The 'chocolate tube': Researchers testing polluted surfing beaches
Researchers from Monmouth University are studying water quality at popular surfing beaches along the Jersey Shore to document higher levels of harmful bacteria in the water after storms.
News 12 Staff
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Jun 9, 2019, 2:57 PM
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Updated 1,783 days ago
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By WAYNE PARRY
Associated Press
Associated Press
LONG BRANCH (AP) - Most surfers know it's best to avoid surfing near pipes that dump storm water into the ocean soon after a storm, due to the increased chance of getting sick from bacteria.
But many do it anyway because the periods just after storms often bring bigger waves.
Researchers from Monmouth University are studying water quality at popular surfing beaches along the Jersey Shore to document higher levels of harmful bacteria in the water after storms.
MORE: New Jersey Environment Coverage
Similar research is going on around the world by governments, volunteers and surfers themselves.
New Jersey environmental authorities say the links between heavy rainfall, ocean discharge pipes and temporary spikes in bacteria levels have been well-documented.
Surfers say they often brave post-storm conditions they call the "chocolate tube" or the "root beer float."
Similar research is going on around the world by governments, volunteers and surfers themselves.
New Jersey environmental authorities say the links between heavy rainfall, ocean discharge pipes and temporary spikes in bacteria levels have been well-documented.
Surfers say they often brave post-storm conditions they call the "chocolate tube" or the "root beer float."
(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
