When is the last time all of Penn Cove was safe for recreational shellfish harvest?

Image above: 2/25/2022

Source/Daily Status Reports: Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map

 

In The News

In recent years news reporting has been about Outstanding Wastewater Treatment Plant Awards.

New information:

Feb 22, 2022 Karina Andrew Whidbey News-Times

Ecology permit finalized

New requirements for wastewater treatment plants will not be as dramatic as some officials feared.

Zero questions Re: recreational shellfish harvest.

 

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?

 

Feb 12, 2022 Josh Farley Kitsap Sun

Scientists question state plan that doubles sewer bills at Puget Sound treatment plants

This is the best and most detailed reporting I have seen on this topic.

Nowhere do I advocate for higher sewer bills.

 

Background

Several Whidbey beaches remain closed all year long for recreational shellfish harvest because of sewage treatment outfall.

Sewage treatment outfall. Not stormwater.

Reporting on this topic appears to be completely off limits to the press.

View the Washington State Department of Health beach list here.

 

A photo tour of Penn Cove here:

Wastewater Treatment Plant – Department of Ecology Award For Outstanding Performance

 

Coupeville

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED 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

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

 

Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor City Park

“Clams, mussels and oysters CLOSED year-round.”

“Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time.”

“This beach is within the closure area for a sewage treatment plant outfall and is unsafe for recreational shellfish harvesting.”

Source: WDFW

 

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

Earth Day Progress Report

Local Waters And The Puget Sound Area Press

High Quality Water For Puget Sound? – Recreational Shellfish Harvesting CLOSED Year-Round

Signs

“…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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