NC Coastal Federation Finds High Levels of Bacteria, Says "Unsafe" Coastal Waters for Swimming

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH – With most deferred or delayed testing, the Coastal Federation of North Carolina has been involved in providing coastal water quality analysis. The results? Not good.

The Coastal Federation of the North Carolina has recorded "high levels of bacteria" at several locations around Wrightsville Beach this week.

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Samples taken near Johnnie Mercers Pier, Wynn Plaza at Banks Channel and the Wrightsville Beach access ramp revealed high levels of E. Coli and enterococci.

Fecal bacteria

The presence of fecal bacteria in these areas is likely linked to "massive amounts of polluted runoff," according to a CN statement.

At the request of the state, Kerri Allen, Coastal Defense Minister of the Coastal Federation, said the group can not yet divulge exactly the levels of bacteria.

"They confirmed that we were going forward and we were just trying to advise people to try to stay out of the water for the moment until they are able to resume their tests at the of the state and to obtain solid figures ".

Due to the damage suffered during Hurricane Florence, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was unable to conduct any water quality testing in the Wilmington area, Allen.

Based on their readings, CN's Coastal Federation said, "There is no safety yet for swimming and wading in coastal waters."

The release of the group states that coastal bathing waters are probably polluted by bacteria, parasites and viruses. Although the counties of Dare and Currituck were given the go-ahead, the state continued his bathing advice for all other coastal counties on Monday, including Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender.

"The public continues to swim in the ocean and sounds despite these reviews," said Todd Miller, executive director of the N.C. Coastal Federation. "We think it's vital to let people know that the state has not tested water yet to determine if they are safe for human contact."

However, the federation staff observed people swimming in the ocean and estuaries. The federation warns them that coastal waters are unsafe for swimming and wading.

Read the announcement of the NB Coastal Federation in its entirety right here.

Send tips and comments to Johanna Ferebee at [email protected]

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