Community critical of shellfish plan

Many concerned about what isn't in county's plan

JOHN DODGE, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published October 2, 2001

THURSTON COUNTY -- A go-slow approach to tackling pollution problems that plague two commercial shellfish growing areas in South Sound drew heavy criticism Monday at a public meeting at the Thurston County Fairgrounds.

Thurston County is prepared to form a shellfish protection district for Henderson Inlet and Nisqually Reach, areas where 202 acres of growing ground are off limits to harvest due to bacterial contamination.

Another 2,396 acres can't be harvested for five days after heavy rains.

The problem is pollution from livestock, failing septic tanks and paved surfaces that carry stormwater into streams feeding the two inlets.

The county strategy calls for a phased approach. In phase one, the county will form the districts, test for pollution and use existing programs to remedy known sources of contamination. It calls for no new fees or regulations.

That drew a strong response from environmentalists and some watershed residents among the approximately 40 people who attended the meeting.

"Phase one is an empty shell," said Bruce Wishart. "It seems to continue what we've been doing in the past, which has failed to correct the problems."

"Phase one looks like phase zero to me," echoed Susan Markey, a Henderson Inlet resident.

At earlier meetings, many participants urged the county to pin down the precise pollution sources before enacting new programs, county project coordinator Mark Swartout said.

The $1.1 million plan includes some $700,000 in projects to reduce pollution from farms and stormwater runoff.

But some $100,000 earmarked in an earlier version of the plan for stepped up enforcement of county pollution laws and septic system inspections has been deferred in phase one, county environmental health director Art Starry said.

The initiatives eliminated from the draft plan are the very ones that would do the shellfish growers the most good, said Robin Downey, director of the Pacific Coast Oyster Growers Association.

Commissioner Kevin O'Sullivan explained why the county is taking the approach it is.

"We need to come at this with science and logic and not finger pointing," he said. "We have to have the community buy-in." Amidst the frustration and heated exchanges was the voice of Jerry Yamishita, a Henderson Inlet oyster grower who has lost shellfish beds to pollution.

"I'd like to see everybody working together," he said.

Doug DeForest, executive director of Olympia Master Builders, said the county was moving in the right direction.

"But I don't have a lot of faith in the county health department to do something -- to get something moving," he added.

Next on tap is the drafting of an ordinance to form the districts. It will be the subject of a public hearing before the county commissioners, perhaps this fall.

State law requires the county to form the shellfish protection districts. But the law doesn't require any specific action by the county.

John Dodge covers the environment and energy for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5444 or news@theolympian.com.

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