Paper Clean Beaches--Using GIS to Help Remedy Shoreline Contamination

Author: Daniel Reid
Organization: Santa Barbara County

225 Camino del Remedio
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
USA

Phone: (805)681-4900
Fax: (805)681-4901
dreid@co.santa-barbara.ca.us

Santa Barbara is one of numerous coastal communities in the United States with problems of ocean water contamination following periods of heavy rainfall. A significant effort has been undertaken by local government, environmental organizations, and the business community to find solutions to bacterial contamination triggering beach closures. One such effort uses GIS technology to identify septic systems that may be contributing to the high levels of bacteria and other contaminants in nearshore areas. This paper outlines techniques established by a consortium of local organizations to delineate septic systems to be targeted for strict inspection and maintenance.