(Santa Ana) In its report released today, the Orange County Grand Jury commended the County Health Care Agency for its handling of ocean water testing by the Public Health Laboratory and staff adherence to the new law (AB 411) on beach postings and closings.

"Because the technology and research methods to measure ocean water quality are in their infancy, we are pleased to see the Grand Jury acknowledge the significant efforts we have made to ensure safe ocean water quality in Orange County," said Michael Schumacher, Director of the Health Care Agency. He continued, "We are making every effort to continue this momentum with additional staffing, enhanced research capacity for the Public Health Laboratory and Environmental Health, information system improvements and expanded public communication."

In response to the impacts of AB 411 that went into effect in 1999, the Health Care Agency added a Laboratory Assistant at the Public Health Laboratory and an Environmental Health Specialist for Environmental Health Services allowing for rapid 24-hour testing results. As directed by the Board of Supervisors, the proposed 2000-2001 Budget includes two additional positions, a Public Health Microbiologist II and a Lab Assistant at the Public Health Lab.

Enhanced research capacity will be aided by assembling an Orange County database for trend analysis, the acquisition of equipment for molecular analysis and the provision of additional research staff support. Improvements are planned for information system technology with a Request for Proposals currently in progress. In addition to the 24-hour Beach Closure Hotline (714-667-3752) that is the primary source of information for the County's general population, efforts are also underway to explore additional modes of communicating beach closure information to the public, including real-time posting of beach closure information on the HCA web site.