Study details pollution levels in Whatcom Creek

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - September 2, 2004

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Study details pollution levels in Whatcom Creek

BELLINGHAM - Human and animal waste causes high levels of bacteria in Whatcom Creek and its tributaries, according to study by the city of Bellingham and the Department of Ecology (Ecology).

The findings will support efforts to develop a cleanup plan for the waterways. Ecology and the city will propose a plan for public comment in 2005, then Ecology will submit the final plan to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

The city collected water quality samples every two week from January 2002 to February 2003 in Whatcom, Lincoln, Cemetery, Fever and Hanna creeks. The data were consistent with less-frequent samples collected in some of the watersheds since 1990.

The study found bacteria problems in all of the tributaries into Whatcom Creek and in Whatcom Creek itself below Whatcom Falls Park.

High bacteria stems from polluted runoff -- called “non-point" sources -- including pet waste, leaking sewers and failing septic systems.

“The city undertook this study because we are serious about providing good habitat for fish and clean water for our citizen to enjoy," said Clare Fogelsong, environmental manager for Bellingham.

The city has ongoing programs to address fecal coliform pollution, including:

Hounds for Healthy Watersheds, a program staffed by volunteers and coordinated by the city to educate citizens about appropriate pet waste handling.
Dry-weather source identification, a city storm- and surface-water program that finds crossed drain lines that discharge sewage into storm drains and fixes the problems.
"Scoring Points Against Pollution," an environmental education video on everyday things citizens can do to protect the water quality in lakes and streams. It airs on public-access TV and is available for loan through the library system.

High levels of fecal coliform bacteria can threaten public health and lead to commercial shellfish closures.

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Contact: Clare Fogelsong, city of Bellingham, 360-676-6254
Steve Hood, Department of Ecology, 360-738-6254

The report is available on Ecology’s Web site at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0403015.html