Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/136775
Sarasota News Leader June 14, 2013 Page 17 "If we capture the sediment and we take it out "The US-41 Outfall canal leads directly into of the system, then it will function better," he Sarasota Bay and there is no barrier or danger adds of the drainage situation. signs to prevent children from playing in this contaminated water body," they wrote in an But Achim and Erika argue this does not account for how polluted the water is. The email. "We are wondering if there are some couple paid to have the water analyzed for hidden sewage leaks or illicit connections enbacteria. "We've measured exorbitantly high tering the storm water conveyance system." amounts of fecal coliform," says Achim — several times the "legal maximum," per an email sent by the couple to the county. The fecal coliform count was 3,100 per 100 milliliters, which the couple argued "constitutes a serious public health risk." "It's tantamount to sewer water," says Erika. The county later tested water in the ditch, finding fecal coliform levels of 1,100 near Tamiami Trail, with a significant drop-off to the west. (For comparison's sake, "the maximum allowable level, or 'action-level' of fecal coliform" at a Florida beach is 400, per the county's Water Atlas.) A No Trespassing sign and fence warn people away from the canal.