Meetings & Events | Ocean Science Briefings

Sacramento Luncheon Briefings

Beaches, Bacteria and Bans: How California Can Keep Its Coast Healthy

February 2, 2006

Featuring Dr. Stanley B. Grant, a Professor of Environmental Engineering, and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and Kenneth Schiff, the Deputy Director from the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. Bill Craven, chief consultant to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, moderated the session.

Background Information

California has spent millions to improve coastal water quality, yet in 2005 alone Los Angeles County recorded the highest bacteria levels since 2000, and the state was forced to post beaches for closures and advisories nearly 4,000 times in 2004. These closures are costly, both in terms of lost revenue and—since beach postings aren't necessarily keeping the ocean-going public from swimming in polluted waters—potential health expenses. Is the money invested in coastal water quality making any headway in ensuring safe waters for Californians?

Economic Fact Sheet

Speaker Bios

Presentations

Dr. Stanley Grant discusses the problems with the indicators and reporting methods we use for beach health and water quality and our reporting methods. He recommends innovative ways to overcome these problems.

Presentation

Kenneth Schiff discusses atmospheric dry deposition in the Los Angeles coastal region, specifically chromium, nickel, mercury, copper, lead, and zinc.

Presentation

References

Reference List

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