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Conducting a Shoreline Survey

A shoreline survey is a comprehensive examination of all coastal property for the purposes of identifying pollution sources that may be impacting coastal water quality in beach management areas. Background information used to conduct surveys (i.e. topographic and tax maps indicating new developments) should be updated every two years. Depending on the amount and type of change, certain areas may need to be re-surveyed or added to the existing report. Community members can assist with this process either by doing preliminary work, and/or assisting with the fieldwork. To conduct a shoreline survey, much preliminary information needs to be collected and organized prior to doing the field work. Tax maps, available from town offices, must be collected for each town involved in the survey. Topographic maps (7.5 minute USGS maps) must be enlarged on a copying machine and focused on target areas. The maps should be numbered and compiled so that they can be cross-referenced with tax maps and field sheets. Other information to be collected prior to a survey includes any information about public sewer systems, a list of licensed overboard discharges from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), information about agricultural (livestock) development, marina or other high boat use areas, and wildlife and recreational areas. This information will assist in collecting field data and in writing the sanitary survey. The survey itself involves driving house to house (or in densely populated areas, walking house to house) and interviewing landowners about their septic system. All data concerning the property needs to be recorded on field sheets. This process can take some time, especially when you are first learning how to conduct a survey. The survey also involves visually inspecting the septic area and looking for pipes and flowing water that might be pollution sources. These sources should be noted and a water sample should be taken from each source. The methodology for collecting the sample and documenting its origin is contained in MHB field methods (See Section 4.3)

The data from your field sheets is compiled and any water samples collected are analyzed to determine if there is a pollution problem. If a water sample is found to be polluted, the site should be revisited to do further inspection. If a septic or other problem is detected, the landowner would be notified by the responsible authorities. Field data collectors should never speculate the condition of the property to the landowner. The shoreline survey data is used in conjunction with water quality and hydrologic information to write a sanitary survey.

For questions contact: Esperanza Stancioff University of Maine Cooperative Extension / Sea Grant 377 Manktown Rd Waldoboro, ME. 04572 Tel. 207.832.0343 or 800.244.2104 Email: esp@umext.maine.edu

This information is adapted from documents created by the: Maine Department of Marine Resources. For more information about The DMR Sanitary Shoreline Survey work contact: Alison Sirois DMR Volunteer Coordinator Maine Department of Marine Resources PO Box 8 194 McKown Point Road West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575 tel: (207) 633-9401 fax: (207) 633-9579 e-mail: Alison.sirois@maine.gov

Sanitary Shoreline Survey SCOPE: The information for assessing beach management areas is based on several factors including: enterococci results, observations at the sample sites, the risk-assessment matrix, and a Sanitary Survey Report which incorporates shoreline information and water quality data. This evaluates the potential health risk associated with water contact activities in the beach management area. The guidelines for creating a Sanitary Survey are carefully laid out in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program Manual of Operation, Part 1, Appendix C. Whereas the implementation of a water quality surveillance program is critical to the proper evaluation of beach management areas, equally important is the shoreline survey. The information obtained by conducting a thorough shoreline survey is valuable in determining the location and potential impact of pollution sources. The survey also provides other information to be used in developing a complete Sanitary Survey Report of the coastal area. Documented information used to compile reports (i.e. topographic and tax maps indicating new developments) should be updated every two years. It is important that shoreline survey information is collected in a consistent manner so that the information may be easily incorporated into the Sanitary Survey Reports and used for future re-evaluations of the beach management areas. WHAT IS A SHORELINE SURVEY? A shoreline survey is a comprehensive investigation of coastal properties to determine whether there are pollution sources impacting water quality at beach management areas. A survey involves collecting background information from state and local authorities, compiling this information and relating it geographically with the help of tax maps and topographic maps, organizing your volunteer crew, and getting out into the field. In the field you will drive or walk down every driveway, talk to the landowner (if home), ask about septic disposal, examine the system and other land drains, and lastly look along the shore for pipes and other large drainages that may need to be sampled. A physical description of the property noted on field sheets and water quality information should be compiled to write a Sanitary Shoreline Survey for the area. If potential sources of pollution are identified, you would need to coordinate with the monitors and the lab to collect water samples to be analyzed. Samples must be taken to determine which water sources are and are not pollution sources. A proper shoreline survey will: Investigate all dwellings within the survey area (generally any property with a structure that is within 500-700 feet of the shoreline) Itemize all dwellings regardless of survey results and compile these data on the field sheet in a manner by which both action can be taken by appropriate officials (if necessary), or a future repeat survey can be conducted which uses and builds on data collected in the previous survey. In addition to observations of potential human impact, observations should be made regarding animal husbandry, agriculture, wildlife, industrial properties, geological character, obvious hydrologic factors such as streams and drainages. GETTING STARTED: A great deal of time and effort can be saved by familiarizing yourself with the area to be surveyed. This means obtaining maps of the area, preferably USGS 7.5 minute

