Experts say avoid Saginaw Bay muck Ecoli bacterial threat

Scientists and health officials are warning people to avoid muck along Saginaw Bay beaches, saying it contains bacteria levels more than three times the amount that make a beach off-limits to swimmers. Joan Rose, a Michigan State University water microbiologist, leads a science committee studying the dead algae. It has been washing up on the region's beaches in increasing amounts for the past six years.During a public meeting this week, Rose reported on two samples taken from a private beach at Port Austin in Huron County. She estimated a handful has up to 1,000 colonies of E. coli bacteria.The committee is advising residents to avoid the muck until more testing can be done and a standard developed for E. coli levels in dead algae."I think there is a risk just like there is with raw chicken in your house," she said, according to a Friday story in The Bay City Times.High levels of E. coli also have been found in muck tests paid for by residents in Hume Township near Caseville.Area residents have long complained about dirty goo oozing out of the Pinnebog River and into the Lake Huron bay. State officials have said it's mostly dead plant material and there likely are many sources.Some shoreline residents blame large livestock farms in the county, while the farmers point to failing septic systems along the waterfront.The science committee advised people who touch the muck to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.Other suggestions included keeping beaches clean of trash, using toilet facilities, using appropriate areas for diaper changing, cleaning up food debris and staying out of the water when ill, the Huron Daily Tribune reported.