Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

Population Health

Insufficient Progress

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator presents population, population growth rates and projections, infant mortality rates, life expectancy and average family income across the Puget Sound Georgia Basin. By 2025, the region is expected to add another 1.4 million people with no corresponding increase in land, resources or the many ecosystem services that we rely on. Our collective challenge will be to create livable urban communities for this growing population that protect important ecosystem and societal services. These include healthy forests; watersheds and other natural areas that help maintain air quality, river flows, water quality and other natural resources; sustainable farms and soils that provide local sources of food; and the many other amenities and recreational opportunities that make this place special.

What Is Happening?
Between 1976 and 2001, the Puget Sound Georgia Basin added 2.9 million new residents. We are ethnically diverse, increasingly export-oriented and filled with the promise of biotechnology, internet technology, aerospace and tourism. The region also has a higher income profile than other parts of North America with higher rates of consumption and a correspondingly greater impact on the capacity of natural resources. Life expectancy is slightly higher and infant mortality slightly lower in the Georgia Basin compared to Puget Sound. Life expectancy is highest in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (81 years) and King County (80 years), the areas of the basin with the largest populations. Perhaps the most significant finding is the continuing disparity between rural and urban areas on both sides of the border. This urban/rural disparity is apparent across the life expectancy, income, and infant mortality indicators.

Why Is It Happening?
People move to this region for educational opportunities, interesting and relatively well-paying jobs, and the recreational and outdoor-oriented lifestyle opportunities associated with such a diverse and dramatic natural environment, defined by both temperate rain forests and the ubiquitous presence of mountains and water. However, the ability of rural communities to provide needed social and health care services has lagged behind that of the more urban communities.

How Does This Affect Me?

The stakes associated with poor long-term planning and sprawl are very high: Poor water quality from chemicals, oils, pathogens, bacteria and higher stream temperatures leaves our rivers, lakes and streams unable to support salmon and other aquatic life. Water quantity is also affected by impervious surfaces, which result in higher flood flows and reduced summer flows. Rapid loss of farmland and forestland, particularly around the edges of the urban core, affects local sources of foods, aesthetic views and economic opportunities for rural communities. Splitting wildlife habitat with new development stresses animal and plant populations and leads to lost biodiversity. Sprawling communities cause increased traffic and air pollution, reduce general livability and require
continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/population_health/

Population Health Indicator Summary

October 2006

How Does This Affect Me?

continued

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box
Live in a well planned community or existing urban area, complete with vibrant social, economic, and recreational opportunities. See Smart Growth BC www.smartgrowth.bc.ca and Smart Growth | Washington www.smartgrowth.wa.gov. Use low impact development (LID) and natural landscaping: Puget Sound Action Team | LID www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/ LID.htm. Communities can apply for technical professional assistance to incorporate LID in their plans. Know your footprint! For home, see My Footprint www.ecofoot.org. For government agencies, see Sustainable Washington www.ecy.wa.gov/sustainability/pathways. Live close to work and travel smart: Use a car only when you need one. See Flexcar at www.flexcar.org. See the Bicycle Alliance www.bicyclealliance.org or BCs Better Environmentally Sound Transportation www.best.bc.ca. Use your pocketbook to keep your family and community safe: Check out PPRCs green purchasing tools at www.pprc.org. Also see the National Institutes of Health Household Products Database at householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/. Live in energy efficient homes and businesses: Green or high performance buildings decrease energy consumption, in crease productivity, and are safer and healthier to live in. See Green Buildings BC www.greenbuildingsbc.com. Learn about EPAs Energy Star program www.energystar.gov Support working farms and forests: Diverse community landscapes with access to rural lands, local resources, trees and mature vegetation increase the attractiveness of a community and improve quality of life.

expensive infrastructure investments like roads, utilities, and other necessary services to cover larger and larger areas.

What Are We Doing About It?