topographic maps (1:24,000 scale). It is most convenient to make a photocopy enlargement of the survey area, allowing for space to itemize and add dwellings. Other preliminary information may be available through municipalities, and DEP or DMR records can help to provide a basic understanding of the sanitary condition of the area prior to the survey. Information of interest might include: existing water quality data from MHB and DMRs shellfish programs (if data exists for the beach management area), location and license status of overboard discharges, and location of municipal treatment plants. An itemization of this information is included on the sheet; Information Needed From Municipalities Prior to Shoreline Survey. It is important both for practical reasons as well as logistical reasons to define the survey area: What is the specific area you want to survey? From which specific geographic point to another specific geographic point? Is this beach management area in need of a survey or is there another area nearby that may be more beneficial at this time? Is it realistic to believe we can accomplish this survey in the time allotted or should we pare it down a little? Is there a significant recreational water usage that may benefit from the survey? A final step prior to beginning the survey is to organize your time and personnel so as to maximize use of time. Developed areas should always be surveyed on foot. Occasionally there may be remote areas for which use of a boat is appropriate. Depending on the history of the area, there will be different areas of focus determined by current classifications and known recent abatement activity. In many areas along the coast, a shoreline survey has revealed a pollution source that was responsible for poor water quality. Once those pollution sources are corrected, new monitoring data would be needed to actually verify the remediation of that area. Survey field sheets, accompanying notes and observations will be processed by the town, state park, UMCE/DMR, or with the assistance of volunteers. The raw information is retained and a summary of the problems will be compiled for use in developing the Sanitary Survey Report.

FIELD WORK FOR SHORELINE SURVEYS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MATERIALS TO USE *WHIRL PACK BAGS AND TONGS (for days when you collect pollution source samples) *PERMANENT MARKERS *PHOTOCOPIED MAPS *SHORELINE SURVEY FIELD SHEETS *POLLUTION SOURCE DATA SHEETS *CLIP BOARD *THERMOMETER *COOLERS AND ICE OR ICE PACKS *FOUL WEATHER GEAR, BUG REPELLENT, WATER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAPS TO USE 1. FOR SHORELINE SURVEY FIELD WORK: * 7.5 MINUTE USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS * ENLARGED WITH A PHOTOCOPIER FOCUSING ON TARGET AREA * LABELED NUMERICALLY FOR EASY CROSS-REFERENCE WITH FIELD DATA SHEETS 2. FOR REPORTS, ACCUMULATION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SANITARY SURVEY: * MUNICIPAL TAX MAPS * GIS GENERATED MAPS (WHERE AVAILABLE) * NAUTICAL CHARTS (WHERE APPLICABLE) PRELIMINARY INFORMATION 1. SEWERAGE INFORMATION USE STP EVALUATION SHEET
LIMITS OF SEWERED AREAS

2. STORM WATER COLLECTION LOCATIONS/LIMITS/OVERFLOWS 3. LICENSED OVERBOARD DISCHARGE DEP/TOWN RECORDS - LOCATIONS 4. MARINA INFORMATION USE MARINA EVALUATION SHEET 5. AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND FARMS

6. WILDLIFE AND RECREATION AREAS

BEHIND THE SCENES ASSISTANCE: A. ACCUMULATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION B. PRODUCE MAPS FOR FIELD WORK AND REPORTS C. ENTER SURVEY DATA INTO COMPUTER A TYPICAL SHORELINE SURVEY VISIT: 1. APPROACH THE DWELLING FROM THE ROAD. 2. LOOK FOR AN INDICATION OF THE NAME OF RESIDENT(S). 3. KNOCK ON THE DOOR. 4. IF SOMEONE IS HOME, INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE CONDUCTING THE SURVEY. 5. ASK ABOUT THE SEPTIC FACILITIES, LOCATION, AGE, RECENT SERVICE, AND/OR PROBLEMS. 6. ASK FOR PERMISSION TO MAKE A CURSORY INSPECTION. 7. IF NO ONE IS HOME CHECK FOR ACCESS TO THE SHORELINE. 8. IF YOU CAN APPROACH THE SHORELINE BY WALKING AROUND THE HOUSE WITHOUT VIOLATING PRIVACY, DO SO. 9. NOTE THE LOCATION OF THE VENT PIPE ON THE DWELLING. 10. MAKE OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE GROUND TERRAIN AND WHERE A SEPTIC SYSTEM MIGHT BE. 11. NOTE THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF POWER LINES. 12. USE YOUR NOSE TO MAKE OBSERVATIONS NEAR SEPTIC FIELDS. 13. AT THE SHORELINE MAKE OBSERVATIONS FOR PIPES AND TRY TO IDENTIFY THEM AS TO SOURCE (GUTTER, LAND).

