By Gary Pitts
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-988115.mp3
Murray, KY – You may have had the chance this summer to spend time on the Clarks River, boating, swimming, or fishing, and you may be planning to head out there this fall. Before you do, you should know the Kentucky Division of Water released a report last month showing high levels of E-coli in many parts of the river. Considering the coverage E-coli has gotten in the past, the question arises as to how concerned we should be. Gary Pitts got a copy of the report and brings us this look at what it means and how it affects us.
GARY: The Clarks River winds through more than 60 miles of West Kentucky, from southern Calloway County through the Jackson Purchase to where in pours into the Tennessee River. It serves as a recreational platform for many people throughout the region. But the Environmental Protection Agency says it's polluted. For this reason, the Kentucky Division of Water contracted scientists with the Hancock Biological Station at Murray State University to monitor and determine what level and kind of contamination exists in the Clarks River. They did so by creating a TMDL report. Dr. David White is the Director of the Biological Station.
DR. WHITE: "TMDL is the Total Maximum Daily Load, or the limits that should be set for that particular stream in this particular region that keep it a healthy stream for aquatic life, and also would not impair humans who may utilize the water."
GARY: While the results of this study are still being analyzed, one finding of particular importance is that many parts of the river throughout the entire watershed showed high levels of E-coli. WKMS originally reported that exposure to the Clarks River could result in E-coli poisoning, but that's not entirely accurate. Scientists say you can be contaminated by e-coli, not poisoned. And direct contact under certain circumstances can cause illness. Lead research scientist Dr. Susan Hendricks.
DR. HENDRICKS: "If people wade in this water, and there are high levels of e-coli in this water, there is a chance they could ingest this into their systems. Either through swimming or any other kind of recreational use. So the potential for e-coli contamination is there."
GARY: E-coli is a bacterium. It exists in the intestines of people and many animals. It helps us digest food and absorb water, but can be dangerous in large amounts. The test for e-coli, though, helps in detecting a bigger issue.
CLARK DORMAN: "Its kind of an inexpensive scientific way to say you've got human and animal waste flowing into that water body and contaminating it therefore creating opportunity to make people sick."
GARY: That's Clark Dorman. He's the Water Quality Manager for the Kentucky Division of Water. He says there are a plethora of other bacteria present in feces which can be dangerous when ingested. Most of these will cause some sort of gastro-intestinal illness that usually isn't deadly, but isn't much fun either. People would have to either drink the water or absorb some through an open cut or wound in order to become sick, and that is the danger. So how did we end up with feces in the water?
ALLISON FLECK: "There could be animals standing in streams, upstream in fields."
GARY: Allison Fleck is a spokesperson for the Division of Water.
FLECK: "There may be septic tanks that are no longer functioning properly and are releasing human waste. Straight pipes still occur in the state unfortunately. These also are a source of contaminants."
GARY: Straight pipes are sewage lines that go directly into rivers and streams. These and other contaminants mentioned by Fleck are called non-point sources. Point sources are measured and regulated by the state. These are things like waste water plants and storm water discharge. Fleck says non-point sources can't be regulated or measured, but can contribute heavily to the Clarks River pollution. So how do we fix it? Dr. David White.
DR. WHITE: "There are any number of things that say a farmer or local resident can do to make sure that they're not adding to the problem. Land best management practices, which I think virtually every one of our local farmers already knows. For those people who may live along a stream, just make sure their sewage systems are working properly. Take care of them. See if you're part of the cause."
GARY: Whether or not you're part of the cause, the EPA will soon get a look at this study and determine its validity based on other factors that could contribute to the high e-coli levels. The EPA could strengthen regulation on point sources, and offer suggestions for reducing non-point sources. Until then, officials say the Clarks River is generally safe. Fish from the river can be eaten as long as they are cooked thoroughly. Just don't drink from it, and be careful if you plan to get in.