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LL 2012 RPU Final_Text_V2
by Duane 04 Jul '12

04 Jul '12

NOTE: CLEAR Letter is below and FirstEnergy Final Report is attached. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CHEAT LAKE ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION ASSOCIATION [CLEAR] DATE: May 15, 2012 Allegheny Energy (aka FirstEnergy) ATTN: Gary R. Haag, P.E. 800 Cabin Hill Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 RE: Comments on “Draft 2012 Recreation Plan Update, Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2459 – License Article 417.” INTRODUCTION: THE CHEAT LAKE PARK AND TRAIL At a ceremony in 1927, a bronze tablet, embedded in a great rock near the Lake Lynn hydroelectric dam, dedicates the lake and the generating facility to the public “in lasting beauty for recreation and the supplying of essential service.” And, in June of 2000, Allegheny Energy added a 20 acre park and a 4.5 mile hiking and biking trail on the banks of the Cheat Lake for the enjoyment of the general public. See: www.cheatlaketoday.com PROCLAMATION: The Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association [CLEAR] herewith acknowledges and thanks First Energy (formerly Allegheny Energy) and their maintenance contractor PACE Tech, now known as PACE Enterprises, for their accomplishments over the past three years to (1) open the South Trail year round from dawn to dusk and maintain this Trail in excellent condition for hiking, jogging, and bicycling, (2) installing a swimming beach at the Millstone Point accommodating to family swimming and picnicking, (3) installing and demarking the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail within the Cheat Haven Wildlife Viewing Area, and (4) establishing a CLEAR boat dock along the South Trail for public access via boat to the South Trail and to the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail. All these features and improvements have added substantially to the overall recreational benefit of the Cheat Lake Park and Trail, and these have noticeably increased the number of visits to the Park. We look forward to the maintenance and improvement of these new features during the coming years. Duane Nichols, President, Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association. COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT 2012 RECREATION PLAN UPDATE Hiking and Biking Trail. CLEAR believes the hiking and biking trails should be open to the fullest extent 24 hours per day and year round. Closing the South Trail at dusk and opening again at a specific morning time can be problematic for some users. The need for maintenace will continue, in the face of usage as well as due to weather events and land slides. CLEAR is very pleased to have been a part of the effort to establish the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail along with a number of other individuals who wanted to achieve public access to this remote area. Sheepskin Trail. CLEAR supports the continued development of the Sheepskin Trail along the Cheat River down to Pt. Marion, PA, and it's extension on south to join with the Monongahela River Trail, which would provide access to Morgantown and Fairmont. We also support the extension of the Sheepskin Trail north from the Lake Lynn Dam up into the interior of Fayette County, PA. A few more years will be required before these extension will be put into place. Bike Racks, Picnic Tables, Shelter(s). We are pleased that bike racks and picnic tables have been moved around to accommodate locations of greater need. And, the two main shelters serve an important function for those needing shelter from the sunshine or rain. It is important to maintain a bike rack and picnic table at the end of the South Trail and/or near the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail. Observation Platform at End of Trail or Elsewhere. We need at least one observation platform along the South Trail, to overlook the Lake itself. The view from the Trail is generally obscured by trees and other obstacles. CLEAR recommends that an “observation platform” be constructed for use of the general public. Suggested locations for consideration are (1) the end of the South Trail and/or (2) the CLEAR boat dock (near the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail). Three Rest Room Locations. It is important to maintain all the rest room facilities in working order and in a sanitary state. Low Usage Areas. It is desirable to explore additional useage opportunities for the Upper Day Use Picnic Area, for the Warm Hollow and Tower Run Viewing Areas. Privilege Permits. CLEAR supports the plan to no longer issue new privilege permits. In addition to the new rules that have been proposed, it would be appropriate to require that privilege permits be renewed at least every three years for existing permits that are to continue in force. For renewals, applicants should submit a picture of the present permitted site and a statement as to the amount of usage during the past few years and why the permit should be renewed. NOTE. Section 2.5 (Priviledge Permit Areas) is misleading and in need of updating or revision. Boat Docks. Boat docks need to be inspected annually, so as to adhere to rational rules of safety and appearance. Also, the day use boat docks must be kept in good repair. Shoreline Erosion. Shoreline erosion is a significant problem around the Lake, at some locations more so than others. Contributing factors are (1) the raising and lowering of the Lake as part of its hydroelectric generation function, and (2) boat wake from the recreational power boats that use the Lake. The latter factor is very significant during weekends and particularly so on holidays. CLEAR believes that if the Lake water level can be maintained at or below 869 feet (max. is 870) on weekends, the shoreline erosion can be significantly reduced. Water Quality. Water quality has improved due to sanitary treatment systems upstream and the treatment of acid mine draining. However, these issues still remain. There is some sewage that comes into the Cheat River and Cheat Lake, so monitoring for Fecal Coliform and E. Coli are appropriate. Also, there is acid mine water that flushes thru during high water events particularly. Further, there are threats to the Cheat River and to Cheat Lake resulting from the Marcellus shale drilling and hydrofracking operations upstream. One or more solid drilling waste dumps have been proposed for the Cheat River watershed; these would leach heavy metals into the Lake. The Lake is already contaminated with mercury such that an advisory exists restricting the human consumption of fish from the Lake. Fishing Tournaments. Fishing is very popular in Cheat Lake, which has an excellent rating State-wide. Adequate parking is needed to provide for the fishing public at these tournaments. Swimming Area Maintenance and Improvement. The leadership and cooperation exhibited by both AE (FirstEnergy) and PACE Tech during the construction and implementation of the Millstone Point swimming area and the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail were outstanding. And, the necessary man-hours were applied in a prompt, effective, and efficient manner. We need to continue to clear floating debris from the swimming area and clear poison ivy from the shore area. We want to improve the beach with softer sand and to place a continuing emphasis on SAFETY. Signage. Signs on WV 857 for the Cheat Lake Park would be very useful to the public. Web-site. FirstEnergycorp.com (Formerly www.cheatlaketoday.com ). This web-site is not as functional and friendly as the previous one, in my opinion. It is a challenge to locate the Information on Cheat Lake; and it is difficult to browse or find specific information of interest, as revealed by the imbedded web-site sequence below: Home>Environment> Sustainability>Cheat Lake. AKA: cheatlaketoday.com Public Meetings. It is proposed that two informal meetings and one formal Annual Meeting be set each year to address the Cheat Lake environment. One such meeting every three years, as has been in the past, is not adequate to maintain continuity of attention to the various opportunities, issues, and problems relating to First Energy and the general public. Thank you for your considerations and attention to these matters. Respectfully submitted, Original signed by Duane Nichols Duane G. Nichols, President Cheat Lake Environment & Recreation Assn. 330 Dream Catcher Circle Morgantown, WV 26508 304-216-5535, duane330(a)aol.com cc: FERC, CLEAR Board, Mon County Planner Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Cheat Lake Water Report: June 19, 2012
by Duane330＠aol.com 03 Jul '12

