When the Signs are Removed
When state standards for any of 3 types of indicator bacteria are exceeded at a beach, the area is posted with warning signs. The signs are removed when subsequent samples indicate the bacteria are no longer present.
Brief History
The ocean water monitoring program began in February of 2003 when 4 Humboldt County beaches were originally chosen for monitoring based on their relatively high visitor use and proximity to creeks with summer flow. Since mid-November 2004, a 5th sampling site, at the northern side of the Mad River mouth just above Mad River Beach (the southernmost boundary of Clam Beach), has been monitored.