Resolution: Research on Bacterial Pathogens and Reauthorization of the BEACH Act
Adopted on September 29, 2005

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Whereas, water quality advisories at beaches due to bacterial pathogens and toxic contamination, often following storm events, are among the most prevalent human health concerns currently facing the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, persistence and potential growth of indicator bacteria in sediments and soils may have a serious impact on recreational water quality issues; and

Whereas, reporting of water quality advisories is inconsistent among jurisdictions on the Great Lakes, often delayed, and not well publicized, especially to underserved communities; and

Whereas, beach closings resulting from high pathogen loads have a significant negative effect on the health and security of residents and on the region's tourism industry;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission recognizes bacterial contamination of beaches as a serious issue that warrants enhanced research and coordinated monitoring; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission promotes the ongoing efforts to coordinate data and facilitate public education in this area through support for the Great Lakes Beach Association and its network of regional beach managers, and projects such as BeachCast, a centralized data repository of recreational water quality data available via the Internet; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission calls on federal, state and provincial governments -- in collaboration with local/municipal agencies -- to increase research on indicator bacteria in sand and the potential correlation between indicator levels in water, pathogen levels and the associated risk of illness to bathers; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission urges the 109th U.S. Congress to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to enhance appropriations for grants for water quality monitoring and notification programs through reauthorization of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act.

Adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its Annual Meeting, Sept. 29, 2005, in Ann Arbor, Mich.