2 NJ Beaches Could Be Closed Because Of Fecal Bacteria, DEP Says

UPDATE: The beaches were kept open.

ORIGINAL STORY: Two beaches could be closed this week because of "unsafe" levels of bacteria found in animal and human waste, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The problems were initially discovered Monday and Tuesday, with the beaches exceeding the bacteria concentration limit of 104 colony-forming units (cfu) of Enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, according to the DEP.

Both beaches were placed under a water quality advisory. They are:

• Somers Point, New Jersey Avenue (bay)
• Long Branch City, Atlantic Avenue (ocean)

Some of the harmful effects of Enterococci, a bacteria found in animal and human waste, include infections that cause fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The same problem happened last year, when 47 New Jersey beaches were found to have "unsafe levels," according to Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesman. Those beaches also tested above allowable levels for bacteria found in human and animal feces.

Read more: 47 NJ Beaches At Risk Of Closing Due To Fecal Bacteria, DEP Says

Back then, Hajna said the problem is caused largely by the rain that caused a lot of stormwater runoff carrying animal waste into the swimming areas. "Birds congregate a lot," he said. "When they defecate, it carries into the water."