03 Jul '12

WATER BACTERIOLOGICAL REPORT Cheat Lake, Monongalia County, WV Samples Collected June 19, 2012 1. Millstone Beach, Cheat Lake: Total Coliforms 133.3, E. Coli 1.0 2. Ruble Run Backwater, near Trail: Total Coliforms 201.4, E. Coli 2.0 3. EKC Camp Cove, near Forks of Cheat Forest: TC 248.9, E. Coli < 1.0 NOTES: Sampling by CLEAR, Water Analysis by WV Department of Health, Charleston, WV. The above results indicate that these locations in Cheat Lake were acceptable for swimming. An advisory is typically posted with the E. Coli reaches 200 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. If the E. Coli reaches say 1000, the Health Department would typically close the beach for swimming. [It is not recommend that the raw water from Cheat Lake be used for drinking water, as the quality various sometimes from one day to the next.] Acknowledgement: Let me take this opportunity to thank Jan Reger-Nash, Donna Weems, and Mike Strager for their assistance on Cheat Lake. On June 26th, six large trees were floated from the main channel of the Lake to near the shoreline, some 14 barrels were retrieved from the Lake, two automobile tires were removed, and various bottles, cans and other items were removed. PACE Enterprises subsequently transported these materials to a landfill. Duane Nichols, Cell Phone: 304-216-5535

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Clear, Clean Water
by Duane 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

Duane Nichols, CLEAR, Promoting safe recreation and a clean environment!

