This project will implement the beach monitoring program for the upcoming swimming season, including meeting performance criteria established by federal beach act to remain eligible for the beach grant

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 awarded the County of Erie, Pennsylvania $223,000 under the Beach Monitoring and Notification Program Implementation Grants (CFDA 66.472) federal grant program. This Project Grant will fund Erie County's implementation of a beach monitoring and public notification program for the 2023 swimming season. Specifically, the county will collect bacteriological water quality samples from designated recreational beaches, test the samples, and notify the public when waters exceed standards or are otherwise unsafe for swimming. A subawardee will assist with monitoring and sampling. Anticipated deliverables include submission of water quality data and documentation of public notices. The program aims to reduce swimmer illness through informing the public about beach water conditions.

This grant will fund the recipient's efforts to collect water samples from designated recreational beaches in erie county, pennsylvania. The water samples will be tested for bacteriological water quality and the public will be notified when the waters exceed the applicable water quality standards or beach notification threshold, and when they are not safe for swimming. These public notification efforts will protect human health by reducing the risk to the bathing public of contracting diseases from contaminated water. Activities:the monitoring and notification program will consist of bacteriological water quality monitoring at recreational bathing beaches, public notification and risk communication of the sample results, measures to notify EPA, and a public evaluation component. The grantee will notify the public of a water quality exceedance by issuing an advisory or closure. This program will be consistent with national beach guidance published at the time of grant award.subrecipient:the subawardee will conduct monitoring and sampling.outcomes:anticipated deliverables include submissions of water quality monitoring data and public notification actions and an annual summary report. The objective of the program is to reduce swimmer illness by providing the public with bacteriological information so they can make informed decisions about which beaches to attend. Beneficiaries of the program include all residents and tourists that visit the erie county beaches.