The Washington Department of Ecology has conducted decades of studies on the serious effects of nutrient and toxic pollution on Puget Sound, revealing a broad variety of water quality problems affecting the Sound, its marine life, and people.<\/p>\n
These issues include plummeting dissolved oxygen, rapidly increasing nuisance and hazardous algal blooms, deteriorating fish and wildlife populations\u2014including iconic salmon and the critically imperiled orca\u2014and fundamental changes to the food web that include increased populations of jellyfish and decreased populations of the forage fish that support larger species.<\/p>\n
This pollution comes from two main sources: treated<\/em> municipal sewage and factory farms (CAFOs \u2013 concentrated animal feeding operations). WELC is taking action to force Washington state to finally solve this problem, which has plagued Puget Sound and its communities for decades and has now become a full-blown emergency.<\/p>\n Modernizing wastewater treatment The vast majority of sewage treatment plants surrounding Puget Sound use a 100-year-old technology called \u201csecondary treatment.\u201d This level of treatment does not remove nutrients or toxic chemicals from sewage. Current technology, first developed in the 1970s, called \u201ctertiary treatment\u201d does remove nutrient and toxic pollution from sewage.<\/p>\n After 30 years of studies, Ecology has concluded cities\u2019 sewage discharges are the primary cause of some of Puget Sound\u2019s biggest pollution problems. Ten years ago, Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed that sewage treatment technology used by Puget Sound cities is outdated. Eight years ago, Ecology published a study showing that modern sewage treatment would significantly reduce the discharge of toxic pollutants to Puget Sound. Knowledge of the issue is important, but science without action has allowed the problem to worsen, and made cleanup more difficult.<\/p>\n It is past time for cities in the Puget Sound region to install modern sewage treatment technology. Toxics in sewage are an increasing source of pollution due to our rising use of personal care products and pharmaceuticals.\u00a0 Nutrients from our cities and towns are contributing to critically low dissolved oxygen levels and other water quality problems in the Sound.<\/p>\n However, Ecology insists on seeing through a multi-year task force that is destined to reach the same conclusion of the countless similar efforts that have come before: the solution is right in front of us. Modern sewage treatment would help ensure survival of orca whales, reduce pollution shellfish bed pollution, address ocean acidification that threatens fish and shellfish, reverse the dramatic downturn in populations of Chinook salmon, and reduce toxic contamination in fish and wildlife.<\/p>\n We\u2019re fighting to speed the Puget Sound region\u2019s inevitable adoption of modern sewage treatment before the ecological stresses we\u2019re imposing on the Sound become too much for it to withstand.<\/p>\n Factory farms also pollute water…a LOT<\/strong><\/p>\n An adult dairy cow generates roughly 120 pounds of manure per day, or as much as\u00a020-40 people. The waste generated at these facilities is\u00a0stored in unlined lagoons and over-applied to farmland,\u00a0causing grave environmental, public health, and economic problems. In Puget Sound, CAFO pollution has been linked to shellfish bed closures and ocean acidification<\/a>, perhaps this region\u2019s most imminent environmental and economic catastrophe. Already, acidification has wiped out billions of oyster larvae in the Puget Sound; has impacted pteropods, which are critical food for birds and fish, and poses risks for other important sea life, including red king crab and wild salmon.<\/p>\n We are working with our partners to get the Washington State Department of Ecology to alter the\u00a0CAFO General Permit to\u00a0require:<\/p>\n As part of our Washington CAFO permit work, WELC provides legal services to its clients\/partners, which now include over 20 environmental organizations and tribal governments. WELC is working to broaden its base of partners\/clients to include ecotourism organizations, shellfish growers, sustainable agricultural operations, health professionals, and additional Native American tribes.<\/p>\n View maps showing\u00a0<\/strong>dairy and water pollution threats to Puget Sound:<\/p>\n Plus, check out this interactive map<\/a>\u00a0that shows water pollution in Puget Sound.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” transparent_background=”off” background_color=”#f1f3f2″ allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”30px||30px|” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding_tablet=”30px||40px|”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Related Documents” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Staff” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n Andrew Hawley: Bio<\/a> | Docket<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Partners” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Citizens for Sustainable Development<\/p>\n Concerned Area Residents of the Yakama Reservation<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Partners” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n Public Justice<\/p>\n Community Association for the Restoration of the Environment<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” disabled_on=”on|on|on” disabled=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]<\/p>\n Groundwater monitoring_CAFO permit combined.