Shellfish plan nears approval

County commissioners to vote Monday on two new districts

JOHN DODGE, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published December 12, 2001

THURSTON COUNTY -- Two proposals to form shellfish protection districts for Henderson Inlet and the Nisqually Reach received more criticism than support at a public hearing Tuesday night at the county fairgrounds.

The proposed ordinances, which county commissioners are likely to approve Dec. 17, won't do enough to reverse pollution problems and restore commercial shellfish growing areas to a safe harvest, several people said.

"The plan is a car up on blocks -- it won't go anywhere," said South Sound environmentalist Paul Pickett. "Withdraw it. Redo it."

Several speakers urged the commissioners to invoke a building moratorium in the two watersheds in north Thurston County until the bacterial contamination that is fouling the marine waters can be curbed.

Others who testified endorsed the county proposal, which calls for voluntary cleanups and more water quality monitoring and DNA testing to pinpoint pollution sources before cracking down on polluters.

"A two-year freeze on development is ridiculous," said building contractor John Ervin of Lacey. "It would artificially increase the cost of living in this county."

The shellfish districts are in response to commercial shellfish harvest restrictions imposed by the state Department of Health in 2000 and expanded in 2001.

Today, more than 200 acres of shellfish growing area in Henderson Inlet and the Nisqually Reach are closed to harvest due to bacterial contamination.

Nearly 2,400 additional acres can't be harvested for five days following major rainstorms, which flush pollutants into the bays.

The likely sources of pollution are failing septic systems, animal waste and stormwater runoff.

State law requires the county to form a shellfish district when commercial growing areas are lost to pollution. But the law doesn't require the county to take any specific action.

County officials have opted for a phased approach, using existing laws, county revenue and state grants totaling $1.1 million for the next two years to:

- Convince homeowners to fix failing septic systems, relying largely on voluntary repairs.

- Build and maintain stormwater control projects in both watersheds.

- Improve enforcement of land-use regulations.

- Figure out how much bacterial contamination the two water bodies can handle without harming shellfish and other marine resources.

- Identify specific sources of pollution through DNA testing.

- Focus water quality monitoring in McAllister, Woodard and Woodland creeks, as well as in the marine waters during storms when stormwater runoff is greatest.

- Encourage farm owners to follow best management practices for handling manure and soil erosion on their farms.

After Phase 1, the county could impose new fees and regulations to tackle pollution problems.

Enough data exist about pollution sources to start remedying the problems now, said Robin Downey, director of the Pacific Shellfish Growers Association.

"As business people, we can't afford the status quo," she said.

In a letter read into the record, Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team Executive Director Nancy McKay chided the commissioners for not taking more decisive action.

The action team, housed in the office of Gov. Gary Locke, steers Puget Sound protection and cleanup efforts.

Commissioner Kevin O'Sullivan, who supports the phased approach, said the county needs to be absolutely sure of pollution sources before it starts taking enforcement action.

"We can't be arbitrary and capricious," he said.

Others noted that pollution sources have been studied and identified for more than 15 years in Henderson Inlet and the Nisqually Reach. And stronger enforcement of existing land-use laws would go a long way toward solving the problem, several said.

Nisqually Valley farmers favored the county work plan, pointing out that they've reduced and eliminated their dairy herds only to see pollution problems grow in nearby McAllister Creek. They suggested stormwater runoff from new development and the freeway could be to blame.

"We want to work with you because we want to farm," Nisqually Valley farmer Vivian Thomsen said.

The commissioners are expected to adopt the ordinances at their 9 a.m. Monday public meeting at the Thurston County Courthouse.

John Dodge covers the environment and energy for The Olympian.

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