Did the Beach Act significantly change the way Suffolk monitors its beaches?
Yes. Under Beach Act guidelines, rather than being sampled equally, the frequency with which beaches are monitored should depend on the relative risk associated with their use. Accordingly, a risk assessment has been conducted at all Suffolk County beaches and each facility classified into one of three levels (Tiers 1-3) with Tier 1 being then highest risk level. Factors considered in the assessment included pollution threats (outfalls, discharges, runoff, waterfowl, boats, etc.), beach location, historical monitoring data, community input, and beach use. As a result of this assessment, Tier 1 beaches are monitored most frequently, with at least 1-2 samples collected weekly. At Tier 2 beaches, at least one weekly sample and at least five samples in a 30-day period are collected. Sampling at Tier I and Tier 2 beaches extends from approximately May 15th through September 15th. Tier 3 beaches, predominantly located on the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound, are sample
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