Health Advisory Lifted At Nye Beach, Newport Working On The Issue

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on June 12th lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Nye Beach, located in Lincoln County. The health authority issued the advisory June 9, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters. Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels.

Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Since 2003, state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

The City of Newport will conduct a temporary dye test of its reclaimed water ocean outfall on Tuesday, June 16, beginning at approximately 8 a.m. A second test may be conducted later that day at approximately 3 p.m., if needed.

As part of the testing process, the City will introduce a commonly used food-grade, environmentally safe green dye into the reclaimed water discharged through the City's permitted ocean outfall. The dye poses no risk to public health, marine life, or water quality.

The reclaimed water has undergone full treatment at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant and meets all applicable state and federal wastewater discharge requirements prior to release through the ocean outfall.

During the testing period, members of the public may observe a green-colored plume approximately 1,000 feet offshore from Nye Beach. The temporary coloration is expected and is a normal part of the testing process. It does not indicate a spill, contamination event, system malfunction, or any threat to public health or water quality.

The dye test will help City staff identify and evaluate the location and condition of the ocean outfall infrastructure. Information gathered during the testing will support ongoing regulatory compliance requirements, permitting activities, and long-term planning for maintenance and improvements to Newport's wastewater system.

Routine assessment of critical infrastructure is an important part of the City's commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding environmental resources, and ensuring the continued reliability of essential wastewater services. The dye test provides valuable information that will help the City responsibly manage and maintain this important infrastructure.

Community members and visitors are encouraged to be aware of the testing activity and should not be alarmed if green coloration is visible offshore during the scheduled test periods.