HomeMy WebLinkAboutord1998-069WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL
NO. 1998 - 99
CLEARANCES Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned To
Orig. Dept.: County Council
2118/98
9/15/98
Introduced
Division Head:
9/29/98
Committee /Council
Dept. Head:
Prosecutor:
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Budget:
Executive:
SUBJECT.-
Ordinance amending Ord. 98 -019, WCC 16.20, Shellfish Protection District
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance, Exhibit A
SUMM-4RYSTATEMENT.-
Related County Contract #: Should the Clerk schedule a hearing? (Y/N N Requested Date:
This ordinance extends the sunset date of the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District to Dec. 31, 2000 (the same as the
Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District) and also adopts the Drayton Harbor Recovery Plan as updated by the Advisory
ommittee.
RECOMMENDED MOTION (for final action):
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
1998-99 9/15/98: Amended and Introduced
9/29/98: Adopted 7 -0 Ord. #98 -069
Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number (this item only):
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1 Ord\1998\Shellfishv.I SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL
2 8/17/98 PROPOSED BY: CONSENT
3 INTRODUCED: 9/15/98
4
5 ORDINANCE NO. 98 -069
6 AMENDING ORDINANCE 98 -019, WCC CHAPTER 16.20, REGARDING
7 WHATCOM COUNTY SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT
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10 WHEREAS, on March 24, 1998, the Whatcom County Council amended Whatcom County
11 Code Chapter 16.20 to combine the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District and the Portage
12 Bay Shellfish Protection District, and;
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14 WHEREAS, the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District will dissolve on December 31,
15 1998 unless specifically extended by ordinance of the County legislative authority, and;
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17 WHEREAS, on August 1, 1995, the Whatcom County Council approved by resolution the
18 Drayton Harbor Watershed Shellfish Protection District Water Quality Recovery Plan, and;
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20 WHEREAS, the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee has
21 updated the Drayton Harbor Watershed Shellfish Protection District Water Quality Recovery Plan
22 to reflect the work that has been done in the District.
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25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that the sunset
26 date for the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District shall be extended to December 31, 2000.
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28 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the updated Drayton Harbor Watershed Shellfish
29 Protection District Water Quality Recovery Plan as shown in Exhibit A is hereby adopted.
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3 ADOPTED this 29 day of Sep
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6 ATTEST:
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11 own- ler o Council
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14 APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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19 Karen Frakes, Civil Deputy Prosecutor
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t . , 199.8
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Page 2
Pete Kremen, County Executive
EXHIBIT A
Drayton Harbor Shellfish
Protection District
Status Report and Water Quality Recovery Plan
An update to inform the community of water quality progress
And priority recommendations
Drayton Harbor Shellfish
Protection District Advisory Committee
September 1998
Executive Summary
Deteriorating water quality in Drayton Harbor has resulted in the reclassification of portions of
commercial shellfish beds from Approved to Restricted and Prohibited Drayton Harbor is a shallow
estuarine harbor with fresh water contributions from California and Dakota Creeks. The Watershed
predominately supports agriculture, forestry, urban development, and commercial and recreational
shellfish harvesting.
Since the 1995 downgrade the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee
(committee) has met monthly to communicate priorities to agencies for improving water quality.
The committee uses actions listed in the Initial Closure Response Strategy and the Drayton Harbor
Watershed Action Plan to pursue nonpoint pollution source identification and control. Tracking
the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan has been minimal since the 1995 downgrade due
to the absence of a lead agency. This report is an informative overview outlining the
accomplishments and current recommendations needed for improving water quality to reclassify
shellfish growing areas in the Harbor.
Objective: Reconvene the core group of responsible agencies in order to reestablish a coordinated
and focused effort to reduce fecal coliform pollution in Drayton Harbor. To achieve reclassification
of the shellfish growing areas in Drayton Harbor requires a strong commitment from the community
and identified agencies. The identified core group will set into place consistent commitment to
ensure all recommendations are implemented and tracked. Removing the restrictions on Drayton
Harbor has been some what fragmented in its funding and scope. To fully implement tasks listed
in this report the Shellfish District will require funding in areas where existing staff or funds are not
available.
Identified Agencies and Groups:
City of Blaine
Department of Ecology (DOE)
Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee (DHSPDAC)
Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)
Nooksack Tribe
Port of Bellingham (Port)
Whatcom Conservation District (WCD)
Whatcom County Planning and Development Services
Whatcom County Health and Human Services (WCDH)
Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
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Current Monitoring: In September of 1996 DOH reduced its monitoring to bimonthly due to lack
of improvements to water quality. In June 1998 DOH responded to a request by Whatcom County
to go back to monthly ambient monitoring in light of recent improvements. Refer to (Figure 3) for
DOH fecal coliform sampling locations. In addition, water quality monitoing continues from a
variety of agencies. These include:
• Port of Bellingham samples fecal coliform once a month in Blaine Harbor
commercial Marina
• Institute for Watershed Studies -WWU has completed the Drayton Harbor
Watershed Monitoring Project. Monthly sampling from January to December
1997 in California and Dakota Creeks.
• Blaine Seafood Processors and the Blaine STP conduct monitoring under
their NPDES permit requirements.
• DOE- Environmental Investigative Laboratory Services (EILS) will
continue limited sampling of the Blaine Seafood Processor outfall.
• City of Blaine has completed a baseline monitoring program. This program
will assess sources of fecal contamination using DNA matching techniques.
Sampling occurred within the city limits of Blaine.
The committee and the entities listed here agree that environmental benefits can only result through
coordination of on going monitoring. At the present time there is no mechanism for this Drayton
Harbor water quality data to be shared. A long -term coordinated water quality program is needed
to track water quality changes as continued source controls are implemented.
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DRAYTON HARBOR SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT
STATUS REPORT
September 1998
Introduction
In January, 1995 the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) downgraded the classification
of commercial shellfish growing areas in Drayton Harbor. The reclassification was based on water
quality data and a survey of known and potential pollution sources in the watershed. In response to
the downgrade, state and local agencies joined with other affected interests to develop the Drayton
Harbor Closure Response Strategy, a targeted, short-term action plan aimed'at controlling the
pollution sources and restoring the water quality of the harbor. The strategy was also designed to
complement the more comprehensive recommendations of the Drayton Harbor Watershed
Management flan.
In July, 1995 the Whatcom County Council established a Shellfish Protection District for the Drayton
Harbor watershed and created a citizen advisory committee to help implement the recommended
actions. The district has not yet been used to generate funding for the water quality program. Instead,
the various projects and activities have been carried out with state and federal grants, general
revenues from local agencies, and the voluntary efforts of area residents. This report presents an
overview of the accomplishments of this community -based effort along with recommendations for
improving the course of action for restoring water quality in Drayton Harbor. (See Figure 1 for map
of watershed)
Water Quality Update
DOH classifies shellfish growing areas on the basis of comprehensive sanitary surveys. Each survey
includes assessments of water quality and pollution sources, and also takes into account
meteorological and hydrographic factors that may affect the presence and distribution of
contaminants.