Regional governments, citizens, non-profit organizations and businesses are responding to these challenges by planning for and managing growth, transportation and health care needs and incorporating more effective environmental protection tools. They are using:

Growth management techniques to provide

incentives to keep growth in existing urban areas, support intelligent long-term planning and protect forests and farmland Health programs to foster preventative care, prenatal care, exercise and a healthy diet Life cycle assessment and ecological economics to uncover the true costs of manufactured products and promote integration of economic analyses to assess the economic worth of ecosystem services such as clean water, air and food Transportation planning to encourage living near work and using more diverse forms of transportation such as bicycling, buses, walking and rail or even telecommuting and saving a trip Natural drainage and landscaping techniques and low impact development approaches to protect local watersheds and resources

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/population_health/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

Urbanization and Forest Change

Conditions Worsening

Jack Kintner Photo

Photo: Natl. Science Foundation

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes changes in land use between 1995 and 2000 in Puget Sound and 1992 and 1999 in the Georgia Basin. These changes include loss of forest, as well as increase in urbanization and accompanying impervious surface cover. Results are presented for approximately 2,725 local watersheds within the international basin. Patterns of land use and land cover, in conjunction with the socioeconomic profile of the seven million people who live in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin, are the driving forces behind overall ecosystem health.

What Is Happening?
Forest Cover: Within the 5-7 year assessment period, 452 watersheds had at least 1 percent of their total area converted from mature forest cover to some other land cover, often bare ground, immature vegetation, or industrial/ urban uses. At the same time, another group of 205 watersheds, mostly occurring above 2,000 feet in elevation and generally within public ownership, indicated a net increase in forest cover as young stands or cleared areas re-grow into more mature forest cover. Urbanization: During the same period, urbanization increased across many low elevation watersheds and shoreline areas. One hundred fifty-eight local watersheds gained impervious surfaces by between 0.7 and 2 percent of their total area. Another 58 local watersheds showed increases in urban land cover of between 2 and 19 percent of their total drainage area. While these percentages may seem small, they represent fairly dramatic change over a relatively short period of time. Urbanization is defined as the transformation of natural landscapes, such as wetlands and forests, to built environments. These built environments typically contain large amounts of impervious surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, roofs, lawns and other materials that quickly carry pollutants to the inland waters of the Puget Sound Georgia Basin. The watersheds showing more rapid rates of conversion loss were mostly in low and mid-elevation areas

containing large proportions of private land. Low elevation watersheds typically include those that are below approximately 2,000 ft/609 meters in elevation. These watersheds contain valuable gentle-gradient aquatic habitats that sustain important species. These watersheds are also important for the high quality water that they provide and also for their floodbuffering functions.

Why Is It Happening?
Threats to the agricultural land base include: speculative buying (in hopes of influencing land use and zoning changes), taking land out of production, fragmentation of agricultural lands, incompatible adjacent land uses and lawsuits (odor, noise, drift of pesticides); incompatible regulations, difficulties associated with irrigation, and appraisal at highest and best use which raises continued property taxes.

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/urbaniz_forest_change

Urbanization and Forest Change Indicator Summary

October 2006

Why Is It Happening?

continued

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box
Support smart and well planned communities: support beautiful, more convenient and vibrant neighborhoods. Stretch: Consider using bicycles, skateboards, carpools, telecommuting, buses or FlexCars for a different way to travel. Buy: Use your pocketbook to keep your family and community safe through green purchasing. Visit the National Institutes of Health Household Products Database at householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/ Garden: Use natural landscaping and low impact development: www.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/util/ rescons/; www.wnps.org and www.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/Go-Native/). Nature Scape British Columbia: hctf.ca/nature.htm. Support low impact development (www.psat.wa.gov/ Programs/LID.htm) Act Local: Support and protect local farms and forests: www.agf.gov.bc.ca; http://www.farmland.org and www.nnrg.org

We are losing forest lands for similar reasons: development

pressure and migration to suburban areas that make land use
conversion attractive, depressed market prices for forest products,
fire suppression policies, development of Real Estate Investment
Trusts (including out of state buyers such as insurance companies)
and pressure on state trust land to produce income in the face of
decreased state revenue.

How Does This Affect Me?

Higher energy costs because of the heat island effect: impervious surfaces can raise local temperatures. Increased flooding and stream pollution: impervious surfaces can quickly transport pollutants and increases the potential for downstream flooding. Fragmented wildlife habitat stresses local plant and animal populations. Reduced quality and quantity of water: impervious surfaces increase the rate at which pollutants and oil reach streams and estuaries and can interrupt the natural cycle in which water is replenished for future use. Lost farms and forests means loss of history, aesthetic beauty and lost economic opportunities for local food and forestry products. Impervious Surfaces in Watersheds: Research has shown that once watersheds have developed roughly 10 percent of their drainage area into an impervious or paved condition, there is a high potential for physical, chemical, and biological impairments to both water quality conditions and other resources such as shoreline erosion, downstream flooding, and scoured and smothered fish eggs.

What Are We Doing About It?

