membrane is examined to determine the number of the fecal coliform bacteria colonies on each filter. Fecal coliform bacteria come from the waste of any warm-blooded animal. It could be from horses, sheep, goats, cows, birds or humans. The magic number of fecal coliform colonies is 14. The sample we examined had two colonies, meaning the water was good and well below a contamination level that would cause those waters to be condemned. A reading of over 14 colonies could cause the area from which it was taken to be put off-limits to shellfish harvesting. Data from the previous two-and-a-half years involving some 30 inspections would be considered in the evaluation of shellfish growing areas. The White Stone lab processes 985 samples of seawater collected monthly by the personnel at the White Stone field office.
In a specific location like Jackson
Creek in Middlesex County, Virginia, there are approximately eight seawater testing stations. A seawater station is actually a GPS coordinate where the seawater sample is taken and analyzed each month. The seawater sampling is carried out in good weather and bad, summer and winter. About the only thing that would interrupt the random taking of seawater samples would be a hurricane or the water being frozen over. Other factors, including the results of the DSS shoreline surveys, are reviewed in any decisions to declare any area of water off limits to shellfish harvesting. If the waters are deemed unsafe, red and black condemnation signs are posted at the shoreline to warn of the hazard. Several condemnation signs can be
seen on different parts of Jackson Creek, and mean that these areas are not safe for shellfish harvesting. It does not mean the harvesting of crabs is prohibited. The condemnation signs apply only to the harvesting of molluscan shellfish like oysters, clams, mussels and scallops. It is safe to swim in most condemned shellfish water in Virginia. The shellfish standard is much more stringent than the swimming standard. If you are concerned about a particular area, you should review the website:
www.vdh.virginia.gov/shellfish or call the DSS local office at 804-435-1095. Another part of protecting the quality and safety of local water is the DSS Shoreline Survey program. At the White
72 March/April 2011
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