Tlie presence of certain levels of fecal coliform bacteria is used as the primary indicator of water
quality' In classifying each shellfish growing area, DOH relies on the 30 most recent samples taken
from each sampling station located in and around the shellfish harvest area. Using the Adverse
Pollution Condition protocol (APC), the samples at each station must meet a two -part standard for
water quality. For example the geometric mean of the samples cannot exceed 14 fecal coliform
colonies per 100 milliliters of water (fc /I00m1), and no more than 10 percent of the .samples can
exceed 4' ) fc /100ml.
Under the ]National Shellfish Sanitation Program, DOH is required to sample Approved commercial
shellfish areas six times each year. In the mid- 1990's DOH started sampling Drayton Harbor on a
monthly basis and added several sampling stations in an effort to identify pollution sources. In
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September, 1996 the department switched back to bimonthly sampling. This decision to reduce
frequency of sampling was based upon lack of evidence of improving water quality in the Harbor,
no significant improvements on the ground, and limited resources within Department of Health to
maintain this expanded program in Drayton Harbor.
Shown on Figure Two are the locations of 18 stations which have been sampled by DOH on a
variable schedule in the 1990's. Not shown on the figure are five sampling stations within Blaine
Harbor, which were added to help identify pollution sources. Stations 1 through 12 are inside
Drayton Harbor, and stations 16, 17 and 18 are in Semiahmoo Bay. Stations 4 and 6 are in the area
of the commercial oyster beds: stations 11 and 12 are near the tribal harvesting areas: stations
8,9,10,16 and 18 are at the harbor entrance; and station 17 is adjacent to the recreational shellfish
area in Semiahmoo Bay. The remaining five stations (1,2,3,5,7) are essentially open water sites.
In terms of growing area classifications, stations 4 and 6 are in the Restricted area; stations 3, 5, and
12 are in the Approved area, and the remaining ten stations are in the Prohibited areas. Since DOH
reduced its monitoring program, sampling has been limited to three stations near the Restricted area
4, 6, 8), three stations in the Approved area (3, 5, 12) and the five additional stations within Blaine
Harbor commercial marina area. See Figure 3 for current stations, note: Blaine Harbor stations are
not shown.
Overall, samples collected since the downgrade in 1995 indicate that water quality in Drayton
Harbor is not improving. In fact, the data suggests that conditions in the harbor are actually
worsening. The same nine stations that did not meet the water quality standard in 1995 (stations 1,
2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 inside the harbor and stations 16 and 18 outside) remain out of compliance.
Samples taken at stations 8 and 9 near the harbor entrance, and station 6 in the Restricted area
exceed the standard by a greater amount now than they did in 1995. And perhaps most significant
is the declining water quality at the three stations in the remaining Approved area. Moreover,
Station 3 is very close to failing the standard for percentage of samples over 43 fc /100ml, and
stations 5 and 12 show similar declines. As previously noted, all classification and reclassifications
are based on the 30 most recent samples. Therefore, any upgrade would require a change in current
water quality trends and a series of positive samples. (See Figure 4 for recent DOH data)
Shellfish Resource Update
From October 1996 through April 1997 the remaining commercially grown oyster shell stock was
relayed from the Restricted area to the Approved area. Enabling re- harvest and sale of oysters. This
relay operation was completed and currently there is no active oyster growing operation in Drayton
Harbor due to the fecal coliform pollution problem.
Discussion of Pollution Sources
Prior to and since the 1995 downgrade a number of reports have documented ongoing pollution
sources in the watershed. (See Appendix A for list of documents) These reports describe point and
nonpoint sources impacting water quality and subsequently the shellfish resource in Drayton Harbor.
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The six pollution sources identified by State Department of Health (DOH) in the Sanitary
Survey include:
• Failing on -site septic systems on or near the harbor shoreline and creeks
• City of Blaine sewage treatment and bypasses
• Storm water runoff
• Blaine and Semiahmoo marinas
• Agricultural practices in California and Dakota Creek watersheds
• Fish processing wastewater
Each of these point and nonpoint sources is recognized as significant, or potentially significant. Due
to the complexity of the combined ongoing sources the advisory committee expresses the need to
work on all fronts to realize an upgrade of the shellfish beds in Drayton Harbor. This report
discusses the status, accomplishments and recommendations of each of the identified pollution
sources that impact Drayton Harbor.
On -Site Sewage Systems
Whatcom County Health and Human Services Department
Many of the existing on -site sewage systems (OSS) on or near the Drayton Harbor shoreline and
along California and Dakota Creeks, predate design and installation requirements. Fifty -four percent
(54 %) of the residences are greater than 20 years old. Previous survey work in this area has revealed
that 38% of the systems evaluated did not meet current design standards. A recent, intensive survey
of 252 OSS revealed 54 failures. This is a failure rate of 21 %. To date, 17 OSS have been repaired.
The remaining 37 residences have either initiated interim measures to eliminate the immediate
public health threat prior to OSS repair or are pending further enforcement action.
Accomplishments
1) Distributed OSS Operation and Maintenance information packets to approximately 450
residences in the Drayton Harbor Watershed. These were completed with 1995 PIE grant
funds.
2) Revisited all suspect OSS from the 1995 DOH and made final determinations on all sites.
3) Obtained $154,000 through a Special On -site Shellfish Grant to assist homeowners in the
repair of failing OSS. Seven of the repaired OSS have been awarded SOS grant money. The
grant money will assist in the repair of an estimated additional 15 OSS.
4) Developed an OSS database in order to track the status of all OSS within the Drayton Harbor
Watershed.
5) Developed and implemented an OSS Enforcement Policy which requires prompt repair of
failing OSS.
6) Assisted both the City of Blaine and the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District to insure that
failing OSS within their service areas are connected to public sewer. Connection to public
sewer, upon the failure of an OSS, is required by WCC 24.05 and WAC 264 -272, On -Site
Sewage Systems.
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7) Assisted the Port of Bellingham in conducting sewer line testing in the Blaine Harbor area.
8) Worked with the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District in exploring the feasibility of a sewer
extension along Drayton Harbor Road, as an alternative to OSS. All indications are that the
ULID formation is not moving forward at this time and is not probable in the near future.
The replacement of failing OSS with permitted, conforming OSS, appears to be the only
alternative at this time.
9) Actively participated in activities related to the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District
Advisory Committee.
Recommendations
1) Designate Drayton Harbor as an Area of Special Concern through the public process.
Additional requirements to reduce failure rates or minimize impacts of OSS on shellfish
resources are detailed in WCC 24.05.23, Areas of Special Concern.
2) Establish a countywide Operation and Maintenance program for all OSS by the year 2000.
The O &M Program will be implemented by December 1998. Sensitive areas, such as the
Drayton Harbor Watershed, will be the primary focus of the initial phase of program
implementation.
3) Establish a permanent program for financial assistance for OSS repairs. State Revolving
Fund monies for a low interest loan program were applied for in February 1998.
