Did you know that sewage treatment plants can not filter out all pharmaceuticals, and discharge hormones, antibiotics and other similar substances into our waterways? Not a pleasant thought about what goes into the very water we swim in, fish in, or in some watersheds actually drink from!
Until recently, consumers have been told to flush unwanted drugs. With technological advances and research, low levels of drugs are being found in our surface waters. Recent research by the U.S. Geological Survey now confirms that some drugs pass largely unaltered through our sewage treatment plants and enter our Bays and other waters.
Recent research has also shown that continuous exposure to low levels of medications has altered the behavior and physiology of fish and aquatic life. Male fish and crabs are being found with eggs or female organs, most likely caused by long term exposure to hormones and other endocrine disruptors. This phenomena is called 'intersex' and is becoming more common in rivers like the Potomac with its large urban sewage treatment plants, but intersex fish have also been found in Delaware ponds and lakes on the Delmarva Peninsula.
The preferred method for disposal of unused medications is incineration. While we obviously can't stop the introduction of some pharmaceuticals into our wastewater because of normal bodily functions, we CAN control what happens to medications that are not consumed!
That is why the Assateague Coastal Trust and it's COASTKEEPER program advocate for the safe disposal of unused and expired medications. Our motto is: "Don't Flush! Hold It!" Dispose of them properly so our fish don't become confused about their sexuality.
In partnership with the Worcester County Sheriffs
Department, Worcester County Health Dept and the Police Departments of Berlin
and Ocean City, ACT co-hosted the 3rd Annual Fall Operation Medicine Drop event
on Saturday, Oct 26, 2013. While the
daily total of medications turned in on Saturday was below average, everyone
agrees this is the result of the two new permanent drop boxes in Ocean City and
Ocean Pines actively being used by local citizens all year around.
As of July 2013, over 460 pounds of unused or expired
medications had been turned in through the permanent drop boxes and during the spring 2013 Operation Medicine Drop event. We fully expect by the end of 2013 Worcester
County will have far exceeded the 524 pounds of medications collected in 2012. This is a huge victory for clean, ‘fishable,’
waterways in the Coastal Bays watershed!
#swimdrinkfish
Permanent Drop Boxes in Worcester County, MD are located at:
Ocean City Police Department, 65th St. Ocean City
Ocean Pines Police Department, White Horse Park, Ocean Pines
