Why is RI Ranked 5th Worst for Beach Water Quality in U.S.?
Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor
Why is RI Ranked 5th Worst for Beach Water Quality in U.S.?
The National Resource Defense Council's recently released report "Testing the Waters 2014" showed that 16% of samples in Rhode Island exceeded the national Beach Action Value for designated beach areas in 2013 -- and that 86% of the state's beaches were not monitored or had a limited number of samples.
Despite the bay being the leading economic engine of Rhode Island and driver of the Ocean State's major industry -- tourism -- Governor Lincoln Chafee was defensive of the findings by the NRDC, who prefaced their national report by stating, "Don't get sick at the beach, check our guide to beach water quality."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"Governor Chafee said that generally Rhode Island is known for its many gorgeous beaches. If someone wants to dwell on a “Debbie Downer” approach to Rhode Island so be it," said Chafee spokesperson Faye Zuckerman.
Weather Factor
As for the state's low ranking in 2013, both Save the Bay and the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) cited the weather as a factor in the elevated sample levels in 2013.
"Rhode Island experienced an increased number of beach closures due to an increase in precipitation during the summer season," said Amie Parris with HEALTH. "As Rhode Island beach closures are closely related to precipitation, due to storm water runoff, we did see an increase in elevated sample levels."
Jonathan Stone with Save the Bay similarly noted that the weather pattern in 2013 played a role in beach water quality.
Parris pointed out that Rhode Island regularly monitored its "high-risk" beaches, which she said skews sample results -- and that the NRDC utilized a higher risks standard that has been recommended -- but not mandated.
"It is important to note [that] Rhode Island applies a risk-based monitoring plan to all beaches," said Parris. "This means beaches with the highest potential for water borne illness are sampled more frequently (3-4 times per week) while lower risk beaches are sampled less frequently (twice per month). While this approach does result in more elevated sample results and a higher exceedance rate it is the most protective of public health."
Parris continued, "Currently, the Rhode Island and federal EPA threshold for safe swimming is 104 colonies of bacteria per 100 ml of water (cfu/100ml) and according to 2013 data submitted to both EPA and NRDC, 10 percent of saltwater beach samples exceeded the above threshold. A 10 percent exceedances rate is slightly higher then we have seen in previous years, but expected, as this number does correlate with the increase in precipitation."
"NRDC also reported a 13 percent exceedance rate for 2013 samples of 60 cfu/100ml or above. It is important to note however, A Beach Action Value of 60 cfu/100 ml was the recommended threshold proposed by EPA earlier this year. This value has not been approved or mandated and EPA is still working with states on the final recommendations," said Parris.
Location Role
Stone spoke to the role that municipalities played in beach water contamination.
"The Clean Water Act as written is a powerful act -- it requires local communities to invest in upgrades," said Stone. "There are two aspects -- federal funding and local funding -- and the federal government has reduced over the years the amount of federal funding available."
"Greenwich Bay is the epicenter of beach closures. It's pollutions from the local communities that are the particular problem," Stone continued. "Every town has to make critical investments. Save the Bay embarked on a campaign to focus on beach closures. Last year, Oakland Beach was closed half the summer. Warwick and the City Council were well aware of this. There was commission that did a outstanding job of recommending a financial initiative underwriting sewer extension and upgrading, which the City Council approved, and voted to underwrite."
Looking Ahead
"The state of Rhode Island, cities, and towns are all working hard to improve water quality and help keep our beaches open and safe for swimming," said Parris. "The public can help in this effort by refraining from feeding ducks, geese, seagulls and other waterfowl, picking up after their pets, and ensuring their septic systems are in working order, and not leaking.
Stone addressed the role that the upcoming clean water bond referendum would have an impact.
"Save the Bay worked for a clean water bond referendum, and the General Assembly did make the decision to give voters the opportunity to approve clean water financing -- the total bond is $56 million," said Stone. "The biggest single allocation is $20 M is for the state revolving fund for clean water to match federal money. So for every dollar Rhode Island uses to invest in sewer systems and upgrade septic systems. will be matched two to three times from the federal government." The is what is the state ought to be doing, and the GA should be praised for recognizing this," said Stone.
Rhode Island's Fourth of July Events 2014
Block Island
Fireworks
July 3, 2014
Time: 9:00 PM
Crescent Beach
7 Corn Neck Rd
Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2014
West Side Road, Block Island
This traditional parade begins at 11 a.m., starting at the Legion Hall on West Side Road. Floats, marching bands and other entertainment will progress along the main street and end in Old Harbor. The Block Island Fire Department Steak Fry is at 12:30 p.m. at the Fire Barn on Ocean Avenue.
Time : 11 a.m.
Phone : 800-383-2474
Bristol
Bristol’s July 4th Civic, Military, and Fireman's Parade 2014
July 4, 2014
Downtown Bristol
The oldest continuous celebration of its kind in the United States, established in 1785, runs from the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Route 114) to High Street, between State and Bradford Streets.
Time : Begins at 10:30 a.m.
Phone : 401-253-7000
Pawtucket
Fireworks after Pawtucket Red Sox Games
July 1, 2014 to July 3, 2014
McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket
Fireworks above the stadium follow the regularly scheduled evening Pawtucket Red Sox games.