4) Enforce existing OSS regulations. The Health Department will utilize the recently adopted
enforcement policy to ensure timely, permanent repair of all failures identified during survey
work by August 1998.
5) Require proof that a residence, served by an OSS, has a functioning OSS for all real estate
transactions.
Blaine Sewage Treatment Plant Facilities
City of Blaine, Department of Ecology (DOE)
Since the 1995 shellfish downgrade Blaine has experienced numerous combined stormwater/ sewer
overflows along Marine Drive. Storm water entering the sewer system overloads the Blaine Sewage
Treatment Plant (STP), resulting in design capacity being exceeded.
Twelve times in January of 1997, the plant exceeded its 24 -hour average design flow. In January
of 1998, the frequency decreased to seven events of lesser magnitude. The 800,000 gallons per day
(gpd) capacity of the STP is based on an average daily flow, and the plant is designed to handle one-
hour peak flows of 2,400,000 gpd. Blaine's DOE national pollution discharge elimination system
permit uses averages of the recorded daily flows, this averaging rarely puts the STP out of
compliance. There is concern about the performance of the facilities and possible impacts to the
harbor during these high flow events.
These overflows, caused by excessive inflow and infiltration (I &I) of storm water into the sanitary
sewer system, overwhelmed the system resulting in the discharge of untreated sewage into
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Semiahmoo Bay. This history of storm water I &I has caused exceedences in the average day design
capacity of the Blaine STP. City of Blaine collection system improvements in North Blaine will
minimize the occurrence of Marine Drive sewer discharges into Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton
Harbor.
Blaine Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall City of Blaine, DOE, DOH
Commercial shellfish harvesting north of Semiahmoo Spit in Semiahmoo Bay is prohibited due to
the current location of the sewer treatment plant outfall pipe. Along with the closure of the
commercial shellfish beds within Drayton Harbor, the Department of Health has recommended to
the Whatcom County Parks Department closure of recreational shellfish harvesting in this
recreational area. Circulation studies conducted by Schwartz (1976) and recently by Menzies and
Marcy (1998) show that under certain flood tide conditions, effluent from this sewer outfall pipe is
capable of reaching the mouth of Drayton Harbor within five hours of discharge. (See Appendix B
for details on Circulation study and DOH letter of response.)
Effluent from the Blaine STP is chlorinated after treatment to disinfect the discharge. There have
been events when the chlorination has not proved effective, and high fecal coliform counts have
been found in the effluent. Under these conditions, the effluent carrying fecal coliform pollutants
may be contributing to the degraded water quality in the vicinity of the mouth of Drayton Harbor.
The planning process for the STP facility upgrade is underway, (targeted completion date set for
1999). Although Department of Ecology is not requiring a redesign of the plant, serious
consideration should be given to redesign or relocation of the STP outfall as a measure to reduce
impacts to nearby shellfish resources.
(See Appendix C for Blaine STP effulent data)
Blaine Stormwater City of Blaine, DOE, Whatcom County Health
Since the downgrade, DOH has sampled three priority storm drains at their outfall locations to the
harbor between March `95 and October `96. The results have shown ongoing elevated levels of
fecal coliform entering Drayton Harbor during that period.
Number of samples Location Range of FC Results Average
8 Nikki's drainage 33 -3300 fe/ 100m1 1225 fc /100m1
7 Storm drain N. of Cain Ck 110 - 17,000 fe/100m1 3395 fe/100m1
15 Cain CL mouth 79 -22,00 fe/100m1 2127 fc /100m1
This sampling shows chronic pollution coming from these storm water sources. Knowing that
sources are consistently polluted, DOH discontinued this extra sampling effort due to lack of
improvements by the City of Blaine and County. Once potential unknown sources such as septics
and cross connections within the city limits are corrected the three priority outfalls should be
monitored regularly to determine whether water quality is improving.
In 1995 the City of Blaine completed and adopted a citywide Storm Water Management Plan. The
City of Blaine is currently implementing this plan. One of the objectives of the plan is to" engage
other agencies in region -wide implementation of activities to improve water quality in Drayton
Harbor and its tributary drainages." This coordination can enhance the effort to achieve regulatory
compliance with state and federal storm water control requirements.
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Accomplishments
1) Replaced the previous 10" diameter fiberglass pipe sewer force main that crosses the mouth of
the harbor with a 14" diameter ductile iron pipe. Replacement was necessary due to pipe failure
and leakage: Project cost: ($573,550). Project completed fall of 1996
2) Improved the North Blaine sewer collection system. Sewer main was replaced and new sewer
services were installed to all homes with poor service connections. These improvements will
decrease Storm water inflow into the collection system. Project cost: ($668,384). Project
completed August 1997
3) Replaced main sewer line along Marine Drive with larger diameter pipe to reduce the
possibility of overflows. Project cost: ($538,000). Project completed January 1998.
4) Construction will begin in April for the Peace Portal Collection System Improvements. As
with the North Blaine system, this sewer main is approximately 70 years old, failing and a
source of significant I &I into the collection system. Project cost: ($835,000)
5) New sewer service has been extended to Northeast Blaine where no public sewer service
existed. Project cost: ($335,000)
6) The Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade is in the final design phase.
7) The 1998 City of Blaine budget includes a standby pump for the Marine Drive Pump Station.
Combined Recommendations for Blaine's Stormwater and Sewage Treatment
Facilities
1) The City of Blaine, DOE, and Whatcom County Health Department to continue identifying
pollution impacting priority drainage's and report findings to the Shellfish Protection District
Advisory Committee.
2) The DHWMP recommendation SW40 states: The City of Blaine is to establish and conduct
water quality monitoring of Cain Creek and the Storm water outfall pipe to the northeast of
Cain Creek. Outfalls and upstream locations should be monitored to determine if the
collection system improvements are effective in source control.
3) The Blaine Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade. Convene DOH, DOE, City of Blaine and the
DHSPDAC to discuss potential redesign or relocation of the STP outfall. If no
improvement to outfall are deemed necessary then provide rational for decision.
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Boats & Marinas
Port of Bellingham, Semiahmoo Marina, Department of Ecology
Two marinas operate at the entrance of Drayton Harbor. The Semiahmoo Marina Condominium
Association operates a 300 -slip marina for pleasure boats. The Semiahmoo marina operates a
marine repair and fuel facility and currently has thirty live - aboards. The Port of Bellingham
maintains Blaine Harbor, which currently has 435 slips. Blaine Harbor supports commercial fishing
vessels, fish processing facilities, and pleasure boats, including three live - aboards. Due to the
number and variety of vessels that actively use the Blaine harbor, this marina represents a greater
source of pollution to Drayton Harbor (DOH Sanitary Survey 1995). As has been reported to the
DHSPDAC, the vessels owned by the three (3) live- aboards have been inspected. Two of these do
not have any toilet facilities and the third vessel has disabled the toilet. By using the shoreside
facilities exclusively these vessels do not discharge sewage into harbor waters.