Responses to loss of farm and forest land include: Smart Growth
and community planning: make density and urban living more
attractive, comfortable, and accessible while protecting forests,
farms and green spaces. Smart Growth includes mixed land use,
compact designs, housing option types, walkable neighborhoods,
alternative transportation options, and protects farms, forests and
natural beauty; Low Impact Development and natural landscap-
ing (use native plants, good soil, green roofs and pervious surfaces
to allow water to slowly seep into the ground and slow polluted runoff into waterways); Farmland through agricultural protection districts and local farm/food initiatives; Forest protection through market tools and progressive laws.

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/urbaniz_forest_change/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

Solid Waste and Recycling

Insufficient Progress

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the diversion and disposal of solid waste (also known as municipal solid waste, MSW, trash, refuse or garbage) in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin from 1999 through 2003. Solid waste is largely an untold story, like the tip of an iceberg. In the wasteberg, only six percent of materials such as chemicals, metal and mining ores, trees, fibers and petroleum actually end up in a product. The remaining 94 percent is transformed during the manufacturing rocess into wasted heat and energy, non-specified materials or commercial or industrial waste.

What is Happening?
In 2003, the citizens and businesses of the Puget Sound Georgia Basin sent more than six million tons of garbage to landfills or incinerators. This single year of waste is enough to fill Interstate 5 from Olympia, Washington to Whistler, BC more than one foot deep in garbage. However, in this same year, another six million tons of products and materials avoided the fate of landfills. In fact, 2003 was a record year for reducing landfill waste through the diversion of products or materials. This is good news because diversion Chart: Washington State Dept. of Ecology includes materials that are reused as intact products, recycled, refined, or control burned for energy recovery. Diversion does not include backyard burning or illegal dumping. The bottom line is that while the region is diverting more materials from landfills and incinerators, our overall waste generation and disposal rates grew at a more rapid pace than the increase in our population.
Tons (U.S. Imperial)

Why Is It Happening?
Patterns of solid waste generation are firmly tied to the cultural aspects of our society. Solid waste generation, disposal and diversion rates are based on a complex interaction of the following factors: Demographic profile: The region has a high per capita income, which can lead to more waste because more products are purchased and used Changes in family size: For 20 years, household size has steadily decreased. Many smaller households produce more per capita waste than larger households. Greater use of convenience products and eating outside the home Substantial increase in manufacturing and marketing of convenience products that are used once and then discarded as garbage Emphasis on recycling without addressing waste reduction

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/solid_waste/

Metric tonnes

How Does This Affect Me?

Garbage may be out of sight, but not without serious implications. Excessive solid waste generation leads to the following: Lost economic opportunities and manufacturing inefficiencies. Thousands of new jobs could be created in the region by expanding and starting businesses focused on reuse, manufacturing and recycling Toxics in products exported to countries outside North America, particularly electronics that are laden with toxic chemicals Cost and time to handle products and waste Environmental and human health impacts from landfilling and incineration of garbage Exposure to harmful substances found in products (see the Toxics in Harbor Seals Indicator)

Solid Waste and Recycling Indicator Summary

October 2006

What Are We Doing About It?

Reducing waste intelligently creates opportunities for each of us, including communities, governments and private businesses. British Columbia regions and Washington counties have adopted regional solid waste management plans Governments and non-profits offer technical assistance in waste prevention and reduction, and recycling, with an emphasis on paper and food waste Product stewardship for manufacturers: These efforts focus on asking manufacturers to design products for their entire life cycle so they are made into second generation products or can be composted. Learn more at BC Ministry of Environment | Product Stewardship: www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/ips/progdev/ Northwest Product Stewardship Council: www.productstewardship.net and Washington State Department of Ecology | Beyond Waste: www.ecy.wa.gov/beyondwaste/ Using purchasing strategies and specifications to reduce waste, toxicity and promote durable goods that last: Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing: www.pprc.org/pubs/epp/epp_report.cfm

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box
Buy products with extended warranties Avoid disposable products and buy products with recyclable packaging Think creatively send experiential gifts and wrap with old maps and other materials Shop consignment and buy used products online Use paper with respect print doublesided, reduce margins, or dont print at all Compost and donate food. Ninety-six billion tons of edible food are thrown out as garbage each year in the U.S. Bring your own cloth bag to shop and break the plastic bag habit. A significant percentage of our fossil fuels are used to make plastic products that end up in marine waters, where they kill marine life.

