When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?
Image above: 10/15/2021
Source: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map
Penn Cove
Coupeville – just west of Captain Thomas Coupe Park
“Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
“Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round.”
“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”
Source: WDFW
Newspeople tend to avoid asking questions.
Our questions appear in bold type.
In the news:
August 10, 2021 South Whidbey Record
Oak Harbor absent from sewage treatment awards
“Facilities in Coupeville, Holmes Harbor and Langley were named as winners of the Department of Ecology’s Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Plant Award for 2020.”
The award is for 2020. Wondering why it was not reported on until August of 2021.
Full compliance with water quality permits does not result in recreational shellfish that is safe for harvest?
View the Island County closed beach list here.
Oct 1st, 2021 site visit:
A sign remained posted at Coupeville and Monroe Landing warning of a sewage drain pipe.
Image above:
Coupeville
Image above:
North side of Penn Cove at Monroe Landing
Has anyone ever seen the Puget Sound area press ask questions about Whidbey water quality impacted by sewage treatment plant outfalls?
Has anyone ever seen any government agency, elected official or volunteer organization seeking answers related to one or more sewage treatment plants sending unsafe product into the waters near Whidbey Island?
Background here:
Make Sure Beaches Aren’t Closed Because of Biotoxins?
Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press
A photo tour of Penn Cove here:
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance
Distance learning idea:
Podcast 4 Another Month With An R – Whidbey Sewage Treatment Plant Outfalls
Whidbey Waters – Mixed Signals of Concern
March 13, 2020 Whidbey News-Times
4th grade students publish book on Salish Sea
“Invisible Pollution in the Salish Sea”
School teachers,
Are you teaching your students to look for green colors on the Recreational Shellfish Safety Map?
More here:
Stormwater, Untreated Sewage and Puget Sound
Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press
High Quality Water For Puget Sound? – Recreational Shellfish Harvesting CLOSED Year-Round
“…talking to officials at the Town of Coupeville…”
Whidbey Signs of Water Quality
When Things Get Back To Normal
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
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