Time : 9:30 p.m.
Admission : $5-$12
Phone : 401-724-7300
Cumberland
Tucker Field Celebration
July 3, 2014
Fireworks, Entertainment by Kings Row, and Food Truck Rally
Arnold Mills July 4th 2014 Parade
July 4, 2014
Nate Whipple Highway (Route 120) from state line to Arnold Mills Village Common, Cumberland
Local village celebration of America's Independence Day, with road race at 9 a.m., a parade with Shriner's marchers at 11 a.m., and band concert on the green at 1 p.m.
Time : Parade begins at 11 a.m.
Phone : 401-333-1381
Narragansett
Independence Beach Party and Fireworks
July 4, 2014
The festivities will start mid-day with fun filled activities taking place on the beach, followed by a free public performance of the 88th Army Band at 5:00 PM on the deck of the North Beach Clubhouse. The festivities and the band will continue into the evening culminating with a spectacular fireworks display (co-sponsored with the Dunes Club) at 9pm.
Newport
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4, 2014
Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Wellington Avenue and Washington Street, Newport
The city's annual fireworks go off shortly after dusk from the north end of Fort Adams State Park. Rain date is July 5. Prime viewing locations: Newport Harbor, Fort Adams, Kings Park, all along the waterfront, the Deck, on the docks, 41 North, and Sky Bar at The Clarke Cook House. Parking at Fort Adams and the Visitor's Center.
Phone : 401-841-0707
Independence Day Barbecue and Fireworks
Vanderbilt Grace, 41 Mary Street, Newport
July 4, 2014
Choose from an array of freshly cooked and grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and Waldorf Salad; and delve into some creamy New York Cheesecake for dessert! After dinner, guests will gather on the Roof Deck to take in some fireworks.
Time : Noon - 5 p.m.
Admission : $65
Phone : 401-846-6200
North Providence
Fireworks
July 3, 2014
Governor John A. Notte Jr. Park, off Douglas Avenue (Route 7)
Food court and live entertainment by Reminisce. Rain date is July 5.
Time : 6-9 p.m.; Fireworks at 9 p.m.
See more here
Providence
Fireworks and Concert
This event has been rescheduled to July 5, 2014 due to expected bad weather.
India Point Park
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra will provide entertainment during the celebration, which will be followed by a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks display is scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
East Providence
Fireworks
July 3, 2014
Pierce Memorial Stadium, Mercer Street, East Providence
Rain Date is July 5.
Time : 9 p.m.
Gloucester
Ancients and Horribles Parade 2014
July 4, 2014
Main Street and Putnam Pike (Route 44), Chepachet
Nothing is sacred as Glocester locals spoof local and national politics from home-made floats at this quirky and beloved July 4th parade.
Time : Begins at 4 p.m.
Phone : 401-568-6206
Road Race
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 9:00am
Venue: Chepachet Union Church
Address: 1138 Putnam Pike Chepachet, RI 02814
There are four races: a 5.5 mile race, a 1.75 mile race, a 1 mile race for children 8-12 years old, and a .5 mile race for children 7 years old and under. There is a registration fee, although Glocester residents are charged less than out-of-towners, and Glocester youths run for free. All participants receive a free T-shirt while supplies last.
Warwick
Independence Day Fireworks
July 3, 2014
City Park, 185 Asylum Road, Warwick
Rain date: July 5
Time : 9-9:40 p.m.
Smithfield
Indepenence Weekend Concert & Fireworks
July 5, 2014
Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield
Bryant University hosts the Town of Smithfield's Independence Day weekend festivities. Concert with the acclaimed US Navy
Show Band followed by huge fireworks show.
Time : 8 p.m.
Admission : Free
Phone : 401-232-6000
Jamestown
Fireworks
July 5, 2014
East Ferry Beach is located on Canonicus Avenue, Jamestown
Fireworks take place at sundown. The Fireworks will be fired from a barge in East Ferry. Donations accepted.
Middletown
Clambake with the Fab Four
July 4, 2014
Newport Vineyards, 909 E. Main Road (Route 138), Middletown
Come enjoy an old-fashioned clambake and enjoy the music of "Abbey Rhode" Beatles tribute band. McGrath's Clambake will serve a traditional menu cooked over hot rocks and seaweed. Menu includes Rhode Island chowder, lobster, barbecued chicken, mussels, steamers, salad greens, corn on the cob, chourico and watermelon. R.S.V.P. required at info@newportvineyards.com
Time : Music, wine tasting & chowder from 5 to 6 p.m. Dinner bell rings at 6 p.m.
Admission : $75 per person ($65 without lobster)
Phone : 401.848.5161
Portsmouth
Fireworks at Escobar’s Farm
July 4, 2014
Escobar's Highland Farm, 133 Middle Road, Portsmouth
Louis Escobar will have his traditional fireworks display over the cow pastures. Please do not clog Middle Road with cars—there are many vantage points nearby from which to witness this show. Donations are accepted in the box out front of the farm anytime.
Time : Begins at 9:30 p.m.
