The Back River Restoration Committee reports high bacteria levels in local waterways.
“Mother Nature has not been kind to use these past few weeks. Not only did she send tons of trash our way, but this round of sampling is showing high bacteria levels in several upstream testing locations,” BRRC said a statement on social media.
“Just a reminder that bacteria levels can be elevated 48 hours after a significant rain event. The best way to protect yourself from potential e.coli contamination is to wait at least 48 hours after a heavy rain before going into area rivers, lakes, or ponds.”
Here are some of the levels in Essex, Dundalk and Sparrows Point waterways
✅Lynch Point 12.2 MPN/100mL
✅Wildwood Beach 2 MPN/100mL
✅Millers Island 1 MPN/100mL
✅Todd Point 8.4 MPN/100mL
🛑Stemmers Run >2,419.6 MPN/100mL
✅Muddy Gut 4.1 MPN/100mL
✅Cox’s Point 58.1 MPN/100mL
🛑BRWWTP Effluent 2,419.6 MPN/100mL
🛑695 Overpass >2,419.6 MPN/100mL
🛑Herring Run >2,419.6 MPN/100mL
🛑Eastern Avenue Bridge >2,419.6 MPN/100mL
✅Rive Drive 50.4 MPN/100mL
To see a map of testing locations or to make a donation to the group, go to www.savebackriver.org.
BRRC reminds the public it is unsafe to come in contact with surface waters with an E.coli level greater than 235 MPN/100mL.
One person that was upset with the results, especially around the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, was Delegate Bob Long.
“This is totally unacceptable. I have sent a letter to the Trump Administration and to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin over the gross mismanagement of the Back River Treatment Plant,” Long wrote on social media.
“I am hoping to get federal help in making the necessary changes, updates, and repairs to the facility. Our children do not deserve to swim in filth.”