14. NOTE ANIMAL LIFE, WILDLIFE, BOATING ACTIVITY, AND STREAMS OR DITCHES. 15. COMPILE A LIST OF THOSE STREAMS WHICH WILL NEED TO BE SAMPLED. 16. ON THE SHORELINE, MAKE OBSERVATIONS ABOUT SHELLFISH RESOURCES. 17. COMPLETE THE DATA CARD FOR THIS DWELLING AND MOVE ON TO THE NEXT DWELLING.

SHORELINE SURVEY TASK LIST GROUP _ TASK COLLECT TAX MAP INFORMATION PREPARE GREEN CARDS WITH TAX MAP INFO. PREPARE TOPO MAPS FOR FIELD AND REPORT USE CONDUCT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT REVIEW OBTAIN STP COLLECTION SYSTEM MAP CONDUCT SHORELINE SURVEY COMPILE POLLUTION SOURCE SAMPLE LIST SCHEDULE ANALYSIS AND COLLECT POLLUTION SOURCE SAMPLES COMPILE PROBLEM LIST FROM SHORELINE SURVEY CREATE MAP OF POLLUTION PROBLEMS DELIVER INFORMATION PACKET TO UMCE/Town/Park AREA RESPONSIBILITY

POTENTIAL POLLUTION SOURCES TO LOOK FOR AND THEIR POLLUTION SOURCE CODES (for use on field sheets): Intermittent streams: are streams that may only flow at certain times of the year (usually related to spring run-off) or after large rainfall events. Generally, intermittent streams will be narrow and shallow with varying flow rates. Steady streams: are streams, creeks, or other flowages that have a constant motion and are not impeded. Steady streams tend to be both wider and deeper. ***We look at all types of flowages because they may be carrying something from upland areas not directly adjacent to the intertidal zone, but that can still be impacting water quality. If such flowages are determined to have high counts as identified in the shoreline survey or from existing monitoring data, we would encourage you to start a sampling regime up the streams and creeks to determine where along the flowage the pollution source is located. OBDs - Licensed overboard discharge: are septic waste disposal systems that treat wastes in a series of chambers and ultimately treat wastes with chlorine before discharging the treated wastewater into coastal waters just beyond the extent of low-tide. Since these are point discharges, they are required to be licensed by the state and are currently being phased-out. Active straight pipe: discharges untreated wastes directly into coastal waters. Although illegal, there are remnant straight pipe disposal systems in Maine. Sometimes these pipes might drain into a large field or stream in addition to coastal waters. Generally there will be some flowage from a straight pipe unless it is a seasonal dwelling that is not in use at the time of inspection. Other signs to look for include disturbance in vegetation directly below the pipe as compared to vegetation to either side (in some cases, you will notice a green slimy growth associated with such pipes, other times an absence or grasses or brush); visible piles of toilet paper and wastes; odor. Inactive straight pipe: same as above but is obviously not in use. Signs of non-use might include: the pipe is visibly disconnected from the ground and is lying on the shore; large amounts of corrosion and rotten spots; no flow or moistness in pipe; no noticeable variation in vegetation directly under the pipe versus vegetation t o either side of the pipe; no pieces of tissue in various stage of decomposition. If you are uncertain whether a pipe is active or inactive, please note this on field sheet and give explanation as to why you think it is active or inactive so that this may be followed up. Land drain: When developing building sites, land drainage is a big factor and sometimes proper drainage requires the use of pipes and other culverts to assist water to drain around buildings and other man-made structures so that it does minimal damage to structures. Land drains are also used to keep land areas from becoming mucky and soggy. This type of drain is of interest to us because it acts as a stream or similar flowage and can affect water quality. Land drains with flows must be sampled to make sure they are free of fecal coliform bacteria. Land drains may be located on uplands as well as on the beach. Many times they are hidden well in beach walls or in bankings that have since grown over the drains. Again, a good way to detect these drains is to look at vegetation patterns (visibly absent swaths or excessive growth of slimy algae or other plants). Also, look directly at bankings and walls to look for well-hidden drains.

