September 13, 2021

Mike Beattie
MA Department of Public Health

RE: Ocean Bluff Beach Water Testing

Good day Mr. Beattie,

Hope this letter/report finds you well. We previously spoke 2019, prior to Covid-19 outbreak about
water quality and testing in Marshfield, MA; after speaking with you and learning about the water
testing process; I have tested Ocean Bluff Beach at a private lab each of the last 3 Summers.

On Wednesday, September 8, 2021; at 2:17pm, I collected a sample outside of 506 Ocean Street,
Marshfield, MA. The conditions were calm with the tide almost high, sunny with heavy amount of
seaweed present; below are photos of conditions at time of sample. Prior to collection, it had not
rained, in any significant level, for at least a couple of days. I collected a sample from under the surface
in chest deep water. At 2:35pm, I submitted the sample to Morrell Associates in Marshfield, MA.
On Friday afternoon, September 10, 2021, I received the results of the sample collection. The results
were shocking.

The State website lists Marine Water Single Sample for E. coli/Enterococci limit at 104 and Fresh Water
limit for single sample at 235. The lab lists the limit at 230/100mL. The E. coli result from September 8,
2021 came back with 5,800/100mL.

That’s correct, 5,800.

I was not anticipating that number, a dirty result yes, but somewhere around 250-300mL range.
5,800/100mL some serious questions need to be asked, follow-up and monitoring need to be planned.
As a resident of area, I believe there are 3 potential sources for why the E. coli level is so high.
*Heavy Seaweed stuck all Summer on Ocean Bluff Beach, rotting/decaying in Sun & hot temps.
*A drainage runoff pipe at the Massasoit Ave Public Ramp, about 100 yards from collection site
*Sewage release pipe located about a mile South, off of Brant Rock.

Is the sewage release to blame?

Is it true, that the recent Climate Change law signed by Governor Baker requires municipalities to alert
public when a discharge occurs?
Is there a central website/database that tracks each release?
How often/common is a test result with E. coli in the thousands?
Where has it occurred?
What actions were taken?
What health issues does 5,800/100mL E. Coli cause?
What agencies/departments need to be notified of the result?

In 2019, the sample taken, in same spot, in frigid, crystal-clear water, the results were perfect, 0/100mL.
In 2020, in light-moderate seaweed, the results were 81/100mL.
The seaweed in 2020 shifted occasionally, sometimes going offshore for a few days before returning,
also there was a drought that Summer.
2021 the seaweed shifted up and down beach, but rarely leaving the bit of sand we have at low-tide.
When it does shift down beach, the seaweed leaves a black residue behind.
I know Covid-19 is still the top priority and swimming season is generally over, however,
Residents/Boaters/Commercial Lobstermen do fish within immediate area, Surfers are in the water
year-round and some residents have gastrointestinal health issues or developed/fighting colon cancer.

Some sort of action is needed to identify the source with hard evidence as well as protect the health and
the Ocean Bluff residents but also the ecological health of area.
I hope this letter/report starts the process of organizing all the relevant agencies/departments to
investigate this result.

I am hopeful we could arrange a phone call or Zoom to discuss further the results of test. In addition to
Department of Public Health, I will be following up with my local Board of Health as well. Thank you for
your time and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Michael Fay
617-312-2601
MichaelWFay@gmail.com
169 Plymouth Ave
Marshfield, MA
DRAINAGE PIPE at Massasoit Ave, Marshfield, MA

Tuesday September 7, 2021

Wednesday September 8, 2021, 8:30am
September 8, 2021, 2:17pm (Sample conditions)

Sewer Discharge Map