EPA Guidance Document Cites MST as Useful in Beach Monitoring

MIAMI - Oct. 8, 2015 - PRLog -- The U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency’s National Beach Guidance and Required Performance Criteria for Grants has identified Microbial Source Tracking (MST) as one of the most useful sources of information to help beach managers assess potential sources of fecal contamination and possible public health risks.

“MST methods can help managers identify the types (e.g., human versus nonhuman) and sources of fecal contamination, including those from nonpoint sources.”

In its Beach Guidance 2014 Edition, the EPA emphasized the importance of understanding the potential for exposure to fecal contamination.  The EPA also expanded and clarified the process for characterizing beach risk and use.  Results of MST analysis play a role in the assessment of potential sources of contamination and risks.  Critical information can also be gleaned from facilities authorized to discharge wastewater under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) such as publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), combined sewer systems, and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).   Reports under the Clean Water Act (CWA) Sections 303(d) and 319 can also come in handy.

The EPA also updated the monitoring procedures to include quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).  The EPA has validated qPCR methods for Enterococcus and it expects to validate qPCR methods for E. coli and Bacteroidales in the near future. The EPA sees qPCR methods as a tool for beach management as results can readily be available, which means they are more likely to reflect water quality on the day of sampling.

Source Molecular Corporation is the nation’s leader in the field of microbial source tracking.  Its laboratory uses qPCR technology in its MST analysis of water samples sent in by water managers across the country.  It has a license from the EPA use their patented genetic testing methods developed specifically for the detection of Human, Cattle, Chicken and Dog fecal pollution.  Aside from the EPA’s Human test, Source Molecular also has tests targeting Human fecal Bacteroidetes. The laboratory is also capable of identifying whether the fecal indicator bacteria found in water samples came from Swine, Gull, Goose, Deer, Elk, Horse, Bird, Beaver and Ruminant.  This is one of the many things that sets Source Molecular apart from other MST laboratories.  It is also on its way to becoming the only ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited MST laboratory in the world.