FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2008
Precautionary advisory issued for Horry County beaches
COLUMBIA – An ocean water quality advisory is being issued as a precaution for all beaches in Horry County because of potential higher levels of bacteria resulting from heavy rainfall expected from Tropical Storm Hanna, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
“Heavy rains can flush storm drains and swashes that could affect ocean water quality along the shoreline,” said Shannon Berry, DHEC’s beach monitoring coordinator. “The higher amounts of bacteria could result in an upset stomach or other intestinal illness for those who swallow ocean water while in the surf. DHEC staff will sample the ocean water quality as soon as possible once the storm passes.”
Berry said test results will be reported to the media in the Grand Strand and on the DHEC Web site at www.scdhec.gov/beach.
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For more information:
Thom Berry – (803) 898-3885
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3884
Emergency & after-hours pager – 1-800-614-8246
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