In response to the EPA Region II announcement of a new water quality test which would reduce the current twenty-four hour testing period down to just three hours to yield results, Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) stated, “The concerted effort by the EPA to achieve better, faster, quality testing of ocean waters is a step in the right direction to ensure the health and safety of not just the ocean, but also the people who live in and visit the Jersey Shore area.” 

    In a press release made available today, EPA Region II Administrator Alan J. Steinberg stated, “Quicker tests will allow beach managers to make dramatically faster decisions about the safety of beach waters.” The release was timed with a demonstration today in Edison, New Jersey to show the accuracy of the new test which would be used to detect disease causing bacteria. “Today’s demonstration is a great example of how EPA is investing in sound science and new technology to protect public health and our coastal waters. We are delighted about the possibility that these faster, same day results will help reduce the chance that beach goers will be exposed to waterborne illnesses,” said Administrator Steinberg.

    In helping achieve the faster water quality testing, the EPA is working in conjunction with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection as well as the Monmouth County and Ocean County Health Departments including using water samples taken at beaches in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

    “I am very supportive of the EPA’s collaborative efforts with both the Monmouth and Ocean County Health Departments and NJDEP to improve the speed and accuracy of water quality testing. Faster quality results equal safer beaches,” said Smith.

    “As I have throughout my tenure in Congress, I will continue to support initiatives to improve water testing methods and promote federal policies that protects and enhances the safety and quality of our ocean,” said Smith who is a cosponsor of legislation to establish a “New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone” (HR 2854) which would, among other provisions: ban new ocean dump sites, ban new point source pollution and permanently end any possibility of oil and gas exploration or development off the NJ coastline.