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Poverty Bay FAQs

Poverty Bay FAQs

The Washington State Department of Health monitors bacteria levels in Puget Sound, and in September 2016 they found enough bacteria in the water to downgrade a commercial shellfish growing area in Poverty Bay.

Under RCW 90.72 this downgrade requires a shellfish protection district be established to improve water quality and restore the continuation of shellfish harvesting.

Bacteria sources can be difficult to track down. You may see more people in the creeks collecting water samples to measure existing bacteria levels, or you may see more signage describing actions you can take to help keep the water clean.

When rain falls on the ground it picks up all kinds of pollutants including bacteria from pet, wildlife, and human waste. The stormwater runs over the landscape and into a nearby creek where, in this district, it flows to Puget Sound.

Eliminating possible sources of bacteria is the easiest way to help. This could include picking up after your pet, reporting illegal dumping or homeless encampments, refraining from feeding wildlife like raccoons or ducks. Some less common actions could include having your septic system inspected and regularly maintained or increasing the width of a stream buffer if you have a stream on your property.

Throughout 2016 and most of 2017 stakeholders in the area met to discuss several different map boundary options. In October 2017, this group reached consensus on a map that was determined by watershed boundaries to include the creek systems with the potential to influence the effected shellfish bed.

No. Program staff have worked hard to use existing funding and acquire grant funds for additional work in the district.

If you want to learn more about the Poverty Bay Shellfish Protection District email Todd Hunsdorfer or call 206-263-0922.

Water sampling in Poverty Bay.

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-00J88801 to the Washington State Department of Health. The Contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade name or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

 

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