Monitoring Stormwater Outfall Study In North Carolina Assesses Impacts Of Discharge To Coastal Ecosystem

Stormwater outfalls that flow into coastal waters can affect human and environmental health. Fecal contamination is a potential concern in areas adjacent to stormwater outfalls. Elevated levels of pathogenic bacteria and viruses have been found in waters near coastal stormwater outfalls around the world. This contamination leads to closures of recreational beaches and shellfish harvesting areas, to human illnesses, and to negative economic impacts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified ocean outfall research as a high priority.

The USEPA reported that of the 3,771 coastal beaches monitored in 2006, 1,201 (32 percent) had at least one advisory or closure during the 2006 season (USEPA, 2006). Beach closures have a significant impact on the tourism sector—the Nation's largest employer and second largest contributor to the GDP, generating over $700 billion annually. For example, the cost of closing a Lake Michigan beach could be as high as $37,000 per day (Durham County, 2007). Beaches are the lead¬ing tourist destination, with coastal states earning 85 percent of all U.S. tourism revenues. Approximately 89.3 million people vacation and recreate along U.S. coasts every year (Leeworthy, 2000).