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Study finds frequent fecal contamination in Atlantic Beach weirs; researchers urge treatment study
Summary
Researchers told the Atlantic Beach Town Council that Enterococcus exceeded state recreational thresholds in 59% of weir samples and human-fecal markers appeared in multiple samples, and recommended targeted loading studies and consideration of treatment such as UV for stormwater outfalls.
Dr. Rachel Noble presented a seasonal sampling project to the Atlantic Beach Town Council on March 14, reporting elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and the presence of human-specific markers at several weirs and outfalls.
Noble said her team focused sampling on the Pond Drive weir and associated outfalls, testing during two dry events and four wet-weather events across several sites. "Fecal Indicator Bacteria Patterns: FIB concentrations in the weirs are of serious concern, and represent an issue for risk associated with AB canals," the presentation summary states.
Key findings presented included Enterococcus exceeding USEPA/state recreational thresholds in 59% of samples and E. coli exceeding standards in 26% of samples. Human-fecal markers were quantified in 37% (HF183) and 70% (BacHum) of samples; both FIB and human markers rose substantially during wet weather. Noble said that during the December storm the human-fecal contamination levels were a serious concern.
Councilmember Joey Dean asked whether the 59% exceedance was high compared with other study sites; Noble said she would compare with additional datasets and provide a written report and proposal for follow-up work. Dean also asked if the Town had contacted property owners in the Pond Drive/Old Causeway area about septic systems; staff confirmed the Town had not and that septic compliance is primarily a county responsibility.
Noble recommended two immediate next steps: (1) a loading study to quantify human-fecal contamination at priority discharges to help prioritize mitigation, and (2) evaluation of treatment options for weir discharges, such as installing UV treatment, as a potential means to reduce contamination entering the canal system.
Noble reviewed how North Carolina assesses recreational waters: the State measures enterococci and posts sites as unsafe for swimming when levels exceed the state threshold (listed in the presentation as 104). She emphasized that wet-weather events produce higher concentrations and that contamination is not limited to storm events.
Council members expressed concern about older septic systems in the Pond Drive/Old Causeway area (many installed between 1979 and 1990) and discussed limits on Town authority to require inspections. Noble will provide a written report and a proposal for Council to consider before the Town decides whether to continue or expand testing.
The presentation prompted no motion or formal action at the worksession; Council asked staff to receive Noble’s written proposal and consider next steps at a future meeting.
