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Department of Ecology News Release - October 3, 2006
06-200
BELLINGHAM - Many individual steps make up a plan to curb bacterial pollution in Whatcom Creek and the creeks that flow into it.
The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comment on a proposed cleanup plan for Whatcom Creek and its tributaries with high levels of fecal coliform pollution.
The affected area ranges from Whatcom Creek's headwaters at Lake Whatcom to Bellingham Bay. Whatcom Creek is 4.3 miles long with a drainage basin of approximately 5,790 acres which includes four tributaries: Hanna, Cemetery, Fever and Lincoln creeks.
The Whatcom Creek Fecal Coliform Report available for public comment outlines how much pollution needs to be reduced in Whatcom Creek and each of its tributaries to meet state water quality standards.
Many of the water bodies in the area do not meet state standards for swimming and wading. The pollution comes from thousands of sources, including leaking sewer systems, pet waste, at-home car washing, lawn and garden care and other daily activities.
"Just as we all share in causing the pollution, each of us can help prevent it," said Richard Grout, of Ecology's Bellingham Field Office. He urges citizens to clean up pet waste, maintain and repair leaking sewer collection systems, keep animal waste out of streams and get involved through local organizations and governments.
The plan incorporates local initiatives through the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County to prevent fecal coliform pollution, including:
The cleanup action plan is available on the Internet at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0610041.html and at public libraries in Bellingham.
Ecology is accepting public comments through November 2, 2006. Send comments to Steve Hood, Dept. of Ecology, 1204 Railroad Ave, Suite 200, Bellingham, Wash., 98225, or by email to shoo461@ecy.wa.gov .
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Media contacts: Shannon Sullivan, Public Information Officer, 360-738-6247
For more information:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0610041.html
http://aww.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0610071.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
