Fecal bacteria pollution is a problem for Poverty Bay’s shellfish

A mix of dog droppings, septic leakage, cooking oil and other pollutants have proved a persnickety nuisance for wildlife and geoduck harvesting at Poverty Bay over the last few years.

Though often invisible to the public, pollution is a phantom menace for water quality in the bay, which extends along the coasts of Federal Way and Des Moines in the Puget Sound.

Water quality here is typically good enough for geoduck harvesters. But, discarded dog poop and other pollutants can be swept into storm water systems, especially when it rains, where they flow untreated into local waterways such as the Massey, McSorley, Woodmont, Redondo or Cold Creeks.

From there, fecal parasites and bacteria like E. coli can debilitate shellfish beds, according to Eunbi Lee, a community coordinator for King County Public Health’s water quality program. They can also sicken harbor seals, especially the pups that haul onto shore to rest, Lee said.

It’s enough of an issue that, in 2016, the state Department of Health (DOH) downgraded about 125 acres of the bay’s nearly 1,000-acre commercial shellfish growing area from “approved” to “conditionally” approved. Under state law, this triggered the creation of the Poverty Bay Shellfish Protection District, a local governmental board dedicated to abating the toxins and other crud in the water.

Seasonal pollution

Most of Poverty Bay remains classified as “Meets standards, but some concerns” when it comes to commercial shellfish growing, according to the health department. There is no public shellfishing in this area, except at Dash Point State Park.

The pollution issue in the area is largely seasonal, said Scott Berbells, the Growing Area Section manager of DOH’s shellfish program, which classifies shellfish harvesting areas based on water quality and pollution levels. Berbells leads the team that collects samples and evaluates those pollution sources.

For context, Berbells said, the state classifies about 380,000 acres for shellfish harvesting overall. Around 66% of that area is approved, and about 31% is restricted or prohibited due to high pollution levels.

The last 3% or so, which includes Poverty Bay, is conditionally approved, meaning it meets the criteria some of the time, but has predictable periods during the year when it doesn’t. Shellfish harvesters can’t operate in Poverty Bay from June 1 through Nov. 30.

During and after large rainfall events in the summer, especially when it hasn’t rained in a while, scientists see some of the largest rates of bacteria flowing into the water, Berbells said.

“A little bit of rain makes a big impact on those small streams and creeks,” Berbells said. “[The rain will] wash things off the surface, and that causes these different problems to arise.”

Berbells said he doesn’t believe average beachgoers should be afraid to take off their shoes and visit the beach. Local health departments will close the beach when warranted.

“If they’re out there this time of year and we have a rainstorm … maybe people want to think about staying away from those stormwater discharges,” Berbells said. “On nice summer days, like we’re having right now, [there’s] probably not a lot of impact in this area. They can go enjoy the beach, enjoy the water. But there should be some awareness during these adverse conditions that we might see during the summer.”

What can you do?

Humans can be sickened after eating tainted shellfish, such as those that come into contact with fecal bacteria like E. coli.

Local health officials are on a campaign to remind the public to dispose of their waste responsibly. That often starts with your furry friends.

Lori Kothe, a West Seattle resident who started the “Poogooder” campaign to encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets, joined Eunbi Lee last weekend at the Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center Aquarium in Des Moines to educate locals about wayward dog bombs. The MaST Center is operated by Highline College.

Five years ago, Kothe started a movement in her neighborhood with community volunteers to place dog poop disposal spots in the area. The idea was to help dog owners to dispose of their pets’ droppings rather than chastise them for failing to do so.

Kothe and Public Health’s #zeropoochallenge encourages pet owners to learn about fecal pollution and pitch in to reducing it. By Kothe’s estimates, since roughly 37% of households in the greater Seattle area own a dog, around 1 million dogs need to relieve themselves at least every day.

Kothe’s picture book, “Oh Poo! A Cautionary Tale” is also displayed as a story walk at the Redondo Pier through September.

Aeriel Wauhob, a community engagement coordinator at the MaST center, said MaST workers can tell when water pollution is affecting their sealife.

Water from the Puget Sound is pumped straight into the tanks holding the aquarium’s crabs, jellyfish and other creatures, Wauhob said, so when pollutants affect sea creatures, they’re affecting the aquarium, too.

“We are constantly caring for animals that have parasites or disease, and with those extra [fecal] bacterial loads, you’ll definitely see bacteria infections, you’ll see the animals get stressed a lot more, [which] can lead to die-offs in certain animals,” Wauhob said.

Everyone is connected to the water and can do their part to keep it safe and healthy, Wauhob said. Here are a few ways to start:

Always scoop your pet’s droppings and toss them in the trash. (Visit zeropoo.com for more information.)

Don’t flush so-advertised “flushable” wipes, which can clog pipes unlike toilet paper.

Don’t feed urban wildlife like geese and raccoons.

If you own a septic system, have it checked regularly — at least every one to three years. King County offers free aid, financial assistance and even a rebate program for septic system owners to help prevent system failures. Only 5 percent of septic system owners have their systems regularly maintained or inspected for leaks and failures, Lee said.

Consider having your sewer infrastructure inspected for broken pipes.

Consider washing your car at a car wash and not at home.

• Report drainage and water quality problems at kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/stormwater/problem-investigation-line/report-form.aspx

• To check for health advisories or closures at your local beach or lake, visit doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/water-recreation/beach-advisories

Poverty Bay Annual Shellfis… by Alex Bruell