There are consequences of water contamination by human pathogens.

1. A significant proportion of the closures of Virginia shellfish beds is due to the presence ofcoliform contamination.
2. Nationally, one quarter of all shellfish beds are closed due to coliform contamination.

It is not known what part of this contamination is due to OSWDS, however, as the incidence of OSWDS contamination increase, it is reasonable to assume that the proportion of closures due to OSWDS will also increase.

The closure of shellfish beds has significant economic impact and often these impacts are
quite localized, so the associated hardships are very unevenly distributed.

1. Does VDH know the economic impact allowing septic tank effluent (STE) to be dispersed into shallow groundwaters on the shellfish industry?
2. Does VDH know what extent alternative onsite sewage systems are impacting the shellfish are?