Cellar drain: generally runs out of cellars onto lawns and are sometimes buried after leaving the basement. Look for flexible tubing coming out of a window or more rigid pipes coming out of the foundation. Sometimes dwellings will have what looks like a cellar drain but may actually be draining a washing machine located in the basement. Pool drain: generally located directly next to pool or in sloping area around the pool. If close to the shore, this drain may come out onto the shore. If someone is home, ask if and how they drain their pool. Gutter drains: are common on almost all dwellings. They are a form of drainage and rainwater collection system used to collect water and drain it away from the structure. Sometimes, buildings will have gutter drains that have long connector pipes which either drain across upland areas on onto the shore. Some gutter drains might also go into the ground where they might connect with a land drain or natural drainage. Well overflows: can be identified around well heads or other water collection systems. Sometimes when a well is drilled, the flow rate is greater than the collection rate, resulting in excess water flow along the ground surface around the well head. You can usually detect this by looking at the ground around the well. If it is wet and swampy and the source of the moisture seems to be the well head, it is probably a well overflow. Water running away from the well head is another good indicator. Sink drains: and other gray water drains by-pass using a septic system by directing water, usually through flexible pipes, onto the land surface or into a storm drain. These are of interest because they increase surface run-off and nutrient loading to coastal uplands. Malfunctioning septic systems: are of primary concern due to public health issues. You can usually tell a failing system by: odor; presence of swamp species such as cattails in an otherwise normal vegetation area; seepage from the tank or leech field area; mushy areas above the system; indents in the ground or other signs that the cover or tank might have collapsed. If you are unsure whether a system is malfunctioning, error on the safe side and note this question so that it may be rechecked by a water quality specialist. Outhouses: need to be checked to determine if they are in use and whether they are being maintained well. Outhouses without proper containment pits and maintenance can be pollution sources. Also, if the outhouse has been built in an unsuitable soil area, it may contaminate groundwater or seep constantly into nearby streams or coastal areas. Also, after large rainstorms, these systems may become flooded and overflow and run along the ground surface. Animal farms: are of interest because they may contribute to fecal contamination through run-off of fields and defecation in streams and creeks. There is technical assistance and funding available currently to help farmers minimize pollution from farm animals to coastal waters. Vegetable/fruit farms: are of interest due to the type of fertilizers they might use on their fields or orchards. Manure leeches into the ground and runs off during storms, potentially contributing fecal pollution to coastal waters.

SHORELINE SURVEY FORM AREANAME: Specific Beach Management Area TAXMAPNUM: Municipal tax map number this information may be from DMR staff or Municipal office. LOTNUM: Municipal lot number get this information from Municipal office. Y_S: Year-round or seasonal property based on occupancy potential, i.e. a house that is insulated, has year-round water etc. could be used year-round even if the current resident chooses to be there only seasonally therefore it should be coded as Y for year-round. DIST: Distance between the dwelling and the high water mark, i.e. estimate this distance. PROBLEM: Fill in with YES if there is an actual or potential pollution problem or unanswered question that requires follow-up or NO if there are no pollution threats. PSOURCE: Use the appropriate codes (see list of codes below) to describe the pollution sources or threats observed on the property. See the attached for more detailed descriptions of pollution problems to look for during your survey. PSOURCE CODES MS: malfunctioning septic system OBD: licensed overboard discharge system OH: outhouse LD: land drain which drains water from yard CD: cellar drain which drains water from cellar via gravity or sump pump SD: sink drain which dumps gray water from dwelling GD: gutter drain which drains roof runoff away from the structure IS: intermittent stream not flowing all the time SS: steady (or perennial) which flows all the time AF: farm animals VF: vegetable/fruit farm which may use manure, other fertilizer, or pesticides WO: well overflow pipe PD: pool drain OT: other be sure to describe what you see in the MEMO field of the form OBDNUM: The DEP Overboard Discharge license number. DESCRIPTION: Description of the property, e.g. white cape with green shutters with attached two car garage with green doors; IGS (in-ground septic system) installed in 1999 on NW side of house. Include information from homeowner interview such as frequency of pumping, etc. MEMO: Use this field to elaborate on pollution sources found on property, e.g. steady stream drains wooded area behind the house with no other habitations.

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