 How can I help the Duwamish?
You can help protect public health and the environment in the lower Duwamish In the Duwamish, the greatest risks to people today come from eating flatfish, perch, crabs and clams. Lower risks are linked to direct contact with sediments (river mud) – from clamming, tribal net fishing and public breach play. There are also risks for animals such as river otters, and worms and invertebrates in the mud. Fish advisories are posted, advising no consumption of resident local fish, with exceptions (see below). According to the Washington State Department of Health the main pathway for exposure to contaminants in the Lower Duwamish Waterway is through seafood consumption. How to reduce exposure to contaminants in Duwamish seafood - Do not eat any crab, shellfish, or fish (the exception is salmon) from the Lower Duwamish Waterway.
- Salmon from the Lower Duwamish Waterway are safe to eat
View the Washington State Department of Health recommendations (PDF) for the amounts of salmon that it is OK to eat.
Recommendations to reduce exposure to contaminants in Duwamish sediments Although according to the Washington State Department of Health the main pathway for exposure to contaminants in the Lower Duwamish Waterway is through seafood consumption (above), soils and sediments at public access areas along the river may also contain PCBs and other toxic contaminants. Recommendations to lower your exposure at Lower Duwamish Waterway beaches Although health risks from recreational activities on the Lower Duwamish Waterway beaches are relatively low, common sense approaches can reduce exposure to contaminants.
- Keep clean:
- If you go to the beach, wash your hands and face with soap afterwards, especially before eating.
- Clean dirt from under your nails.
- Wash soiled clothing separately.
- Young children are especially sensitive to contaminants. Remember to wash your children's hands, toys, and pacifiers.
- Keep pets clean.
- Avoid bringing contaminants home
- Stay in public use areas
- Swimming in the Lower Duwamish Waterway:
- You can swim in the river, but be aware there are several combined sewer overflows (also known as CSOs) that can discharge waste water into the waterway during periods of heavy rain. King County has CSOs in the LDW. The agency Public Health-Seattle & King County recommends against swimming near combined sewer overflows for a period of 48 hours (two days) after the last heavy rain in case CSO has discharged.... If you wish to know if a CSO has discharged, King County provides service to learn if a CSO has discharged...
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