The State Health Department's ambient water quality data, Western Washington University's oyster
tissue sampling, and current water quality monitoring conducted by the Port of Bellingham all show
higher fecal coliform levels recorded in the commercial section of Blaine Harbor. This indicates
that there are significant sources in Blaine Harbor. Washington State ambient sampling from March
1995 through September 1997 (43 samples) show repeated violations of fecal coliform. Seventy -
five per cent of the samples taken exceeded the standard. Although high fecal coliform levels have
been recorded in Blaine Harbor no known point sources have been recorded. (Fig. 5). The Port's
continued and focused monitoring will hopefully provide more information about sources. Once
that information is known, it is crucial that a mechanism for correcting the identified problems be
put in place.
Accomplishments
1) Followed recommendation BM -17 and BM -8 from the DHWMP and installed a portable
pump out station with a meter to monitor the number of boats using the facility. This
station serves the commercial fishing area of the marina allowing larger vessels off loading
at Sea -K Fish to utilize the facility and properly dispose of their vessel sewage. Project
Cost: ($22,000.00)
2) Relocated the fixed pump out facility to a designated slip so that it is continuously accessible
to commercial and recreational vessels. Project Cost: ($4,500.00)
3) Since 1982, Port of Bellingham staff have worked with Washington Sea Grant to develop
four (4) educational brochures for the boating public and special programs for commercial
fishermen.
4) Installed signs at entrance to Blaine Harbor that reads: "ENTERING SENSITIVE AREA,
CONTACT HARBOR OFFICE FOR PUMP -OUT LOCATIONS." Project Cost: ($275.00)
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5) Maintain informational signage encouraging all persons to help maintain the water quality
of the Drayton Harbor Watershed and its tributaries.
6) Educate lessees by the use of moorage agreements to promote environmental regulations.
On March 7, 1998 Harbor Rules and Regulations were modified to reflect Drayton Harbor
as a" zero discharge harbor" (Reference EPA non -point manual).
7) The Port of Bellingham conducted a dye test of the sanitation facilities and sewer lines at
Blaine Harbor. This test indicated all facilities are properly connected to the sanitary service
lines and that no cross connections to storm sewer exist. Project Cost: ($6,500.00)
8) Discovered several floor drains at the old Reef Fish lease site which were not connected.
New lessees have made the necessary repairs and the floor drains now flow into the sanitary
sewer.
9) The Port has developed a program to monitor the surface water within Blaine Harbor. This
is an 18 -month program attempting to identify sources of fecal coliform contamination
within Blaine Harbor. In addition to monitoring the fecal coliform levels, the program is
conducting a Fecal Strep Analysis using EPA method sm922D. The goal is to identify the
fecal coliform as being human, animal, or bird as primary sources.
10) The Port of Bellingham Marina's Division mails a "Marina Update" to all moorage
customers on a bimonthly basis. Since August 1994 more than 75% of the Marina Updates
have included articles regarding the importance of maintaining a clean harbor and have
asked for the cooperation of all vessel owners. Project Cost: ($2,000.00 annually)
11) Located and capped an open 4" sewer line at the Princess Elaina Pier, during surges of the
primary City of Blaine sewer line the 4" line would discharge raw sewage into the marina
basin. Project Cost: ($1,100.00)
12) At the Washington Crab lease facility, the Port has identified and repaired a leak in the sewer
line. Project Cost: ($525.00)
Recommendations
1) Port of Bellingham — As the Port continues to monitor water quality they should record
commercial activities to help delineate probable sources and develop a plan to deal with the sources
as they are discovered. All findings should be distributed to the Advisory Committee and other
interested parties on a monthly basis.
2) Blaine Harbor- Report on the number and type of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD's) in
Blaine Harbor. Port Staff have requested that each vessel owner respond to a survey declaring the
type of MSD that they have. The Port has received only a handful of responses. Drayton Harbor
Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee should be provided a status report.
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3) The Port of Bellingham and Blaine Seafood Processors (BSP) should exchange water quality
data in order to locate and control fecal sources. The Port of Bellingham requires all processors be
in total compliance with all Federal, State, County, and
City health codes as a condition of their lease.
4) The Department of Ecology, who has National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
permit enforcement responsibilities should insure that each processor is meeting the requirements
of the NPDES permit issued to Blaine Seafood Processors.
5) Coordinate water quality sampling with the State Department of Health.
Agriculture
Whatcom Conservation District, Whatcom County Planning Department,
EPA, DOE, NSEA
The Drayton Harbor Watershed Report (199 1) by the Puget Sound Cooperative River Basin Team,
cited poor agricultural practices as a source of bacterial contamination of water resources. Some of
their conclusions are listed below:
• Most commercial dairies have conservation plans, however most plans need to be updated and
fully implemented.
• Pasture management, on many smaller farms with cattle or horses, is inadequate to control
runoff and filter contaminants.
• Many dairies and other livestock farms have animals in proximity to unfenced streams or
drainage ditches..
• Non -dairy livestock operations often have animal densities or stocking rates that exceed the
vegetation's capacity to utilize the nutrients in animal waste.
In addition to this 1991 report, the Drayton Harbor Watershed Monitoring Project which was
completed in March 1998, had similar findings in the agricultural areas of California and Dakota
Creeks. The March 1998 project used previous water quality studies by Dickes (1992) and Saban
and Matthews (1991). Sampling sites and parameters of the 1998 Monitoring Project coincide with
the sites tested in '91 and '92.
Since the shellfish downgrade, seven of the eighteen commercial dairies in Drayton harbor have
been sent warning letters from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) siting water quality
violations, specifically fecal coliform pollution. One of these dairies had five reported complaints
between March '95 and February '96. Two dairies were cited with applying manure to snow
covered fields and one was fined for illegal discharge into Dakota Creek. EPA inspections have
documented fecal coliform pollution to Dakota Creek from the dairy operation that received the
fine.
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Accomplishments Whatcom Conservation District
1) Best Management Practices (BMPs), have been implemented on farms both large and small and
reduce the risk of water quality degradation resulting from farming activities. BMP' are based
on Natural Resources Conservation Service specifications, which are proven, through research,
to protect water quality. Farm Resource Management Plans incorporate BMPs.
2) Updated the Farm Resource Management Plans for six of the eighteen commercial dairies on
the watershed.
3) Developed Farm Resource Management Plans for fifteen noncommercial small farms.
4) The WCD has provided technical assistance along with informational materials on BMPs to over
100 small farms within the watershed.
5) The WCD provides information and education on environmentally friendly farming including
BMPs that protect water quality through fair booths, workshops, farm tours, newsletters, articles
and other printed materials.
6) WCD contracted with WWU Institute for Watershed Studies to perform a yearlong water quality
study at eight sites within the Dakota and California Creek drainage basins. The study provides
baseline data useful in identifying trends in water quality over time.
