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Shellfish logo used by permission, courtesy of the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA). Website hosted by:
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Drayton Harbor ProjectsMonitoring: Identifying Priority Areas and Measuring SuccessWhat is fecal coliform bacteria? Fecal coliform bacteria is found in human and animal feces. Although fecal coliform may be harmless, when it's detected in a stream or the harbor, it's a sign that human and/or animal wastes - and the harmful micro-organisms that they may carry - are polluting the water. Fecal coliform indicates that there is a public health risk because of the potential of direct contact with sewage. In addition, human and animal waste can contaminate shellfish and make them unsafe to eat. Where does fecal coliform bacteria come from? Possible sources of of fecal coliform bacteria in the Drayton Harbor watershed are failing septic systems, leaks in municipal sewer system, hobby or small farms, large agricultural operations, pets, and wildlife. How much bacteria is in the harbor and neighborhood streams? To guard against public health risks, the state Department of Ecology has established standards for bacteria in both fresh and marine waters. In the harbor, there are two standards that must be met: water samples must have less than an average of 14 fecal coliform colonies per 100 milliliters of water (100 FC/100mL), and a 90th percentile of less than 43 FC per 100mL. In neighborhood creeks, there are also two standards that must be met: water samples must have less than an average of 100 fecal coliform colonies per 100 milliliters of water (100 FC/100mL), and less than 10% of the samples can have more than 200 FC per 100mL. Several agencies monitor water quality in Drayton Harbor and the freshwater systems that drain into the harbor. Maps and graphs have been developed to illustrate where samples are being collected and the condition of water quality. Figure 1 delineates the boundaries of the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Figure 2 displays the various locations within marine waters where samples are currently collected and Figure 3 shows what the water quality status is for each sample site. The monitoring programs and water quality findings are described below. How is the water quality data used? Water quality monitoring plays a key role in both identifying priority areas for water quality improvement and for measuring the success of programs in these priority areas.
Water Quality in Drayton HarborMarine Water Standards for Fecal Coliform Bacteria
Shellfish Growing AreaEleven monitoring sites have been established to classify Drayton Harbor shellfish beds. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) uses a minimum of the last 30 water samples to analyze water quality in comparison to the National Shellfish Sanitation Standards. Samples are collected a minimum of six times per year. Currently, samples are collected on a monthly basis in Drayton Harbor. The Drayton Harbor Annual Growing Area Review is prepared by DOH at the end of each year. Map of DOH Drayton Harbor Sample Sites Fecal coliform at each monitoring station is evaluated for both the geometric mean and the estimated 90th percentile. Currently, a portion of the harbor is classified as "Conditional Approval" with a six-day closure occurring after 3/4 inches of precipitation in 24 hours. DOH is considering a change to the "Conditional Approval" status that would result in a seasonal closure from November through February. The following table summarizes the geometric mean and estimated 90th percentile for each marine station under three conditions:
**Values in this table are approximations for illustration of water quality status at each sampling station. DOH calculations provide the official values that are used for shellfish growing area classifications.
Port of BellinghamThe Port samples the waters of the Blaine Marina as well as sites in the harbor, outside of the harbor and in the Semiahmoo Marina. The fecal coliform levels within the Blaine Marina have been consistently high. This closed system makes it hard to flush out contaminants that enter the harbor at this point. Map of Port of Bellingham Drayton Harbor Sample Sites
Water Quality in Neighborhood CreeksFecal Coliform Bacteria Freshwater Standards for Drayton Harbor
Fecal Coliform Bacteria Freshwater Standards for Boundary Bay
Long-Term Monitoring ProgramThe Northwest Indian College (NWIC) has been sampling several sites in the Drayton Harbor watershed for fecal coliform bacteria since 1998. Samples have typically been collected on a monthly basis. Some stations have been sampled less frequently due to dry conditions or, in previous years, due to limited funding. The NWIC currently samples eight sites on Dakota and California Creeks. Based upon the past 30 samples, only two of these eight sites are meeting both thresholds of the water quality standard. Six of the eight sites have more than 10% of the samples exceeding 200 FC/100mL. Additionally, the NWIC currently samples two sites at Cain Creek. These sites discharge into Boundary Bay and have higher standards of water quality that must be met. Freshwater discharging to Boundary Bay must have a geometric mean less than 50 FC/100mL and less than 10% of the samples exceeding 100 FC/100 mL. Based upon the last 30 samples, both of these sites exceed both thresholds of the fecal coliform water quality standard. Map of Northwest Indian College Drayton Harbor Watershed Sample Sites Status of Long-Term Monitoring Sites through May 2010
Calculations based upon last 30 samples.*Green indicates meeting both water quality standard thresholds, orange indicates exceeding one threshold, red indicates exceeding both thresholds.**See water quality standards for Boundary Bay above.Annual Geometric Means for California, Dakota, and Cain Creeks California Creek Data Table 2007-2010 California Creek Data Chart 2007-2010
Short-Term Monitoring ProjectsThe Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) conducted a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study in the Drayton Harbor watershed from December 2007 through December 2008.
Hirsch Consulting Services conducted a year-long monitoring project on California Creek tributaries from April 2006 through May 2007.
Other Drayton Harbor ProjectsOn-site Septic Systems
Whatcom County Public Works- Natural Resources
Last updated 06/02/10 |
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