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TapIt to see 10 Reasons To Drink Tap Water
by Duane 16 Jun '12

16 Jun '12

http://ecowatch.org/2012/top-10-reasons-to-drink-tap-water/ Top 10 Reasons to Drink Tap Water 06-14-2012 EcoWatch To put it in perspective, you can expect to pay upwards of three dollars for a bottle of water—and much more if you’re at a concert or event where you aren’t given much choice. The same amount of water that would cost three dollars at a store would cost you around a penny if you sourced it from your tap. The bottled water industry thrives on the sad but true idea that perception is reality—the oldest trick in the marketer’s play book. We see a bottle of water with a quaint image of a mountain spring and, consciously or not, make the connection that the water is a product from that very fictional place, conjured in some fluorescently lit office complex by a corporate art department. And in an industry not known for its tight regulatory record, there’s a strong possibility that your bottled water came straight from a municipal supply anyway, same as your tap water. But beyond the mind-boggling inflation of bottled water, how else are we paying for it? As it turns out, we’re paying a lot more than we ever could have imagined bargaining for. Thanks to TapIt, the infographic below provides 10 convincing reasons to abandon the bottle for the tap:

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Sailboat
by Reger-Nash, Bill 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

Thanks to the two of you for your endless kindness. Aloha, Bill Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint! ----- Reply message ----- From: "Duane" <duane330(a)aol.com> Date: Wed, Jun 13, 2012 7:22 pm Subject: [CLEAR] Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p To: "CLEAR(a)cheat.org" <CLEAR(a)cheat.org> From: "Peggy Pings" <mpings(a)wvu.edu<mailto:mpings@wvu.edu>> Date: June 13, 2012 6:47:54 PM EDT To: <Peggy <mpings(a)wvu.edu<mailto:mpings@wvu.edu>> Subject: Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p Please join us Saturday, June 23, for a relaxing paddling adventure on a section of Dunkard Creek, from Gas Company Road (near Mount Morris PA) to Old Water Works Road (near Davistown PA), about 4 miles. RSVP requested. Scroll down for details.... ------------ On April 12, I sent you information about 5 paddling trips on the Mon River. The June 17 trip on the Mon River at Greensboro PA is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, we are offering a trip on Dunkard Creek on June 23. The Izaak Walton League of America – Harry Enstrom Greene County PA Chapter presents PADDLE TRIP: Saturday, June 23, 2012 Beginner Canoe and Kayak Outing All Experience Levels Are Welcome Sat, June 23, 10am-2pm. Dunkard Creek (Gas Company Road near Mt Morris PA to Old Water Works Road near Davistown PA, about 4 miles). DIRECTIONS TO DUNKARD CREEK AT GAS COMPANY ROAD BRIDGE: -TAKE I-79 EXIT AT MOUNT MORRIS, PA -TURN EAST, THEN TURN LEFT ONTO GAS COMPANY ROAD (SR2009) -THE TRUCK STOP WILL BE ON YOUR RIGHT -PROCEED ABOUT 2 MILES AND BEAR LEFT AT THE FORK IN ROAD -PROCEED ABOUT 0.25 MILES AND A GAS COMPRESSOR STATION WILL APPEAR ON THE LEFT AND THE BRIDGE OVER DUNKARD IS JUST AHEAD. NOTE: Meet at 10am. Total trip with shuttling may take till 2pm or so. Trips are set up to be self-sufficient, fun, exploratory trips. Quick paddling lesson is included. Everyone is responsible for their own self & safety, food/drinks, gear, boats. You must have a personal flotation device (PFD) lifejacket for each person. Meet at the put-in by 10am, and we will set up shuttle together (this could take an hour). Please try to be early. If water level on Shannopin Gauge (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03072000<https://console.mxlogic.com/redir/?6VJMQsCzBVVd5US03crfUErfurEhFN6FD6WrA34G…>) is below 2.0 feet, we will paddle a different section with deeper water. COST: These trips are insured by Paddle America Club, and are provided at no cost to American Canoe Association members. Non-members must pay $5/trip. Everyone must sign a waiver form (attached). Please RSVP your interest, and for directions to the put-in. Peggy Pings <mpings(a)wvu.edu<mailto:mpings@wvu.edu>> Trip co-leader Core WV 304.879.5622 home 304.282.7464 cell (no signal at home) John Yesenosky <justyjohn1(a)yahoo.com<mailto:justyjohn1@yahoo.com>> Trip co-leader Garards Fort PA 724-966-7367 home 724-880-5531 cell Canoe & Kayak Rentals: Keith McManus, Greensboro, PA 304.

