[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     INTRODUCTION OF THE BEACH BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 1999

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Beaches 
Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1999--also known 
as the BEACH bill.
  The BEACH bill is straightforward. It seeks to establish uniform 
criteria for monitoring the quality of our coastal recreation waters, 
and to require sufficient notification of the public when those waters 
pose a risk to human health. As my colleagues know, I have championed 
this legislation for years, continuing the efforts of our friend Bill 
Hughes.
  In the 105th Congress, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and 
Environment of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a 
hearing on the BEACH bill. During that hearing, Gary Sirota of the 
Surfrider Foundation remarked that as a life-long surfer he is often 
asked ``What will you do if you see a shark.'' Mr. Sirota said that he 
always replies ``It's the ones you don't see that you have to worry 
about.'' This exchange provides an excellent analogy to the problem of 
contaminants in our coastal recreation waters. Families visiting the 
sand and surf cannot see toxic dangers that might be lurking in the 
water. And what they can't see can hurt them.
  Beach-going is part of our national identity. For those of us who 
live in coastal states, a trip to ``the Shore'' is a yearly summer 
event. Almost every American can remember a family pilgrimage to the 
beach--escaping the oppressing heat with a swim in the ocean. Coastal 
tourism is also big business. Members from coastal districts may be 
surprised to know that beaches are the number one tourist destination 
in the United States, receiving more visitors than even our national 
parks and recreation areas. Every summer, over 180 million Americans 
spend $74 million during visits to ocean, bay, and Great Lakes beaches.
  Both novice and experienced beachgoers are familiar with jellyfish 
and understand the need to avoid their painful stings. Unfortunately, 
other hazards, such as disease-causing bacteria, cannot be so easily 
avoided. These microorganisms can carry gastroenteritis and dysentery, 
which may bring on symptoms including fever, vomiting, nausea, headache 
and stomachache. The consequences may be even more severe for children, 
the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
  Currently, there is no national beach monitoring program and no 
uniform standards for beach closings and advisories. According to the 
National Resources Defense Council's July 1998 report ``Testing the 
Waters,'' only eight states comprehensively monitor their beaches. Even 
though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended water 
testing standards, the lion's share of our states do not monitor their 
beaches on a comprehensive basis. EPA's BEACH program, while a step in 
the right direction, does not actually require monitoring and 
notification. I commend EPA's efforts to address this important issue. 
In the past, the agency has supported the BEACH bill to give it the 
authority it needs to make testing and notification mandatory.
  People have the right to know if the waters that they and their 
families swim in are safe. That is why I continue to champion the BEACH 
bill to establish uniform standards and procedures for beach water 
testing, monitoring, and public notification. When standards are not 
met, beaches should be closed and potential bathers should be 
adequately alerted. The sheer volume of visitors to our beaches 
dictates that our coastal recreation waters should be tested regularly, 
and that beachgoers should be notified of any potential health risks. 
Establishing uniform criteria for testing and notification is 
responsible economic and public policy.
  The BEACH bill requires EPA to set minimum water quality standards to 
protect the public from disease-causing pathogens in coastal 
recreational waters and to establish procedures for monitoring coastal 
recreational waters. It requires states to alert the public whenever 
beach water quality standards are violated.
  Mr. Speaker, the BEACH bill had bipartisan support in the 105th 
Congress, and I look forward to working again with my colleagues on a 
bipartisan basis to make the public protections provided by this bill a 
reality.

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