One swimming advisory posted, another lifted

An advisory against swimming was issued Thursday at a sound-side site in Nags Head where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed state and Environmental Protection Agency recreational water quality standards.

State officials also lifted an advisory at an ocean-side site in Kill Devil Hills where water testing showed bacteria levels have dropped below the standards set for swimming and water play.

The advisory issued Thursday was for the soundside public access at Jockey’s Ridge. Results of tests taken on Aug. 29 indicated levels that exceed state and federal norms.

State officials posted a sign at the site to notify the public of the risks of swimming in the area. The advisory affects waters within 200 feet of the sign.

State officials were testing the site again Thursday, and will remove the sign and notify the public when the bacteria levels decrease to levels below state and federal standards.

An earlier advisory was lifted Thursday at the public beach access at East Sportsman Drive in Kill Devil Hills near Avalon Pier.

The advisory was posted Aug. 23 after tests showed a running monthly average above the EPA-mandated level.

Subsequent testing found that levels have fallen below the standard, and the sign advising against swimming has been removed.