Publication Summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is establishing a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for fecal coliform bacteria in the Union River watershed. This TMDL (or Water Cleanup Plan) will address impairments of the beneficial uses of the Union River and its tributaries. Monitoring efforts by Ecology, the Washington State Department of Health, Mason County Department of Health Services, and Bremerton-Kitsap County Health District indicate that Union River has violated the Washington State Class AA standard for fecal coliform since 1990.

The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is establishing a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for fecal coliform bacteria in the Union River watershed. This TMDL (or Water Cleanup Plan) will address impairments of the beneficial uses of the Union River and its tributaries. Monitoring efforts by Ecology, the Washington State Department of Health, Mason County Department of Health Services, and Bremerton-Kitsap County Health District indicate that Union River has violated the Washington State Class AA standard for fecal coliform since 1990.

A TMDL study was initiated to determine the loading capacity of the stream, identify nonpoint pollution sources of fecal coliform, and set load reductions along the stream corridor. The Union River Fecal Coliform Total Maximum Daily Load Study (Ward, et al., 2001 (Appendix B)) was completed in October 2001 and is available at Ecology's Northwest Regional Office and on the internet at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0103038.html. This submittal report outlines the on-going and planned activities that will reduce fecal coliform pollution in the Union River.