Additional Solid Waste & Recycling Resources

Inform: www.informinc.org Sustainable Business: www.sustainablebusiness.org Community Futures: www.communityfutures.ca Green Conference Initiative: www.epa.gov/oppt/greenmeetings/ National Waste Prevention Coalition: www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/nwpc/ BC Ministry of the Environment:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/mpp/reduction.htm

Photo: Kitsap County Solid Waste

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/solid_waste/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

River, Stream and Lake Quality

Conditions Worsening

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the quality of freshwater found in water bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, creeks and sloughs in 2003. Stream quality is measured by a water quality index (physical and chemical properties) and an index of biological integrity (health of biological organisms at the base of the food chain). As water travels over hard surfaces such as compacted soils, asphalt and the thousands of acres of human-made surfaces, it picks up oils, grease, chemicals, and human and animal wastes. All of it, unless physically filtered by the processes of wetlands, soils and plants, will find its way, untreated, to both freshwater and saltwater sources.

What Is Happening?
Measuring Water Quality: Water quality is measured by combining different aspects (parameters) of water quality into a numerical water quality index. The indexing calculations differ slightly between BC and Washington although both systems measure temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphorous and nitrogen (nutrients) and suspended solids (turbidity or cloudiness). These indexes are tied to meeting beneficial uses under the Clean Water Act such as drinking, swimming or fishing in Washington State and are similarly linked to these same types of water use in BC. In addition, the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) measures the health of bugs and critters in the streams such as caddis flies, mayflies, stoneflies, freshwater shrimp and worms. Streams are tested for the number and type of organisms found and expected in different healthy habitats.

Maps: CommEn Space

Puget Sound: In 2003, 50 percent of Puget Sounds permanent monitoring stations reported good water quality and 50 percent fair water quality. The stations reporting fair water quality results were typically located near urbanized areas such as Port Angeles, Mount Vernon, and Tukwila, or adjacent to farming areas such as the Skagit and Puyallup. For the 22 rotating basin stations (e.g. Nooksack, White River, Dungeness, Snoqualmie, Union rivers) 14 had fair water quality, seven rated good, and one had poor water quality. The Nooksack River received the poor rating and has cost roughly $4.5 million to clean up. In addition to these water quality chemistry tests, 59 percent of the streams tested for biological health were considered impaired. While water quality, as indicated by chemistry sampling, remains good in many areas, an equal number of areas are at risk of degradation. Water quality as indicated by biological conditions shows a much broader pattern of impairment affecting streams on both sides of the border. Georgia Basin: In 2003, of the 16 sites measures, five were rated excellent, five good, three fair, two marginal and one poor. The Fraser River, home to some of the most abundant and delicious salmon in the world, was monitored at five locations and, of those, two were excellent, two good and one fair. The Fraser River is the largest salmon producing river in the world. Of the 300 important salmon spawning streams in the Fraser River system, about half are found in urbanized areas of the Lower Fraser Valley. In addition to these water quality chemistry results, BC also reported fairly broad impairment of their biological condition with 85 percent of streams tested for biological health considered impaired.

continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/freshwater_quality/

River, Stream and Lake Quality Indicator Summary

October 2006

Why Is It Happening?
Stream water quality is affected by two major sources: point discharges under permit for sewage treatment plants and industrial facilities; and non-point sources (eg. polluted runoff that carries soil, chemicals, oil, debris and other untreated pollutants into water). These problems are exacerbated by impervious surfaces and compacted soil that cannot slow or biologically inactivate the pollutants. Polluted runoff comes from manure and chemicals from agriculture, failing septic systems, vehicles, urbanization and construction activities.

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box

Use natural landscaping techniques: Seattle Public Utilities Conservation Index www.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/util/rescons/, Washington Native Plant Society www.wnps.org and Nature Scape British Columbia www.hctf.ca/nature.htm Support low impact development: Puget Sound Action Team www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/LID.htm Pick up after Rover If you are a farmer, work with the Conservation Districts to fence your animals properly. See USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service | Washington www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov or call (509) 323-2900 Check out the BC Ministry of the Environments information on protecting water quality:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/nps/Home/npshome.htm

How Does This Affect Me?

Poor stream quality can affect drinking water quality, lead to loss of recreational uses and commercial fishing revenue, impair nature-based tourism revenue and waste valuable public funding to clean up dirty rivers. BC nature-based tourism creates over $2 billion in revenue each year and Washington is fifth in the nation for revenues from watching wildlife -- and fishing for salmon is priceless. Poor stream quality also affects water quantity and flow, both critical for fish migration, irrigation and industrial manufacturing. We put future generations at risk by allowing streams to become degraded with water quality problems in the first place.

