East Coast beaches hit with 'fecal contamination' warnings ahead of Labor Day weekend

Labor Day vacationers across the East Coast are facing “fecal contamination” warnings at their beaches this holiday weekend.

Alerts are in effect for coastal regions from Maine to Florida this week, cautioning that high bacteria levels may lead to nausea or rashes.

This week, some of the United States’ top seaside spots have faced closures, including Keyes Memorial Beach in the Cape Cod locale of Hyannis in Barnstable, Massachusetts, and Benjamin’s Beach on Long Island, located in Bay Shore, New York.

According to a report by Environment America, beach safety was evaluated to determine if fecal bacteria levels surpassed thresholds set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which require a warning against entering the water. At such levels, 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers could fall ill.

In North Carolina, advisories were issued in late August for five beaches due to higher fecal bacteria concentrations. The beaches remain accessible, but the public is warned of potential risks if they choose to swim, stated Erin Bryan-Millush, who supervises environmental programs with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Beach goers in Chicago

Many beachgoers plan to enjoy costal waters regardless of contamination advisories. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP)

Bryan-Millush noted that heavy rainfall from incidents like the recent Hurricane Erin has intensified this problem along parts of the East Coast, explaining that “storm drains carry everything” onto the coastal beaches.

“It could be really bad for someone who is immune compromised,” Bryan-Millush said.

–>

You May Also Like
Chicago Bears stadium update: Illinois Senate, House face key deadline in battle for the Bears as legislative session ends Sunday

Illinois Legislature Approaches Critical Deadline in Chicago Bears Stadium Negotiations as Session Concludes Sunday

State legislators in Illinois are racing against the clock to finalize the…
Californians disapprove of Governor Gavin Newsom in latest poll

New Poll Reveals Growing Discontent with Governor Gavin Newsom Among Californians

Governor Gavin Newsom’s performance has sparked a division among primary voters, as…
Meteor fireball shakes homes spooks New England residents

Spectacular Meteor Fireball Rattles Homes and Stuns New England Residents

On Saturday afternoon, a meteor dramatically burst over New England, creating a…
City robots doused in beer and violently attacked as police hunt suspects

Police Search for Suspects After City Robots Vandalized and Doused in Beer

Authorities in Northern California are actively searching for two individuals responsible for…
United flight diverted to Madison: Man tries to breach cockpit of United Airlines flight 2005 from Chicago, forces hijacking alert

Chaos in the Skies: Man Attempts Cockpit Breach on United Flight 2005, Sparks Hijacking Alert

CHICAGO (WLS) — Wisconsin authorities reported to ABC News that a disruptive…
Rabid bat found in residential area triggers warning from police

Police Issue Alert After Rabid Bat Discovered in Local Neighborhood

A recent discovery of a rabid bat in a residential vicinity of…
Feds push back on sanctuary policies to keep dangerous illegal immigrants in custody

Federal Authorities Challenge Sanctuary Policies to Retain Custody of High-Risk Undocumented Immigrants

California’s sanctuary-state policies are drawing sharp criticism for allegedly compromising public safety.…
Virginia bus crash: Driver Jing S. Dong charged in I95 crash; Dmitri and Ecaterina Doncev, Priscilla Mafalda among the victims

Virginia Bus Collision: Driver Jing S. Dong Faces Charges in I95 Incident; Victims Include Dmitri and Ecaterina Doncev, Priscilla Mafalda

A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on a Virginia highway when a Massachusetts family…
Dozens of Illinois athletes soon heading to compete in 2026 USA Special Olympics games, events

Illinois Athletes Set to Shine: Countdown to the 2026 USA Special Olympics Begins!

CHICAGO — In just a few weeks, a group of 54 talented…
Google planning to release millions of mosquitoes into California to help stop diseases

Google’s Innovative Plan: Releasing Millions of Mosquitoes in California to Combat Disease Spread

California may soon serve as the pioneering site for one of Google’s…
Marcia Lucas, Oscar-winning 'Star Wars' editor and former wife of George Lucas, dies at 80

Oscar-Winning ‘Star Wars’ Editor and Former Spouse of George Lucas, Marcia Lucas, Passes Away at 80

For women seeking significant creative roles in Hollywood, the position of editor…
Chicago teen takeover prevention: A Boy and His Dream hosts Mollison Elementary Restore the Youth Field Takeover in Bronzeville

Chicago Teens Reclaim Youth Spaces: Inspiring Event at Mollison Elementary in Bronzeville

CHICAGO (WLS) — Taking a stand against the disruptive teen gatherings that…