Cape May Court House – Freeholder Kristine Gabor is pleased to announce that the 2015 Coastal Water Monitoring Program will officially begin on May 26th and continue through September 8, 2015 in Cape May County. The Health Department, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is continuing its Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program. Cape May County Director, Kevin Thomas said, “The monitoring program reaffirms our commitment to the surveillance and protection of the public’s health, coastal environment and natural resources.”
A total of sixty-one (61) ocean and one (1) Back Bay recreational sites have been selected for weekly water quality analysis monitoring. Enterococcus continues to be used as the indicator organism to assess water quality. The maximum estimated enterococcus bacteria in marine waters shall not exceed 104 per 100ml of sample. If the result of the microbiological water quality exceeds 60 per 100ml of sample or if the sanitary survey discloses any condition which may present an imminent hazard to public health or safety, the bathing beach shall post a swimming advisory or possibly close the bathing site. Two consecutive bacteria counts of 104 per 100ml at a sampling site also constitute a closing.
Algae blooms and waste water incidents such as overflows should immediately be called into the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection hotline number (877) 927-6337 and to the Cape May County Health Department at (609) 465-1209 during regular working hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30 p.m.). After hours, including weekends and holidays, emergency health services can be accessed through local police departments.
Police departments are responsible for managing medical waste. Anyone who finds and/or comes in contact with medical waste should not handle or touch it but contact the local police department immediately. All incidents of medical waste on public recreational bathing beaches shall also be reported as soon as possible to DEP at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337). Exposure to medical wastes on public recreational bathing beaches, such as needle sticks, scratches, et cetera, must be reported immediately using the DEP Hotline. Additionally, anyone who is injured as a result of coming in contact with medical waste should consult with a physician or call the Cape May County Health Department at (609) 465-1209.
For additional information please contact the Cape May County Health Department, Division of Environmental Services, at 465-1209, call the Hotline number at 463-6581 or visit us on the web at www.cmchealth.net.