Miocean Salutes President Obama And Interagency Ocean Policy Taskforce, Encourages Appropriate Focus On Addressing Urban Runoff

Miocean is a nonprofit organization based in Orange County, CA that has been dedicated to preserving and protecting coastal waterways for the past 7 years. Miocean commends President Obama and the members of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force for taking an active role in protecting our shorelines and waterways, which are among of our nation’s most important natural, recreational, and economic resources.

Miocean encourages the Task Force in its policy recommendations to place appropriate focus and resources to address the growing problem of urban runoff pollution, which the US Commission on Ocean Policy considers to be one of the greatest threats to the health and viability of our oceans(1).

Urban runoff pollution occurs daily, as the byproducts of agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential activities combine with excess water, creating a “toxic soup” of runoff that flows through our nation’s watersheds. In fact, the Pew Charitable Trust estimates that 1 million+ gallons of oil and automotive byproducts flow from driveways and roadways into the nation’s waters every month, and that 60% of coastal rivers and bays have been degraded by nutrient runoff (2). Locally, water samples taken along Orange County’s shoreline routinely contain bacteria associated with fecal matter, banned pesticides and chemicals, including DDT and PCBs, as well as such metals as copper, lead, mercury and zinc(3).

Because of the impact of urban runoff pollution, ocean health directly translates to personal health.

According to epidemiology studies(4), every ocean encounter increases a person’s risk for developing illnesses, ranging from stomach flu’s to potentially life-threatening staph infections. This places every child who wades into the water, every kid who participates in a surfing school, or anyone who simply takes a swim, at risk. In fact, the Miocean Foundation was established in 2002 after an Orange County business leader contracted a life-threatening bacterial illness from local ocean water.

Miocean’s approach to measurably improving the health of our oceans involves directly addressing the issue of urban runoff pollution. We partner with local counties, cities, water districts, and non-governmental organizations to increase consumer education and awareness. We also develop and apply tangible solutions, including natural habitat restoration, end-of-pipe water treatment systems, and other environmental technologies to improve water quality and safety.

We encourage the Task Force to give appropriate emphasis to the critical issue of urban runoff pollution, enhancing public awareness and encouraging America’s businesses and citizens to actively reduce their contributions to the nation’s watersheds.

In Miocean’s experience, individual actions can positively impact the watersheds. The right federal policies will be key to reinforcing the role every committed and concerned citizen has in ensuring that our nation’s waterways remain clean, safe, and a source of well-being, enjoyment and vitality for all.

We appreciate the Task Force’s consideration, and welcome the opportunity to provide additional input to address the growing challenge of urban runoff pollution and its impact on our nation’s waterways.

(1) “An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century Final Report” U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy
(2) “America’s Living Oceans: Charting a Course for Sea Change,” Pew Charitable Trust, May 03.
(3) 2007 Annual Ocean and Bay Water Quality Report, County of Orange, CA., March 08.
(4) "Antibiotic Resistance: Rising Concern in Marine Ecosystems,” Science Daily, Feb. 25 2009.