With the hot weather we have been experiencing lately, it’s no wonder many in the Valley are making the trip west to the Oregon Coast and some relief.  However, as the Oregon Heath Authority (OHA) continues to monitor our public beaches for health concerns, on the North Coast they are now reportedly coming together to fix the annual problem.  When a beach is closed by OHA, it usually involves fecal matter runoffs onto the beach and into the surfline.  It is the same problem for the entire 345-mile length of the Oregon Coast.  Where does the fecal matter come from?  Well, that’s the problem.  No one is quite sure, nearby grazing livestock is one source, aging, inadequate septic tanks on nearby properties are another source and then that leaves all those Coastal Birds who roost on nearby rocks.  The City of Cannon Beach has reached an agreement with Environmental groups to enter an agreement with an independent engineering firm “to conduct a comprehensive investigation” to identify the source of the fecal bacteria contamination at two city stormwater outfalls.  They may as well just work their way down the Coast, because all Coastal communities are in the same situation.  Back in the ‘90s, the State of Oregon made the City of Waldport annex in the unincorporated area of Yaquina John Point due to the many failing septic systems and discharging of fecal material on the Central Coast beach, south side of the entrance to Alsea Bay.  It was an “unfunded mandate” for the property owners.  But, the beach is now clean.  The end result is nice, but getting there will eventually cost Coastal residents.