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Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p
by Duane 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

> From: "Peggy Pings" <mpings(a)wvu.edu> > Date: June 13, 2012 6:47:54 PM EDT > To: <Peggy <mpings(a)wvu.edu> > Subject: Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p > > Please join us Saturday, June 23, for a relaxing paddling adventure on a section of Dunkard Creek, from Gas Company Road (near Mount Morris PA) to Old Water Works Road (near Davistown PA), about 4 miles. RSVP requested. > Scroll down for details.... > ------------ > > On April 12, I sent you information about 5 paddling trips on the Mon River. The June 17 trip on the Mon River at Greensboro PA is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, we are offering a trip on Dunkard Creek on June 23. > > The Izaak Walton League of America – Harry Enstrom Greene County PA Chapter presents > > PADDLE TRIP: Saturday, June 23, 2012 > Beginner Canoe and Kayak Outing > All Experience Levels Are Welcome > > Sat, June 23, 10am-2pm. Dunkard Creek (Gas Company Road near Mt Morris PA to Old Water Works Road near Davistown PA, about 4 miles). DIRECTIONS TO DUNKARD CREEK AT GAS COMPANY ROAD BRIDGE: -TAKE I-79 EXIT AT MOUNT MORRIS, PA -TURN EAST, THEN TURN LEFT ONTO GAS COMPANY ROAD (SR2009) -THE TRUCK STOP WILL BE ON YOUR RIGHT -PROCEED ABOUT 2 MILES AND BEAR LEFT AT THE FORK IN ROAD -PROCEED ABOUT 0.25 MILES AND A GAS COMPRESSOR STATION WILL APPEAR ON THE LEFT AND THE BRIDGE OVER DUNKARD IS JUST AHEAD. > > NOTE: Meet at 10am. Total trip with shuttling may take till 2pm or so. Trips are set up to be self-sufficient, fun, exploratory trips. Quick paddling lesson is included. Everyone is responsible for their own self & safety, food/drinks, gear, boats. You must have a personal flotation device (PFD) lifejacket for each person. Meet at the put-in by 10am, and we will set up shuttle together (this could take an hour). Please try to be early. > If water level on Shannopin Gauge (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03072000) is below 2.0 feet, we will paddle a different section with deeper water. > > COST: These trips are insured by Paddle America Club, and are provided at no cost to American Canoe Association members. Non-members must pay $5/trip. Everyone must sign a waiver form (attached). > > Please RSVP your interest, and for directions to the put-in. > Peggy Pings <mpings(a)wvu.edu> > Trip co-leader > Core WV > 304.879.5622 home > 304.282.7464 cell (no signal at home) > > John Yesenosky <justyjohn1(a)yahoo.com> > Trip co-leader > Garards Fort PA > 724-966-7367 home > 724-880-5531 cell > > Canoe & Kayak Rentals: > Keith McManus, Greensboro, PA 304. > > >

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Didymo (Rock Snot) Discovered in the Yough
by Duane 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