Project Funding:
Centennial Clean Water Fund Grant. A two -year grant which ended March 1998 provided small
farms technical assistance, small farm resource planning and water quality information and
education within the Drayton harbor Watershed. $160,000 spent.
Washington State Conservation Commission Dairy Waste Program funding. Covers farm resource
planning for Whatcom County dairies enrolled in State and Federal cost share programs. $20,000
spent.
State and Federal cost share spent on improvements to dairies to protect water quality in the Drayton
Harbor Watershed. $125,000 spent.
Recommendations
1) Whatcom County should support education and technical assistance to small farms. Federal
and State programs are in place for commercial farms. Funding should also be sought for
a cost -share program for small farms. Provide incentives to adopt BMPs as well as to offset
the costs associated with compliance with the Critical Areas Ordinance.
2) Commit to provide an effective enforcement program. Such a program includes the
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continued presence of the EPA and the DOE with Whatcom County assuming a higher
profile. The County should take three steps in this regard:
Actively enforce the Critical Areas Ordinance by providing funding to support
an inspector in the field dedicated to that purpose.
Prohibit by ordinance the spreading of liquid manure at certain times of the year
(e.g. to corn stubble post - harvest through the following February) and prohibit
manure application in proximity to a stream, creek or a public right -of -way).
Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding ( "MOU") with EPA and DOE.
Through this MOU, the agencies would clarify their respective jurisdictions,
coordinate efforts and make referrals from one another. This would avoid
duplication or omission in inspection activities.
3) The County should provide funding to assist farmers in developing conservation plans
consistent with CAO requirements.
Accomplishments Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)
NSEA has completed fifteen stream enhancement projects in California and Dakota Creeks.
This includes: fencing a total of three miles of stream to restrict animal access to streams, riparian
vegetation improvements covering approximately 5000ft, and providing instream structures to
enhance channel habitat for aquatic species. Along with their restoration projects, NSEA conducts
limited water quality sampling as part of their post- improvement monitoring program.
NSEA will continue to work in California and Dakota Creek watersheds as resources allow.
Projects include partnerships with Whatcom Conservation District and landowners to improve
General Recommendations
Total Maximum Daily Load Study (TMDL) in Drayton Harbor
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOM between EPA and DOE, Ecology is
responsible for scheduling and conducting TMDL's in waterbodies, which are considered
impaired through the 303d listing process. Drayton Harbor as well as California Creek, a
major tributary that enters the Harbor, are listed due to fecal coliform bacteria pollution.
The benefit of conducting a TMDL study is that it provides a scientific assessment and
allocation of meaningful limits for fecal coliform pollution sources that enter the harbor via
it's drainages. The limits are based on a better understanding of the dynamics of the
pollution problems that exist in Drayton Harbor than we have today. This study also
identifies responsible parties and includes an implementation component. A TMDL would
assist the Shellfish Protection District in prioritizing efforts as well as implementation of
those priorities. These benefits are community wide.
14
Currently, Drayton Harbor is not scheduled for a TMDL study until 2009. The DHSPDAC
has concerns with this proposed scheduled date. With the recent history of community and
agency efforts to improve water quality in Drayton Harbor an intensive TMDL study in 2009
would be ineffectual. There is considerable flexibility in scheduling TMDL's therefore an
opportunity to influence the current project schedule is recommended.
Recommendation: County staff should meet with DHSPDAC and a representative of the
DOE local office to determine the likely benefits of conducting a TMDL in Drayton Harbor.
If deemed appropriate, efforts should be undertaken immediately to schedule and conduct
a TMDL.
Coordination of Responsible Agencies
A core group of agencies consisting of the Port of Bellingham, the Whatcom Conservation
District, Whatcom County Health, Whatcom County Planning and Development Services,
the City of Blaine, Washington State Departments of Ecology and Health should meet
quarterly to coordinate ongoing implementation of water quality activities and projects. Start
up meeting should be convened by support staff from the Puget Sound Water Quality Action
Team (PSWQAT). Current PSWQAT contact for Whatcom County,
Stuart Glasoe (360) 407 -7319)
Recommendation: A core group lead should be assigned to maintain quarterly meetings.
Long Term Water Quality Monitoring Plan (from DHWMP recommendation GR 56)
Many of the water quality studies that have been conducted in this watershed lack the
coordination needed to see effective results. Monitoring continues in the watershed with
very little communication between projects.
Recommendation: GR -56 "The core group should develop a comprehensive monitoring
program for the Drayton Harbor watershed. The program should provide the means for
reaching agreement on an overall monitoring scheme, for guiding pollution control projects
and activities, and for assessing progress towards meeting water quality standards."
15
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Appendix A
Drayton Harbor Water Quality Reports (1984 -1998)
Birdsall, A. (1997). Sanitary Sewer Dye Test. Blaine Harbor, Blaine, Wa. Final Report
Cook, K.V., Cox, F.H., (1984). Water Quality Study of Drayton Harbor, Whatcom County, Wa.
Washington Department of Social and Health. Services, Office of Environmental Health
Programs, Shellfish Sanitation Program..
Cykler, J., Haggerty, M., Matthews, R.A. (1995). Fecal Coliform Contamination Study of
Drayton Harbor. Western Washington University. Final report prepared for the
Washington Department of Ecology, July, 1995.
Puget Sound Cooperative. River Basin Team. (199 1) .Drayton Harbor Watershed, Whatcom
County, Wa. Prepared for Drayton Harbor Watershed Management Committee. Lacey,
Wa. October, 1991.
Whatcom County Council of Governments. (1994). Drayton Harbor Watershed Management
.Plan. Whatcom County Council of Governments, March 1994.
Saban, L.B., Matthews, R.A. (1992). Drayton Harbor Watershed Study Final Project. Final
Report prepared for the Washington Department of Ecology; November, 1992.
Washington Department of Ecology (1995). Drayton Harbor Shellfish Growing Area Initial
Closure Response. Strategy. May, 1995.
Washington State Department of Health Office of Shellfish Programs (1995). Sanitary Survey of
Drayton Harbor. Prepared by Frank Meriwether, Environmental Engineer Washington
State Department of Health, January 1995.
Marcy, B., Sipsey, T., (1997). Drayton Harbor Water Quality Improvement Project. Final Report
prepared for Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, July 1997.
Matthews, R.A., Vandersypen, J.P. (1998). Drayton Harbor Watershed Monitoring Project.
Whatcom County, Wa. Final Report prepared for Washington State Department of
Ecology..March 1998.
Circulation Studies In Semiahmoo Bay to Evaluate Patterns of Water
Movement from the Blaine Sewage Treatment Plant Outfall
Under Flood Tides
prepared as a component of the volunteer monitoring program for.
The Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee
by
Geoff Menzies
DHSPDAC member
January, 1998
Introduction
Recent review of wastewater flows and quality at the Blaine sewage treatment plant(STP) by
members of the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee(DHSPDAC)
prompted this study of tidal currents in Semiahmoo Bay. This effort is a component of the
DHSPDAC volunteer water quality monitoring program in and around Drayton Harbor. It has
been known for several years that the Blaine STP occasionally exceeds it's hydraulic capacity
due to inflow and infiltration problems in the collection system. Many of these problems are
being addressed through recent improvements to the collection system. In addition to hydraulic
exceedances in the past few years, elevated levels of fecal bacteria exit the STP on an occasional
and unpredictable basis. Most of these exceedances do not violate NPDES permit requirements,
which allow averaging of effluent quality rather than consideration of pollution episodes.
However, it is pollution episodes, not averages which threaten water quality.
Considering the pending STP .upgrade, recent STP history, and degraded shellfish classification
in most of Drayton Harbor due to fecal bacteria contamination, this study was undertaken as an
initial step to better understand the potential impact of the STP on water quality near the mouth
of Drayton Harbor. The intent was to determine.route and speed of flooding tidal currents.from
the STP outfall pipe in Semiahmoo Bay using wooden floats(drogues) equipped with subsurface
drags suspended at different depths. Attempts were also made to study tidal current from a
starting point west of the green flashing border tower, approximately 1.5 miles west of the
mouth of the Little Campbell River. This river has a-history of fecal bacterial pollution.
presumably due to livestock waste. Results from this study will be shared with the Washington
State Dept. Health, Shellfish Division(DOH), the City of Blaine, DOE, the DHSPDAC, and other
interested parties. Should it be determined that this outfall poses an unacceptable risk to water
quality and nearby recreational and commercial shellfish resources in Semiahmoo Bay and
Drayton Harbor, the pending STP upgrade provides an opportunity to redesign or move the
outfall to minimize this risk.
Geographic Setting
The attached base map(Fig. 1) shows the approximate locations of the main features of
importance in this study. The two main water bodies, Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor are
separated primarily by Semiahmoo Spit and Marine Drive. The mouth of Drayton Harbor falls
between the northeast end of the spit(Tongue Point) and the Blaine City Dock at the southwest
end of Marine Drive. The STP outfall is about 2400 feet from.shore in Semiahmoo Bay in a
westerly direction from the STP itself, which is located at the base of the spit. Deep water
markers in Semiahmoo Bay include a red nun buoy( #2) north of the spit, a light tower which
marks the Tongue Point shoal, and the border tower with a green flashing light approximately 1
mile west of the eastern shore of Semiahmoo Bay.
Methods
Prior to conducting the circulation study, water temperature was taken on 1014 and 10122
from the surface, 1 Oft, 20ft., 30 ft., and 40 ft. below the surface from three deepwater.sites in
Semiahmoo Bay between the STP outfall and the mouth of Drayton Harbor. This was done to
determine if there were any restrictive temperature layers at this time of the year in
Semiahmoo Bay. The water temperature was the same at all depths . and at all sites; 51 degrees F.
A buoy approximating the location of the STP outfall pipe was placed on November 8. This buoy
was sited by following a 300 degree course for .4 miles starting at the beach near the STP,
using a handheld GPS navigator( Garmin GPS II) to confirm the proper direction and distance.
Drogues were constructed based 'on previous experience with DOH circulation studies in Drayton
Harbor and review of a circulation study in Semiahmoo Bay(Schwartz, 1976). Floats were
made from 18 X 18" square pieces of plywood. A 2 ft. long wooden dowel /mast with a day -glo
orange flag at the top was attached to the top of each float to assist in locating them. Drags were
made of 7 X 12 ", 1/8" thick aluminum crossed vanes. These drags were suspended from the .
floats using 20 lb. test : monofilament fishing line at various depths: surface, 15 ft. and 25 ft..
They were designed to track water movement at these three different depths.
Using the .Menzies oyster skiff, floats were placed at the starting point at the beginning of food
tides on four different occasions during November and December, 1997. Floats were tracked
from the start of the food tide until approximate high tide on each occasion. A Garmin GPS II,
when operational, was used to identify float locations at various times during each tide:
Coordinates were then used to plot float location on a map for the duration of each flooding tide.
On two occasions, the starting point was the STP outfall and on two occasions, the starting point
was north of the US /Canada boundary near the green flashing.border tower. On those occasions
when the GPS unit could not establish its position, float location was approximated using nearby
landmarks or buoys.
Results
November 9, 1997 - Neap Flood Tide - Conducted by Menzies and Marcy
Starting Point: STP Outfall Pipe
Surface, 15 ft and 25 ft- deep drogues were place near the Blaine STP outfall pipe diffuser in
Semiahmoo Bay at the start of a neap flood tide( +2 ft at 7:00 am). There was a steady light wind
out of the east for the duration of this test. Drogues were tracked and the coordinates were
determined using the Garmin GPS II. Four readings were recorded between the start of the test
and the completion at high _tide ( +9 ft at 1:00pm).
The surface drogue headed straight towards White Rock until 9:00 am and then moved westerly
towards the straits of Georgia(see Fig. 2). The 15 ft drogue moved in a similar pattern initially
but then moved northeastward toward the #2 red nun. The 25 ft drogue was tangled soon after
release with a crab pot; released at 8:40 am, and then followed a similar course towards the #2
red nun. All drogues were removed at high tide shortly before 1:00pm. Under these conditions,
none of the drogues reached a point beyond the #2 red nun towards Drayton Harbor.
2
November 15, 1997 - Spring Flood Tide - Conducted by Menzies
Starting Point: STP Outfall Pipe
Surface, 15 ft, and 25 ft- deep drogues were placed near the Blaine STP outfall pipe diffuser in
Semiahmoo Bay at the start of a spring flood tide ( -1.6 ft at 12:50 am). It was a calm and clear
night. The Garmin GPS II malfunctioned but drogue location was noted. using nearby buoys
during the course of this study(see figure 3). Drogues were tracked throughout the evening
until approximate high tide. The surface drogue was not sighted again after initial placement and
was lost. Both the 15 ft and the 25 ft drogues followed a similar deep water.course
(northeasterly) around the #2 Red Nun, then to the light tower off Tongue. Point shoal, then to
the mouth of Drayton Harbor. The 25 ft-deep drogue reached the harbor mouth at 4:43 am and
then proceeded into Drayton Harbor in a southeasterly direction. It was retrieved from Drayton
Harbor approximately 1/4 mile south of the Harbor entrance at 5:08 am. The 15 ft- drogue
reached the Drayton Harbor entrance at 6:00 am and was retrieved at that time ( +9 ft tide).
Following essentially the same course, the 25 ft-deep drogue reached the harbor entrance in
under 4 hours, while the 15 ft-deep drogue reached the same point in just over 5 hours.
December 12 -13, 1997 - Spring Flood Tide - Conducted by Menzies
Starting. Point: Northwest of Border Tower
Surface, 15 ft and 25 ft drogues were released in Semiahmoo Bay west of the Little Campbell
River mouth about 1.5 miles north of Drayton Harbor entrance and northwest of the green
flashing border tower at 11:30 pm at the start of the flood tide( -1.4 ft low tide at 10:00. pm.).
