Last month, the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department issued a press release about a large, unknown volume of primary treated sewage that was released into Chorro Creek. The leak occurred due to equipment malfunction as a result of heavy rain and reportedly overflowed from a sewer treatment plant and into the creek.
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department warned the public:
to avoid ocean water contact during, and at least three days following, significant rainstormssuch as the recent storm. Rainstorm runoff is known to transport high levels of disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa from the watershed and urban areas to the ocean. Such organisms carried into the ocean can cause skin, respiratory, and intestinal problems. Young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to these waterborne pathogens. Surfers, swimmers and others are advised to avoid contact with ocean water during this period, especially in areas close to creeks, rivers, storm drains and other runoff outlets that empty into the ocean.
Contact with pathogens or chemical contaminants from a sewage spill can occur through direct contact, ingestion or even inhalation in some circumstances, said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testings Huntington Beach facility. Raw sewage in a river, lake or ocean, or even on the ground, is a potential exposure hazard and certainly a health concern.
LA Testing, with multiple laboratories across California, offers comprehensive testing services to identify microbial pathogens, chemicals and other contaminants from sewage spills that occur in the outdoor environment and from sewage contamination in buildings. These services are essential for identifying the extent of a spill to safeguard the public and also to verify that any cleanup efforts have been successful.
To learn more about water testing, aquatic microbiology, sewage contamination or other environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email [email protected] or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is Californias leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.
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