Hundreds of pigeons roosting and defecating under the Pismo Beach Pier are being held accountable for the high bacteria levels in the ocean near the pier, officials said. [SantaMariaTimes]
Experts estimate the flock to include at least 400 birds, with more than 200 nests under the pier. A final report by Cal Poly professor Chris Kitts says the high bacteria counts are the result of bird droppings.
Over the years, San Luis Obispo County health officials have periodically warned the public to stay out of the ocean near the pier because of the high bacteria levels. Because of this, Pismo Beach partnered with California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo to perform a $600,000 study in order to find the source of the high bacteria levels.
On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Pismo Beach city officials are planning a workshop to discuss the findings with the public at the city hall building.
