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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

IN Great Lakes Beachwater Quality Report Released for Holiday Weekend

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Thursday, June 30, 2011   

INDIANAPOLIS - Hoosiers hitting the state's Great Lakes beaches for the holiday weekend can do so knowing that Indiana's beaches are in better shape than half of states' beaches. However, at the same time, the number of beach closings and advisories has been on the rise. Total closing and advisory days for Indiana Great Lakes beaches reached 406 last year, compared to 387 the year before.

A beachwater quality report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says that most of the time, elevated bacteria levels are the reason. NRDC staff attorney Michelle Mehta describes the health problems they can cause for beach-goers.

"The most common we see are gastrointestinal problems; ear, nose and throat problems and infections; and skin rashes."

The report points to runoff from storms and irrigation as the main cause of beach pollution, and suggests that cities and counties look at ways to make sure stormwater does not overwhelm sewage systems. Permeable pavement, rain barrels and runoff structures that direct water underground are examples of infrastructure that meets that goal.

David Beckman with NRDC says while the health risks of polluted beaches get a lot of attention at this time of year, there is an economic factor to consider, too.

"Local governments have a lot to gain by addressing the urban runoff problem, not only because of the public health and the environmental benefits, but because the main solution - green infrastructure - can make communities more attractive places for people to live."

The report lists beaches in Delaware, Minnesota and New Hampshire as the cleanest.

The full report, "Testing the Waters," is available at www.nrdc.org.


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