88 



9 



consistent with the federal criteria must be adopted within three 

 years, ensuring that all states have at least minimum standards 

 protecting coastal recreational waters. 



Section 4 calls for the development of iiniform methods and 

 guidance for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters 

 by the states that specify the frequency of monitoring, methods 

 for detecting short-term pathogens, and special procedures for 

 floatable materials, including when such materials constitute 

 public health threats. Several states currently use the presence 

 of certain sewage-related debris items as indicators of sewage 

 treatment malfunctions or overloads. In our view, a monitoring 

 program should concentrate on these items since they are more 

 likely to be indicative of the presence of pollutants that could 

 be harmful to human health. Further, we urge that where beach 

 monitoring is delegated to local governments under Section 4(d), 

 it be conditioned on the existence of an adequate local beach 

 monitoring program. 



We wholeheartedly support the notification provisions of 

 Section 4(b). The notification of local governments and the 

 general public, through the posting of signs, will increase 

 public awareness of violations of water quality standards and 

 potential health risks, and encourage proper disposal practices. 



We are very pleased to note that the bill assists state and 

 local governments in implementing beach monitoring, assessment 

 and clean-up activities. Section 6 provides for technical 

 assistance to local governments through state coastal management 



