Sampling to test for bacteria levels and other contaminants is conducted weekly
|
The state Clean Water Branch has received $324,592 from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to continue a “BEACH” monitoring program.
The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health program requires states to establish water-quality standards for coastal areas and to monitor the water along the beaches. The Clean Water Branch of the state Department of Health currently monitors 40 shoreline locations around the state. Monitoring sites in Maui County are:
South Maui - Ma`alaea Condominium shoreline, Kihei South, Cove Park, Kamaole Beach Parks 1 and 2, Keawakapu and Wailea Beach.
West Maui - Teen Challenge (east Olowalu), Olowalu (west), Launiupoko Beach, Hanakao`o Beach Park, Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park), Mahinahina and Kapalua.
Central Maui - Kanaha Beach, Spreckelsville, Baldwin Beach and Paia shoreline.
East Maui - Kipahulu (Haleakala National Park).
Reports filed for 2002 indicated that none of the beaches on Maui were closed because of contamination by bacteria or other pollutants. But a number of beach areas were reported to have exceeded the water-quality standards, including 19 times at Kihei South, once at Cove Park, 22 times at Hanakao`o, seven times at Launiopoko and twice at Spreckelsville.
Sampling to test for bacteria levels and other contaminants is conducted weekly.
For information on the program, go to the EPA Beach Watch Web site at:
www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches
|
|
