Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program
The Monmouth County
Health Department (MCHD) will begin its weekly beach water quality sampling
program the week of May 14. Forty-seven guarded beaches in the County's coastal
region will be monitored for Enterococcus bacteria to assure safe bathing in
coastal waters. Bathing water is also
monitored for other potential hazards, such as medical waste and algae blooms,
to assure public safety. The MCHD collected over 1000 water samples in 2017. Sample results can be found at www.njbeaches.org.
Preventing Mosquito bites
Once again, it is the time of year to Fight the Bite! There are two different, but equally important, steps to help you from getting bitten by mosquitoes.
1. Eliminate any standing water on your property. All mosquitoes use standing water to develop from the egg stage to the adult stage. Read the list of potential habitats for mosquito larvae.
2. Use insect repellants when you are outdoors. Whenever outdoors, use a mosquito repellent on exposed skin having one of the following active ingredients: picaridin, DEET, IR-3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow product label directions.
3. If you have a mosquito problem, submit a request for service to the County's Mosquito Control at 732-542-3639 or online.
New Jersey Revises the
Code Regulating Public Pools and Bathing Beaches
For the first time since 2009, New Jersey has revised NJAC 8:26 the state code regulating public swimming pools, wading pools, bathing beaches, spas and
whirlpools, waterparks and spray parks. The changes
will better protect the general public while at the beach or pool. Some of the changes include the requirement
that an Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED) be provided on site. Public bathrooms are required in or within
100 feet of the facility or portable rest rooms must be provided.
Additional changes in the code include a slight change in the wording of
the required signage. Throw ropes
capable of reaching from poolside to poolside are now required equipment. Reach/assist
poles may not be telescoping and plastic rescue hooks that snap on are no
longer acceptable.
Add Your Septic Tank to Your Spring Cleaning
List!
As a homeowner you are
responsible for maintaining your septic system. Maintaining your septic system
protects your investment in your home.
Unlike those who live in areas served by
regional sewerage systems, septic system owners are unique because they are
solely responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of their wastewater
treatment and disposal system. By adhering to simple guidelines, septic system owners can ensure years of trouble-free operation
with minimal maintenance.
Homeowners of properties served by individual
subsurface sewage systems (AKA septic systems) have some responsibilities that
that those who are connected to a public sewer do not! The New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection has created a Homeowners Guide that
every homeowner using a septic system should read and follow. Some key
highlights from the Guide are included below for a quick reference. The
entire Guide can be found at: http://www.nj.gov/dep/dwq/pdf/septicmn.pdf. Additionally, Health Department Inspectors are always available to
answer any questions homeowners may have regarding proper care and maintenance
of their septic systems.
Top Four Things You Can Do To Protect Your
Septic System
- Inspect and pump your system every three
years.
- Use water efficiently.
- Don’t dispose of non-biodegradable items or
household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
- Care for your drainfield.
Septic System Dos and Don’ts
DO: Check
with the local regulatory agency or inspector/pumper before installing a
garbage disposal unit to make
sure your septic system can handle additional waste.
DO: Check
with your local health department before using additives. Additives do not eliminate
the need for
periodic pumping and can be harmful to
the system.
DO: Use
water efficiently to avoid overloading the septic system. Be sure to repair
leaky faucets or toilets. Use
high-efficiency fixtures.
DO: Plant
only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs
might clog and
damage the drainfield.
DO: Use
commercial bathroom cleaner and laundry detergents in moderation. Many people
prefer to clean their
toilets, sinks, showers and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda.
DO: Keep
records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued and other system
maintenance activities, so there is a record to help troubleshooting problems as
well as for having a record for a future home sale.
DO: Learn
the location of your septic system. Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance
record for service
visits.
DO: Have
your septic system inspected at least every three years and pumped periodically (generally
every three to five years) by a licensed inspector/contractor.
DON’T: Put dental floss, feminine hygiene
products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, latex paint, pesticides or
other hazardous chemicals into your system.
DON”T: Use caustic drain openers for a
clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs.
DON”T: Drive or park vehicles on any part
of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or
damage the pipes, tank or other septic system components.
Congratulations to Matthew
Wysokinski
Congratulations to Matthew Wysokinski on receiving the Registered Health
Environmental Specialist of the Year Award. The award recognizes Matt’s dedication
and the major role he plays in the field of public and environmental health. The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders
recognized Matthew at their March 19th Board meeting.
Royal Flush Sewage
Pump‐Out Boat
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Through a cooperative effort by MCHD and the NY/NJ Baykeeper
Organization, the Royal Flush pump out boat will return for the 2018
boating season. It's mission
is to prevent the potential discharge of raw sewage into Monmouth County waterways.
The Baykeeper will provide captains
to operate the Royal Flush and
the MCHD will administer
the program and maintain
the boat in operational condition. The service is available to all recreational boaters, and is not
limited to Monmouth County residents.
In 2017, the Royal Flush serviced 826 boats and removed 28,260 gallons
of sewage.
More information on the program and useful information for recreational boaters is available on the Royal
Flush webpage.
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Free
Rabies Clinics
The MCHD
offers free rabies clinics in convenient locations. New clinics are added on a
regular basis, so visit our Calendar
of Events often!
Saturday
NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP 9 - 11 a.m.
May
5
Public Works
Garage, 2201 Heck Avenue
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The MCHD conducted over 310 Recreational Bathing Facility inspections in
2017, including pools, spas, splash parks, ocean bathing beaches and a
waterpark. |
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