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n Sample CAFO letter to WA Gov Inslee.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n Ltr.Ecy_.CAFO_.OA_.Final_.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n DOA Cmts.Revised.4.14.14.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n DOA Cmts.Range Proposal.6.21.14.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n Ltr.BOH Update.7.14.14.Final_.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n WA CAFO General Permit Fact Sheet.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n CAFO Permit WA Universal Coverage Letter Jan 2015.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n BOH Testimony.Final_.6.11.14.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n WA Dept of Ecology CAFO Permit Basics.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n DOH.Cmt_.Ltr_.Revised.12.9.13.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n DOH Petition for Rulemaking 12.6.13.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n Agricultural Pollution in Puget Sound – April 2016 – Web.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n 2015.11.19-WA.CAFO_.Testimony.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n DOH_PortageBaySanitarySurvey1997-sm.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n CAFO-Lagoon-Distance-Puget-Sound.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n CAFO-Lagoon Depth-Whatcom-Skagit.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n CAFO-Lagoon-Distance-Whatcom-Skagit.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n CAFO Lagoons Leak Citations.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The water quality of the state of Washington’s Puget Sound has been and continues to be degraded by concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) pollution\u2014industrial operations where animals are not pastured, but confined in barns and feedlots, standing in mud, manure, and urine 365 days per year.<\/p>\n On November 19, 2015, WELC Attorney Andrea Rodgers testified before the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee in the Washington State House of Representatives in support of a strong WA CAFO Permit. That testimony is available here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n WATCH<\/strong> KOMO News 4 Problem Solvers Investigation<\/a> of CAFO run-off contaminating shellfish, swimming beaches, and the tap water for thousands of people.<\/p>\n VIEW MAPS <\/strong>that show dairy and water pollution threats to Puget Sound:<\/p>\n Puget Sound lagoon distance from nearest water body map: http:\/\/bit.ly\/1MZnLzz<\/a> Plus, check out this interactive map<\/a> that shows water pollution in Puget Sound.<\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n An adult dairy cow generates roughly 120 pounds of manure per day, which is the equivalent of 20 to 40 people. The waste generated at these facilities is\u00a0stored in unlined lagoons and over-applied to farmland,\u00a0causing grave environmental, public health, and economic consequences. Unfortunately, Washington state\u2019s estimated 517 dairies, including those in the Puget Sound region, are not being effectively managed or regulated to protect ground and surface waters from nutrient pollution. The impact of this mismanagement is well documented and the contamination astounding.<\/p>\n Over the last 30 years, state and federal agencies have gathered a tremendous amount of scientific data across the state regarding the scope of agricultural pollution. The extent of the contamination is shocking and the potential health and environmental effects devastating.<\/p>\n In the Puget Sound, agricultural pollution from CAFOs has been linked to shellfish bed closures and ocean acidification<\/a>, perhaps this region\u2019s most imminent environmental and economic catastrophe. Already, acidification has wiped out billions of oyster larvae in the Puget Sound; has impacted pteropods, which are critical food for birds and fish, and poses risks for other important sea life, including red king crab and wild salmon.<\/p>\n Despite the obvious environmental, public health and economic drivers to reduce contamination of Puget Sound waters from CAFOs, the regulation of agricultural pollution is one of the most contentious issues facing the state today. The powerful agricultural industry is adamant that enforcement mechanisms be voluntary.<\/p>\n Washington state has a history of kowtowing to industry pressure. For example, although there are approximately 1200 CAFOs in the state, only 14 are required to operate with a permit to discharge pollution. Therefore, the state\u2019s recalcitrance to address the pollution through an effective CAFO permit, among other measures, is exacerbating the environmental and health problems associated with CAFOs.