Bishop, Heaney Work With Congress To Protect LI Beaches

Press Release

BISHOP, HEANEY WORK WITH CONGRESS TO PROTECT LI BEACHES

At the invitation of Congressman Tim Bishop, Southampton Town Supervisor Patrick A. Heaney testified before a Congressional committee this week about the importance of preserving Long Island's beaches. The hearing, "Reauthorization of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act)" was held by the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, of which Congressman Bishop is a member.

Congressman Bishop and Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ) authored legislation to extend the BEACH Act through 2012. The BEACH Act, which was initially passed into law in 2000, helps protect the health of families at our nation's beaches. The program would authorize up to $60 million each year.

"I am glad Supervisor Heaney was able to testify about the importance of providing clean beaches to families not only in Southampton, but nationally," said Bishop. "We treasure our beaches and waterways and they reward Long Island with thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. But we can't take them for granted. Fishermen and families need to feel confident that we will protect their health and safety. That is why we need to reauthorize the BEACH Act to invest in this major recreational and economic asset."

"Preserving clean and sustainable beaches and healthy recreational waters is one of the highest priorities for the Town," Supervisor Heaney testified before the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. "We urge you to continue to act to protect our coastal resources, so that we can further these important water conservation initiatives, and so that we can leave for future generations beaches as beautiful and magnificent as those that we are blessed with today. Our maritime resources and beaches are not only crucial to maintaining our economic health and recreational pursuits, but are critical to maintaining our very way of life."

Under the BEACH Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to work with states to ensure they used the latest science to sample and test beach waters to protect the public's health. If tests came back positive for harmful levels of contaminants then the state is required to close the beach until it is once again clean. The law also helps states set up comprehensive monitoring and notification programs in order to provide up-to-date information on the condition of all public beaches.

The reauthorization legislation mandates the use of rapid testing methods by requiring the EPA to approve methods that detect bathing water contamination in two hours or less so that beaches can be closed shortly thereafter. Current water quality monitoring tests only test for bacteria levels and take 24 to 48 hours to produce reliable results, during which time many beachgoers can be unknowingly exposed to harmful pathogens. Congressman Bishop's legislation would authorize up to $60 million in grants for states to develop and implement beach water quality monitoring and notification programs. Since the BEACH Act was signed into law, 35 states eligible to receive grants have created new and effective guidelines for gauging water cleanliness and public notification.

Each year, more than 180 million people visit our nation's coasts, seeking rest and relaxation. America's beaches are part of a $50 billion industry supporting 28 million jobs.

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