> From: Youghiogheny Riverkeeper <yrk(a)mtwatershed.com> > Date: June 4, 2012 11:38:38 AM EDT > Subject: Didymo (Rock Snot) Discovered in the Yough > Reply-To: Youghiogheny Riverkeeper <yrk(a)mtwatershed.com> > > > Email not displaying correctly? > View it in your browser. > > Rock Snot Discovered in the Yough > We've received the following notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection about the recent discovery of the aquatic invasive plant species Didymo (commonly known as "rock snot") in the Youghiogheny River. Please forward this along to others, and read on for precautions you can use to help curb the spread of Didymo to other area waterways. Thank you! > > Didymo has now been confirmed in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near Ohiopyle, PA. A single sample was taken in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near some large boulders with tufts of Didymo growing at moderate length. The sample was taken by Erik L. Silldorff, PhD, an Aquatic Biologist. On Friday, June 1st, The Academy of Natural Sciences verified the identification of the sample submitted by Dr. Silldorff. Dr. Silldorff noted, “there was plenty of Didymo on the rocks so I had no trouble finding material to collect, and my sample was filled with nice, healthy, living Didymo. So, in terms of a risk of spread, I would say the Youghiogheny is now a potential launching pad, especially with the combined traffic of whitewater enthusiasts and trout anglers.” According to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Didymo, "can smother entire stream beds with mats as thick as eight inches and can ruin just about any river or creek." Additional information can be found here: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/water/habitat/ans/ > didymo/faq_didymo.htm > > As you know, the Ohiopyle area is heavily used for recreation. All users of the river should take extra precaution to clean all equipment used in the Youghiogheny before entering other waterbodies. Didymo is a diatom that causes severe degradation of stream habitat in some places. It can be spread by moving just a small amount – maybe even just a cell or two. Take extra care in cleaning boats, gear, equipment before transporting to another waterbody! Gear can be disinfected by using a 10% household bleach and 90% water solution or a strong salt solution (minimally, use at least a true 5% salt solution). Allow either solution to remain in contact with equipment for at least 10 minutes! Either solution can be harsh on gear and equipment so be sure to rinse everything with plenty of water after disinfecting. Take extra care to properly disinfect porous materials such as nets, ropes, cloth items, water shoes, and especially felt-soled waders and wading shoes! > > Please forward this email to alert other Youghiogheny River users to the presence of this invasive species and to encourage extra care in cleaning gear so as not to spread Didymo. Thank you! > > > Find us on Facebook > > Follow on Twitter > > Forward to a Friend > > To learn more about the Mountain Watershed Association and our current projects and campaigns or to make a contribution to support our work please visit our website. > > Contact Us > Beverly Braverman > Executive Director > mwa(a)mtwatershed.com > > Krissy Kasserman > Youghiogheny Riverkeeper > yrk(a)mtwatershed.com > > Charlotte Shetler > Office Administrator > charlotte(a)mtwatershed.com > > Veronica Coptis > Community Organizer > veronica(a)mtwatershed.com > > Carla Ruddock > Field Technician > carla(a)mtwatershed.com > > Melissa Troutman > Outreach Coordinator > melissa(a)mtwatershed.com > > Terri Springer > AmeriCorps Volunteer > terri(a)mtwatershed.com > follow on Twitter | Find us on Facebook | forward to a friend > Copyright © 2012 Mountain Watershed Association, All rights reserved. > You are receiving this email because of your interest in the Mountain Watershed Association. > Our mailing address is: > Mountain Watershed Association > PO Box 408 > 1414-B Indian Creek Valley Road > Melcroft, PA 15462 > > Add us to your address book > > unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences >

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Didymo in Yough River
by Duane 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

Rock Snot Discovered in the Yough We've received the following notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection about the recent discovery of the aquatic invasive plant species Didymo (commonly known as "rock snot") in the Youghiogheny River. Please forward this along to others, and read on for precautions you can use to help curb the spread of Didymo to other area waterways. Thank you! Didymo has now been confirmed in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near Ohiopyle, PA. A single sample was taken in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near some large boulders with tufts of Didymo growing at moderate length. The sample was taken by Erik L. Silldorff, PhD, an Aquatic Biologist. On Friday, June 1st, The Academy of Natural Sciences verified the identification of the sample submitted by Dr. Silldorff. Dr. Silldorff noted, “there was plenty of Didymo on the rocks so I had no trouble finding material to collect, and my sample was filled with nice, healthy, living Didymo. So, in terms of a risk of spread, I would say the Youghiogheny is now a potential launching pad, especially with the combined traffic of whitewater enthusiasts and trout anglers.” According to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Didymo, "can smother entire stream beds with mats as thick as eight inches and can ruin just about any river or creek." Additional information can be found here: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/water/habitat/ans/ didymo/faq_didymo.htm As you know, the Ohiopyle area is heavily used for recreation. All users of the river should take extra precaution to clean all equipment used in the Youghiogheny before entering other waterbodies. Didymo is a diatom that causes severe degradation of stream habitat in some places. It can be spread by moving just a small amount – maybe even just a cell or two. Take extra care in cleaning boats, gear, equipment before transporting to another waterbody! Gear can be disinfected by using a 10% household bleach and 90% water solution or a strong salt solution (minimally, use at least a true 5% salt solution). Allow either solution to remain in contact with equipment for at least 10 minutes! Either solution can be harsh on gear and equipment so be sure to rinse everything with plenty of water after disinfecting. Take extra care to properly disinfect porous materials such as nets, ropes, cloth items, water shoes, and especially felt-soled waders and wading shoes! Please forward this email to alert other Youghiogheny River users to the presence of this invasive species and to encourage extra care in cleaning gear so as not to spread Didymo. Thank you! http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a555537d2a466e9f1f809a3b3&id=41459cd1b1…

