BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Fall rains are leading to high bacteria pollution levels in Portage Bay, and the Public Works Department is asking all of us to help keep that and other local waters cleaner.
Those high pollution results did not result in a new shellfish harvesting closure, but they decreased the likelihood of lifting harvest restrictions in October, November and December.
The State Department of Health removed shellfish harvesting restrictions in Portage Bay this spring due to improved water quality and community action. However, fall continues to be a challenging season to improve water quality and harvesting remains closed from October through December.
Whatcom County Water Quality Planner Kate Rice says sources of the bacteria build up during dry summer months, then are picked up and carried into ditches, streams and rivers by fall rains.
The county has tips on how to reduce pollution from farms, septic systems, pets, boats and RV’s and even urban wildlife on their website.