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Closing beaches not the answer to fecal pollution

Suspects are the bay’s aging septic systems, vessel flushing and road run-off.
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Closing beaches not the answer to fecal pollution

Our dangerous annual fecal-coliform count season is upon us and Maple Bay Beach is its first victim. It’s already closed and we’re not even into hot weather yet.

North Cowichan’s job is to work with the region, the province and the feds to determine sources of such fecal pollution — and other forms of pollution — and stop it so folks can use Maple Bay and other beaches.

Closing beaches and posting signs sure isn’t the answer. Suspects regarding Maple Bay’s fecal fouling are the bay’s aging septic systems, vessel flushing and road run-off. I suggest our bylaw officers, including our new bylaw boss Martin Drakeley, start with these three places amid a stinky, annual situation that will only get worse — and keep more swimming beaches closed due to preventable pollution.

Peter W. Rusland

North Cowichan