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Swimming group incident
by Dee Fulton 03 Jun '12

03 Jun '12

Hi all. On Wednesday evenings, a small group of swimmers have been meeting at Millstone Point Beach and swimming distances in the lake as part of their training for triathlons. I know of this group because I made the acquaintance of one of the swimmers while we were both doing physical therapy at Healthworks. Anyway, last Wednesday I was at the park and trail prepping for the nature walk and I spoke with the guard, Tom. Tom told me that he had encountered this group and told them that they could not be swimming where they were, which was toward the dam on the east side of the lake. Any comments? Suggestions? I'd like this group to be able to continue their training, but there is a concern for their safety amongst boat traffic. Deb/Dee

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Waterkeeper Launches Swim Guide App « EcoWatch:
by Duane 03 Jun '12

03 Jun '12

http://ecowatch.org/2012/waterkeeper-launches-swim-guide-app/ Waterkeeper Launches Swim Guide App Marc Yaggi People love summer. Whether you are in school, getting anxious for a summer break or at work dreaming of weekend getaways, summer brings smiles and warm memories to most of us. And like summer, everyone loves a day at the beach. We love to go to the beach to cool off, play in the sand, go fishing or snorkeling, escape the city heat, and, most importantly, spend time with our friends and family. Every year, we make 2 billion trips to roughly 4,000 beaches, spending billions of dollars in the process. Unfortunately, however, water quality at many beaches around the U.S. is declining. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently estimated that up to 3.5 million people will become sick after swimming at their favorite beach or swimming hole this year. Despite nearly 40 years of Clean Water Act successes, polluted runoff, sewer overflows, and other human activities are threatening one of our favorite summer pastimes, as noted below in this video from California resident MJ Mazurek. A contributing factor to these threats is that people lack access to up-to-date, easy to understand information on where and when it is safe to swim, until now. Today, we have the solution to beach contamination and beach information problems: the Waterkeeper Swim Guide. Created by Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide is a smartphone app and website that tells you where your closest beaches are, which ones are open for swimming, and which have unreliable monitoring data. In fact, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide goes further by describing the laws, policies and sampling procedures that apply to your beaches; drawing attention to the beaches with chronic water quality problems so we can protect them; drawing attention to the areas where beach quality data is not collected, is unreliable, or is not being released; and promoting beaches with the best water quality. Today, in time for summer 2012, Waterkeeper Alliance is launching the Waterkeeper Swim Guide in the states of Florida and California, adding to the Guide’s existing stock of beaches in Miami, FL; Mobile, AL; the Great Lakes; Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Quebec. Swim Guide uses information from government monitoring sources and offers historical beach status information to help people make informed decisions about where and when they want to swim. At the same time, we have partnered with Hertz to make the Waterkeeper Swim Guide available in the coming months on Hertz’s rental car NeverLost system. We wouldn’t have been able to bring the Swim Guide to California and Florida without their support. Swim Guide is a public education vehicle that helps to drive environmental change. It draws attention to areas in need of better environmental protection and fosters a connection between communities and their local waters. A new feature on the app now allows citizens to take action to protect their waterways, by using their smartphone to take a picture of and report pollution to their local Waterkeeper. The long-term benefits of the Waterkeeper Swim Guide include improved public policy, a more engaged community, strengthened communications, and better restoration and protection of our waterways. Beachgoers are passionate about their favorite beaches; if you discovered that your favorite beach was unsafe on some days, you would take action, wouldn’t you? The Swim Guide now makes it easy. Like beaches, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide is available for free to anyone with internet access or a smartphone. Throughout the summer and beyond, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide will be coming to your community to help ensure that you can go down to your local beach and have a swim without fear of getting sick. Download the free app on the Android and iPhone today! Visit EcoWatch’s WATER page for more related news on this topic. Click here to read other posts by Marc Yaggi. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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