stated.
“This yr, report precipitation produced main impacts on water high quality throughout Coastal California,” stated Tracy Quinn, CEO of Heal the Bay. “Now greater than ever, we should prioritize multi-benefit tasks to handle stormwater as each a water high quality and provide answer, all whereas guaranteeing that the general public is stored knowledgeable of dangers to public well being.”
Nonetheless, the group stated that out of all of the state’s seashores, 95% acquired an A or B grade for water high quality from April to October 2022, in the course of the months when most individuals head to the coast.
The worst strands make a “Seashore Bummer” record for persistent air pollution that might sicken swimmers and surfers. Heal The Bay stated 4 of the state’s 10 dirtiest seashores are in San Mateo County — Linda Mar, Marlin Park, Erckenbrack Park and Pillar Level.
On the high of the record of most polluted seashores, it was a tie: Playa Blanca close to Tijuana, on the border with San Diego County, and the strand across the Santa Monica Pier.
