A review of Hamilton Harbour beaches: Towards delisting 2020, successes and challenges
Keywords:
E. coli , beach grooming, Remedial Action Plan, provincial water quality objectiveAbstract
Bayfront and Pier 4 Beaches are located in Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, Canada. Both beaches experienced health advisory postings >60% of the bathing season prior to 2005. In order to de-list Hamilton Harbour as one of 43 areas of concerns, the water quality at Bayfront and Pier 4 Beaches must meet the provincial water quality objective of 100 cfu of Escherichia coli 100 ml−1 > = 80% of the bathing season for a minimum of three consecutive years. In 2005, the Hamilton Harbour Beach Committee was formed to guide beach managers on decisions pertaining to beach remediation and E. coli mitigation. Here we discuss the various studies, projects and public outreach programs delivered by Environment Canada, the City of Hamilton and the Bay Area Restoration Council to improve beach health and move toward delisting as an Area of Concern by 2020.
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