<\/p>\n WELC’s Solution<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Currently, the Washington Department of Ecology is developing a new CAFO General Permit — replacing the existing permit that expired in 2011 — which is required by the Clean Water Act (CWA) for any point source pollutant (including CAFOs). Under Washington law, the Department of Ecology has the authority, and duty, to prevent discharges to both surface and ground water.<\/p>\n We are working with our partners to get Ecology to issue a new CAFO General Permit that requires<\/p>\n As part of our Washington CAFO permit work, WELC provides legal services to its clients\/partners, which now include over 20 environmental organizations and tribal governments. WELC is working to broaden its base of partners\/clients to include ecotourism organizations, shellfish growers, sustainable agricultural operations, health professionals, and additional Native American tribes.<\/p>\n A new CAFO Permit is an important local step Washington can take in addressing and mitigating the effects of ocean acidification. View our most recent advocacy letter<\/a> sent to WA Dept of Ecology.<\/p>\n WELC is asking the Washington Board of Health to use its existing statutory authority to protect public health from the improper management of animal manure. The Board of Health is currently considering a petition for rulemaking<\/a> designed to significantly reduce<\/em> the Board’s authority and ability to protect public health from the dangers associated with the keeping of animal manure. On behalf of our partners, WELC testified<\/a> before the Board of Health and asked the Board to take several steps to address this public health crisis. WELC continues to ask<\/a> the Board to protect the public from CAFO pollution.<\/p>\n WELC is working to make information about the pollution generated by CAFOs publicly available. (Read WELC comments to WSDA on 4.14.14<\/a> and on 6.21.14<\/a>.)<\/p>\n WELC’s mission is to protect and restore water quality in Puget Sound and beyond. We are using our expertise and experience to curb pollution to Puget Sound from outdated, harmful agricultural practices. Our campaign incorporates advocacy with federal, state, and local governments, direct dialog with the agricultural industry, a public awareness campaign, and potential litigation. Our efforts are in partnership with Native American Tribes, fishing interests, public health specialists, sustainable agricultural advocates and grocers, conservation organizations, and citizens.<\/p>\n Protecting wild salmon in Puget Sound<\/strong><\/p>\n Cold, clean water is an essential component of a healthy Puget Sound ecosystem, but few people understand how imperiled Puget Sound is by industrial agricultural pollution.\u00a0 Bacteria and pathogens being released into the water from industrial agricultural operations such as CAFOs have increased stream temperatures, degraded salmon habitat, closed shellfish beds, contaminated drinking water supplies, and exacerbated ocean acidification in certain places within Puget Sound.<\/p>\n WELC is working to raise awareness about this issue, increasing popular support for a non-voluntary, regulatory approach to addressing agricultural pollution in Washington state.<\/p>\n We are working to collect and disseminate data on the scope of this pollution problem, advocate for additional regulations and enforcement by federal, state, and local governments, and collaborate with Native American tribal governments who serve as co-managers of the salmon fishery and shellfish industry.<\/p>\n Our clients and partners in this work are: What’s Up Stream, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, Center for Environmental Law & Policy, Sierra Club, Community for the Restoration of the Environment, Friends of Toppenish Creek, Concerned Area Residents of the Yakama Reservation, Law Offices of Charles M. Tebbutt, Swinomish Indian Community, Orca Conservancy, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, Spokane Riverkeeper, Center for Food Safety, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Pasado\u2019s Safe Haven, Citizens for Sustainable Development, Socially Responsible Agriculture Project, Public Justice, NW Indian Fisheries Commission, Center for Biological Diversity, Yakama Nation, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Lummi Indian Nation, and Friends of the Earth.<\/em><\/p>\n (WELC project #502, 503, 504, and 505)<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Saving Puget Sound The delicate Sound The Washington Department of Ecology has conducted decades of studies on the serious effects of nutrient and toxic pollution on Puget Sound, revealing a broad variety of water quality problems affecting the Sound, its marine life, and people. These issues include plummeting dissolved oxygen, rapidly increasing nuisance and hazardous […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
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Related Documents<\/h2>\n
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Partners<\/h3>\n
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\nWhatcom and Skagit Counties distance from nearest water body map: http:\/\/bit.ly\/1SkvfzX<\/a>
\nWhatcom and Skagit County lagoon excavation depth map: http:\/\/bit.ly\/1feWygS<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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