Washington State Department of Ecology

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Samish River - Farm to Market photo. Courtesy of Sally Lawrence, WA Department of Ecology.

Samish Bay Water Quality Improvement Project

The Washington Department of Ecology is conducting a study to find sources of fecal coliform bacteria that are carried to Samish Bay by the Samish River and smaller creeks. The goal of the study is to protect and expand areas of Samish Bay that are safe for recreational and commercial shellfish harvest and swimming and boating.

What is the purpose of the study?

Focus on Samish Watershed (Ecology Publication)
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0610030.html

What is being done?

Ecology is working with Skagit County, Skagit Health District, Skagit Conservation District, and WA State Department of Health to locate and eliminate sources of bacteria. Education and outreach to upriver residents about proper septic system maintenance and beneficial farming practices are key elements in this project. We also actively involve Tribes with interests in this watershed, and we coordinate our sampling to coincide with marine sampling by the state Department of Health, who certifies shellfish beds for commercial harvest.

Samish River near Highway 99, Washington State. Photo courtesy of Rick Haley, Skagit County Public Works.

Spring 2008 – Short-term Shellfish Closures in Samish Bay

What is the current status of this project?

Quarterly Reports (PDF):

For more information:

2006-2007 Samish Bay Watershed Water Quality Monitoring Plan (Ecology Publication)
www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0603102.html
Ecology’s Long Term Monitoring Station on the Samish River in Burlington
www.ecy.wa.gov/apps/watersheds/riv/station.asp?sta=03B050
Improving Water Quality in the Samish Bay Watershed (PDF)
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/samish/samish_shorelines_wkshp060306.pdf
Watershed Information (EAP's Watersheds and Conditions page)
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/wrias/03.html
What is a Water Quality Improvement Plan (TMDL, or Total Maximum Daily Load)?
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/index.html

Related Information

Skagit County Water Quality Monitoring Program
www.skagitcounty.net/Common/Asp/Default.asp?d=PublicWorksSurfaceWaterManagement&c=General&p=WQ.htm
Earn up to $200 in rebates when you attend Skagit County's FREE clinic!
www.skagitcounty.net/HealthEnvironmental/Documents/SIP%20Brochure.pdf (PDF)

Seven simple things I can do to protect Samish Bay

Contact us for More Information

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Last updated June 2008

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