8-31-2018

BIRCH BAY, Wash. — The Washington Department of Health reports they removed restrictions on nearly 700 acres of commercial shellfish beds thanks to improved sewage management across the state.

Birch Bay is one of these reclassified areas.

Progress has been made over the past 20 years to reduce the potential for sewage discharge from boats, including better waste-holding capacities, more waste pump-out stations and the implementation of a No Discharge Zone throughout the Puget Sound.

The improvements mean better water quality, healthier shellfish and improved public health.