There was a - light wind out of the east The 25ft drogue ran aground as it was heading eastward
toward shoreline at 12:40 am and was taken west to deeper water. None of the drogues were
located again during the flooding tide when checked at 1:30 am and again at 4:30 am. The 15 ft
and 25 ft drogues were found after daylight in Semiahmoo Bay at 10:00 am on an ebbing tide, .4
miles southwest of #2 red nun. High tide on December 13 was 9.1 ft at 6:00 am.. Therefore
15 and 25 ft drogues were retrieved about 2 -3. hours into an ebbing tide. The ambient
moonlight and glare off of the water. made it very difficult to locate the floats during this study,
and for this reason, the path was not determined for any of the floats during this flooding tide.
The surface drogue was not found again. The Garmin GPS II could not aquire a position fix for
most of the evening.
December 30 -31, 1997 - Spring Flood Tide - Conducted by Menzies
Starting Point: Northwest of Border Tower
Surface, 15, and 25 ft, drogues, (equipped with LED red blinking lights) were released in 28 ft
deep water west of the green flashing border tower at 12:57 am at the start of the flooding tide.
( -1.9ft. at 11:45 pm). This site is in Semiahmoo Bay, 1.5 miles northwest of the harbor
entrance and 1 mile southwest of the Little Campbell River mouth. The 15 and 25 ft drogues
moved immediately southeast towards the harbor entrance(see figure 4). The surface drogue did
not seem to move much immediately. There was a very light breeze out of the east. At 1:15 am,
the 15 and 25 ft drogues were moving towards the border tower. The 15 ft drogue was closer to
shore and both were still in deep enough water to continue their path.- At 1:46 am, the surface
drogue had moved northwest about .6 miles from the starting point and this position was
recorded with Garmin II GPS. This pathway was towards Kwomais Point in the opposite
3
direction of the deep water drogues. Heavy fog settled over Semiahmoo Bay from 2:00 am until
approximately 8:00 am, which made it impossible to spot the drogues during the remainder of
the flooding tide (9.5 ft high tide at 7:30 am). Attempts were made to spot the drogues from the
Blaine Dock at the end of Marine Drive in the early morning but were unsuccessful. A morning
boat trip inside Drayton Harbor and in Semiahmoo Bay to retrieve the drogues was undertaken
at about 10:00am. By 10:40 am, the 15 ft drogue was found at a position .5 mi north of the
.STP outfall pipe. It was retrieved and the LED light was still flashing. No other drogues were
found. With the exception of the initial movements at the start of the flood tide, circulation
patterns could not be determined due to the fog. The only meaningful observation is that surface
and deeper water moved in different directions at the beginning of this. flood tide.
Summary
This series of circulation studies shows that during spring flood tides, subsurface water
originating near the STP outfall pipe follows a northeastward pathway directly into the mouth of
Drayton Harbor. It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to travel this distance of about 1.5 miles.
The deepest drogue progressed well into Drayton Harbor by the end of the flooding tide. The
pathway of surface water from the STP outfall on this spring flood tide was not determined.
Previous studies by Schwartz showed a.similar route for both surface and deepwater drogues
under similar tidal conditions. During neap flood tides, the movementfrom the STP outfall is
primarily north towards White Rock at all depths, with deeper.water moving in a slightly more
northeastward direction but not going beyond the #2 red nun buoy, which is about 3/4 mile
from the outfall.
Attempts to determine circulation from the starting point near the border tower were much less
successful due to glare problems and dense fog. The December 30-31 spring flood tide study
showed that initially, the deep water mores towards the mouth of Drayton Harbor versus
surface water which moved in the opposite direction, northwestward toward the Straits of
Georgia.
Conclusions and Recommendations
This study has confirmed the pattern of water movementfrom the STP outfall directly into
Drayton Harbor under spring flood tides. These findings are very similar to those of Schwartz,
1976, who recommended then that the STP outfall be located "as far southwesterly along the
shore towards .Birch Point, and as far offshore, as is physically and economically possible:"
Coinciding with the January 1995 shellfish reclassification (downgrade) inside Drayton
Harbor, DOH also recommended closure of recreational shellfish harvesting on tidelands in
Semiahmoo Bay from the STP outfall to the mouth of Drayton Harbor(Meriwether, 1994).
The current position of -DOH is that effluent from the STP outfall is sufficiently diluted (14
fecal colonies /100 ml) by the time it reaches the mouth of Drayton Harbor and it is an unlikely
pollution source at that point or within Drayton Harbor.
This report should be forwarded to DOH with a request for an update and comments regarding
any recommended follow -up studies to help further evaluate the STP outfall as a source of
pollution and a threat to both nearby recreational and commercial shellfish resources.
Considering the pending upgrade of the Blaine STP, it would seem that alterations to the design
4
or location of the outfall pipe should be considered now to reduce pollution impacts and possibly
restore at least some shellfish harvesting opportunities in the area.
DOH should provide comments regarding the current and projected impact of the Blaine STP
outfall on the commercial shellfish classification inside Drayton Harbor.
Following the DOH response, an informational meeting should be convened between the City of
Blaine, DOH, DOE, DHSPDAC, and the Whatcom County Health Department on this .issue.
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted with support from Beth Marcy, Whatcom County Planning Department
and Don Lenartson, Washington State DOH.
Definition of Terms
Spring tide a tide of greater than average range around the times of new and full moon.
Neap tide - a tide of minimum range occurring at the first and the third quarters of the moon.
References
Meriwether, F. 1994. September 9 letter to Jaq� Lilja, a component of the November 3, 1994
Sanitary Survey of Drayton Harbor.
Schwartz; Maurice L., 1976. Tidal Currents in Semiahmoo Bay - A report prepared for
Hammond. Collier & Wade - Livingstone Associates, Inc.. Western Washington State College,
Bellingham, Wa. 98225.
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
OFFICE OF SHELLFISH PROGRAMS
Airdustrial Center, Bldg. 4 • P.O. Box 47824 • Olympia, Washington 98504 -7824
(360) 753 -5992 • TDD Relay Services 1-800- 833 -6388
March 16, 1998
Geoff Menzies -
988 West Laurel
Ferndale, Washington 98248
Dear Mr. Menzies:
I have taken a rather brief look at your report "Circulation Studies in Semiahmoo Bay..."
based on your commendable efforts to better outline hydrographic trends near the existing
Blaine sewage treatment plant (STP) outfall. My review was brief not because of the
importance of the study and its ramifications, but because of restrictive immediate
schedules.
I understand that discussions on the upgrade'of the Blaine STP may be presently taking
place. Therefore your circulation study is well-timed and should be taken into account by
the City of Blaine. The present outfall is approximately 2300 feet offshore in about 32
feet of water (at MLLW). Your study and the 1976 Schwartz study both confirm that
effluent from the existing outfall can enter Drayton Harbor within a single tidal cycle. In
addition, the as -built plan for the present outfall -has an instantaneous design capacity of
2.4 MGD. Therefore, depending upon future design flows, the existing outfall may not be
able to handle peak discharges from the upgraded STP. This would be an increased
concern if, for example, the proposed future Blaine STP design configuration includes
sequential. batch reactors for secondary treatment. Due to such concerns, I am sending a
copy of this letter to the City of Blaine for their information.
