Health officials work to keep bays safe for shellfish harvests
Mats Mats Bay is on the state Health Department’s list of threatened bodies of water, and Jefferson County Environmental Health has received a grant to study the pollution problem. -- Photo by Jeff Chew/Peninsula Daily News
By Jeff Chew, Peninsula Daily News
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The state Department of Health recently placed both bays on its 2008 threatened shellfish area list because of fecal coliform bacteria levels.
Jefferson County Public Health "is committed to working to keep these areas clean and productive," said new Environmental Health Director Andrew Shogren.
"While these two bays face different challenges, I'm confident by working together we can keep these bays open for commercial shellfish."
Mats Mats grant
County Public Health recently received a $168,941 grant from the state Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water Program to begin the Mats Mats Bay Water Quality Improvement Project.
The project has two goals – the first is to prevent the further downgrade of a threatened commercial shellfish growing area caused by non-point pollution — meaning pollution from an unknown source — said Shogren.
The second is to improve water quality by implementing best management practices for on-site sewage systems and agricultural practices.
The project is expected to start in early 2009.
Mysteries in Mystery Bay
In Mystery Bay, water quality remains a concern, Shogren said, because of state findings that the bay has periodic increases of fecal coliform bacteria levels.
"Fortunately, Mystery Bay has met state water quality standards," he said.
Neither the state nor the county health officials know where the pollution originates.
"However, we remain concerned about the potential pollution from the large number of boats that are moored in the bay," Shogren said.
"Early action — before there is a pollution problem in Mystery Bay – will be the key to keeping the shellfish growing areas open and productive."
More than 70 boats are now moored in the bay, said Jake Johnson, Marrowstone Island Shellfish Co. owner, whose Nordland shoreline shellfish beds front part of the bay.
That compares to under 10 in the 1990s, he said.
Public Health will continue to monitor the water quality in Mystery Bay, Shogren said.
The county will also continue to work with other county agencies, state agencies, local shellfish growers and Native American tribes on projects to protect the water quality.
Clean water district
In fall 2007, the three Jefferson County commissioners established a clean water district.
The district, which encompasses all of eastern Jefferson County, is intended to protect water quality and tideland resources.
The project will take steps to assure that septic systems and agricultural properties are not adversely affecting the marine resources of Mats Mats Bay, Shogren said.
It will include shoreline surface water, drainage and marine water sampling for fecal coliform and sanitary surveys of residences and properties along Mats Mats Bay.
Failing onsite septic systems degrade marine water quality, and potentially negatively impact commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting in Mats Mats Bay, he said.
The ongoing effects include potential human health risks and adverse effects on recreational enjoyment, such as swimming, fishing, shellfish harvesting and aesthetic enjoyment of the bay and surrounding waters.
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Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: June 06. 2008 9:00PM