Publication Summary

As one of the fastest growing counties in Washington, Snohomish County faces many water quality challenges. The Snohomish River, which flows from the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers near Monroe to the Puget Sound at Everett, has not been meeting state water quality standards. In 1999, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) developed a "Water Cleanup Plan" for the Snohomish River to meet and stay within mandated water quality standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved this plan. However, in order for the river to meet water quality standards, Ecology must also develop a cleanup plan for the tributaries of the Snohomish River — Quilceda, Allen, Woods and French creeks, the Marshlands and Pilchuck River.

As one of the fastest growing counties in Washington, Snohomish County faces many water quality challenges. The Snohomish River, which flows from the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers near Monroe to the Puget Sound at Everett, has not been meeting state water quality standards. In 1999, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) developed a "Water Cleanup Plan" for the Snohomish River to meet and stay within mandated water quality standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved this plan. However, in order for the river to meet water quality standards, Ecology must also develop a cleanup plan for the tributaries of the Snohomish River — Quilceda, Allen, Woods and French creeks, the Marshlands and Pilchuck River.

Based on historical data compiled by Snohomish County and the Tulalip Indian Tribe, Ecology launched a water quality study of the tributaries in 1997. The study concluded that these streams and rivers failed to meet state water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria and dissolved oxygen. Clean, cool water is important for both people and fish. A polluted creek can have an impact on fish and be a threat human health. In addition, important fish species such as salmon have trouble surviving and spawning in a dirty creek. The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings for salmon and other fish species are sparking actions by local government to clean up local waters and restore fish habitat, or face measures imposed by the federal government.