A significant area of shoreline immediately outside of Drayton Harbor is presently closed
due to the existing Blaine STP and outfall . Improvements in- either or both of these
structures could result in a reclassification of these beaches, which may-benefit
recreational shellfish harvesters. Such improvements could include reliability of treatment
and disinfection components, relocation or extension of the outfO, --or an expanded
diffuser configuration.,
2
Menzies Letter
March 16, 1998
Page 2
As regards your circulation study report, I have the following comments for your
consideration:
• Page 1, second paragraph: The starting point for the drogue release near the green
flashing border tower appears to me to be about one mile southwest of the mouth of
the Little Campbell River.
• Page 2, top sentence: Salinity profile information would be important to collect in the
future, in addition to temperature profile data, for establishing the water column
density profile.
• Page 2, first paragraph: It would be informative to provide the depth of water at the
drogue release site near the outfall.
• . Page 2, third paragraph: It may be appropriate to describe why the GPS unit could
not establish its position.
• Page 4, first Summary paragraph: It appears to me that the water or drogue travel
distance is about two, miles rather than 1.5 miles.
• Page 4, second to last paragraph: It would be more accurate to state in the last
sentence "...the mouth of Drayton Harbor under upset - conditions and it is an unlikely
source of significant pollution within Drayton Harbor".
I am enclosing for your possible use several tidal charts for the Blaine. area which help
illustrate the tidal cycles during the various drogue releases in your study.
Thank you for the opportunity to review your report. Should there be any questions, I can
be reached at (360)236 -3321.
Sincerely,
Fr Meriwether
Environmental Engineer
Attachments
cc: Alan Chapman,.Lummi Tribe
Dale Griggs, Nooksack Tribe
Larry Harmon, City of Blaine
Bob Woohich, DOH
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Tide Level in Feet Above MLLW (Mean Lower Low- Water)
1:OOpm
IN
Blaine
Semiahmoo
Bay
SUN Nov 9,
1997 PST
12:OOM
6.5ft
5:00a
1.8ft
10:00a
6.7ft
3:00p
$.5ft
8:00p
3.7ft
1:00a
5.7ft
6:00a
1.6ft
11:00a
8.3ft
4:00p
7.2ft
9:00p
4.1ft
2:00a
4.6ft
7:00a
2.2ft
12:OON
9.3ft
5:00p
5.9ft
1O:00p
5.-Oft
3:00a
3.5ft
8:00a
3.4ft
1:00p
9.7ft
6:00p
4.7ft
11 :00p
5.9ft
4:00a
2.4ft
9:00a
5.Oft
2:00p
9.4ft
7:00p
3.9ft
12:OOM
6.7ft
TideMaster -
(C) Zephyr Services, Pittsburgh
PA 412-
422 -6600
16
12
8
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X
Tide Level in Feet Above MLLW (Mean Lower Low - Water)
6:22am
4:38pm
Blaine Semiahmoo Bay Sat Nov 15, 1997 PST
12:OOM
-1.2ft
1:00a
0.2ft
2:00a
2.4ft
3:00a
4.9ft
4:00a
7.2ft
aster -
TideM<
5:00a
9.Oft
6:OOa
9.9ft
7: 00a
9.8ft
8:00a
9.Oft
9: 00a
7.7ft
aster -
( C) ZepI
10:00a 6.4ft
11: 00a 5.6.ft
12:0ON 5.6ft
1: 00p 6.2ft
2:00p - 7.4ft
iyr Services, Pii
3: 00p 8.6ft
4: 00p 9.3ft
5: 00p 9.4ft
6: 00p 8.5ft
7: 00p 6.7ft
:tsburgh PA 41:
:48pm
1.8ft
8: 00p 4.4ft
9:00p 1.9ft
10:00p -O.lft
11:00p -1.5ft
12:OOM -1.8ft
!- 422 -6600
kul
12
8
4
Ell
Tide Level in Feet Above MLLW (Mean Lower Low - Water)
7:27am
5:03pm
MN la 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 NN ip 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MN
Blaine
12:OOM
-1.8ft
1:00a
-i.ift
2:00a
0.5ft
3:00a
2.7ft
4:00a
5.2ft
T ideM<
Semiahmoo Bay
5: 00a 7.5ft
6: 00a 9.3ft
7:00a 1 .3ft
8:00a 10.3ft
9:00a 9.6ft
ester - (C) Zepl
10:00a 8.6ft
11:00a 7.5ft
12:OON 6.8ft
1:0 Op 6.6ft
2:00p 7.1ft
iyr Services, Pil
Wed Dec 31, 1997 PST
3: 00p
7.9ft.
4: 00p
8.6ft
5: 00p
8.9ft
6 :00p
8.5ft
7: 00p
7.2ft
:tsburgh PA
8:00p 5.3f.t
9: 00p 3.2ft
10: 00p 1 lft
11:00p -0.6ft
12:OOM -1.5ft
412 -422 -6600
Drayton Harbor Shellfish District Advisory Committee
GO WhaWom County Council 0T= C-40)676-6690 384 -6637 &2550 FAX
311 Grand Avcnue. Eainghatn WA 98225
'Members:
David W. Chapman Janet Hanson Gooffmy W. Menzies
Macguct Eamcs Margaid M Kaidell Rick Metzger
Ravyn S. Whttievwolf Art Choat 0. Kenneth PhMps
To: Ed Abassi, Department of Ecology
From: Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee ( DHSPDAC)
Date: April 8, 1998
Re: Shellfish habitat impacts from the Blaine Sewage Treatment Plant and
outfall location
Enclosed please find a copy of the Circulation Study (1998) conducted by DHSPDAC
member Geoff Menzies under the volunteer monitoring effort with supervision from
DOH, Considering the pending STP upgrade this Circulation Study and response from
Department of Health should be carefully reviewed. -
With confirmation that effluent from the existing outfall can enter Drayton Harbor under
certain tidal conditions. The advisory committee is requesting this report be taken into
consideration during the STP upgrade planning process.
As stated in the DOH letter, improvements to either the existing-sewage treatment plant
,or the' location of the outfall could result in reclassification of the significant recreational
beaches in the area immediately outside of Drayton Harbor.
Please review this report, if you have questions contact Beth Marcy at (360) 676 -6756
Enclosures
cc: Alan Chapman, Lummi Tribe
Frank Meriwether, Department of Health
Larry Harmon, City of Blaine.
DOE Bellingham Field Office.
Dale Griggs, Nooksack Tribe
APPENDIX C
Addendum to the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Status Report September 1998
Blaine Wastewater Treatment Plant Data Compared to Rain Events and Drayton Harbor
Failed Sample Sites
Compiled by Margaret Kardell
Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee Member
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