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Landing Road beach briefly closed after high bacteria geomine; resampling reopens beach
Summary
A high Enterococcus sample (1,100; limit 104) at Landing Road raised the five‑sample geometric mean above the threshold and triggered an automatic closure; resampling and subsequent low results allowed the health agent to lift the closure and post larger warning signs funded by a public‑health grant.
Lauren, the town health agent, reported that routine sampling at Landing Road on July 15 produced an Enterococcus result of 1,100 (limit 104), and because the geometric mean of the last five samples exceeded the standard the town was required to close the beach. Subsequent resampling produced lower results, and after additional low samples the health agent removed the closure. Lauren noted that one prior sample of 350 contributed to the elevated geometric mean and that repeated resampling is billed to the town when done outside the routine schedule.
To improve public notification, Lauren said the town used sandwich board signs funded by a public‑health excellence grant instead of small 11x17 notices to make closure messages more visible. She also linked sampling results in the state's interactive water‑quality dashboard so residents can check current beach status.
