Image above:
This sign was seen posted near the boat ramp on my 2/18/2020 site visit to Monroe Landing.
On occasion, I will go out and take a look at local public access sites. I am not used to seeing any similar sign posted at this location.
Background:
Went out to take a look
I saw no warning signs on 5/21/19 at Monroe Landing.
Image below taken on a March 24, 2019 Penn Cove site visit.
WDFW has posted a permanent sign indicating a dark shaded area in the eastern part of Penn Cove.
Interesting that the part of the cove farthest from open waters is the part where the water is cleaner.
This sign remains in place even during the driest months of the year:
We had big rains back on Feb 5th. This may explain the sign I saw today at Monroe Landing.
I will check back in the weeks ahead to see if this sign is removed as local conditions improve.
Let’s take a look at today’s status:
Image above: Feb 18, 2020
Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map
Zoom in and click on any part of the dark shaded areas to see “Wastewater plant upset.”
During the dry month of September:
Image above: Washington State Dept. of Health status updated Sept. 20th, 2019.
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
Sign at top of page refers to “…a sewage drain pipe.” Not sure if this description is meaning stormwater?
Even during the dry months of the year at Monroe Landing, WDFW tells us that:
“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams,Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
“Water Quality Comment: This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
No mention of stormwater.
Questions for today:
When the impact of recent big rains has cleared, will the sign at that top of the page be removed?
Will the sign stay in place at Monroe Landing if WDFW continues to warn that:
“State Dept. of Health cautions that Clams,Oysters and Mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”
“Water Quality Comment: This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Does the sign at the top of the page refer to a sewage drain pipe that sends stormwater, treated water, or both into Penn Cove?
More here:
Green colors show safe places for recreational shellfish
More Than A Week Since The Big Rains
Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area – Any News Coverage?
Ocean Water in Snohomish County?
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