What Are We Doing About It?

Citizens, businesses and communities work with government agencies in many productive ways: Farm planning and manure/chemical management Use of low-impact development and native landscaping Stormwater planning Technical assistance to businesses Community engagement and learning through septic socials, gardening classes and celebrations of success in restoring stream health

Properly install and maintain septic systems: See Washington State Department of Health, Wastewater Management Program at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/waste.htm or call (888) 586-9427

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/freshwater_quality/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

Shellfish

Insufficient Progress
Jack Kintner Photo

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes status and trends in commercial shellfish growing areas in Puget Sound and direct-harvest closures in Georgia Basin. Shellfish growing area closures provide important information about water quality and human activities where the land meets the sea, or the nearshore. Shellfish are an economic mainstay of our rural communities; growers provide our homes and restaurants with the regions delicious clams, oysters and mussels. In the Pacific Northwest, shellfish are indelibly linked to our heritage, particularly those of First Nations and U.S. Tribes, which have harvested shellfish for more than 12,000 years.

What Is Happening?
In Puget Sound: Since 1980, about 30,000 acres (~12,000 hectares) of commercial shellfish growing areas have been closed to harvest because of pollution. Between 1995 and 2004, more than 4,000 acres (~1800 ha) were downgraded to restricted classifications but more than 12,000 acres (~7,800 ha) were upgraded a net upgrade of almost 8,000 acres (~3,100 ha). Clusters of closed areas are located in south Puget Sound, Kitsap Peninsula, Hood Canal and the Whidbey Basin.
Areas opened in 2003 include Dyes Inlet and Portage Bay, while closures occurred in Drayton Harbor and Dungeness Bay. By 2004, 23 areas were listed as threatened under the Washington State Department of Healths early warning system based on water quality from fecal coliform (bacteria associated with waste).

Shellfish Closure Areas: 2003-2004

In the Georgia Basin: Between 1989 and 2004, growing areas closed to commercial shellfish harvesting in BC rose from more than 79,000 ha (~195,000 acres) to almost 124,000 ha (~306,000 acres) a 64 percent increase. This increase in closures is attributable more to expanded monitoring activities than degradation of water quality. During 2004, 58 percent of overall BC closures were located in the Georgia Basin, including urbanized areas such as Burrard Inlet, Fraser River Estuary, and Boundary Bay. Outside Vancouver, BC, Howe Sound is closed to all shellfish harvesting north to Squamish and east to Port Moody, as are many areas along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island.

Why Is It Happening?
The health of shellfish and human safety in eating commercially grown shellfish is affected by: Urbanization and polluted runoff from hard building/road surfaces: The greater the degree of urbanization, the greater the threat to shellfish growing areas. Impervious surfaces act as super highways for oil, grease, chemicals, sediment and other water pollutants. Sewage and septic: Sewage from malfunctioning sewage treatment plants, weaknesses in aging sewage collection systems and failure of home septic systems release animal and human waste and other dangerous bacteria and pathogens to shellfish-growing waters.

Marinas and boaters: There are 279,000 boats in the

basin, some of which release untreated sewage to water.
Farms and domestic animals: Manure and agricultural chemicals that are not appropriately treated or controlled can run off from farms during rain events and pollute shellfish growing areas. Domestic pet waste is also a problem if not picked up and disposed of properly.

How Does This Affect Me?

Loss of tribal rights: Shellfish closures impair thousands of years of First Nation and Tribal shellfish rights, which are crucial to these traditions and economies. Economic effects in the community: Every shellfish growing area closure means contract uncertainties for growers, and triggers losses for shellfish workers, supercontinued

Shellfish Indicator Summary

October 2006
continued

How Does This Affect Me?

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box
Plant native vegetation and minimize grass and other impervious surfaces. Be a steward of the shoreline!: Download the Puget Sound Shoreline Stewardship Guidebook www.dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/watersheds/puget/pugetsound-guidebook.htm See A Primer on Habitat Project Costs at Puget Sound Action Team | Marine and Freshwater Habitat www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/Habitat.htm Check out the information on natural lawn care at King County | Yard and Garden Topics dnr.metrokc.gov/topics/ yard-and-garden/ or Go for Green www.goforgreen.ca/ gardening/index.html Take classes in natural lawn care: Call (206) 296-8360 Check out Department of Fisheries and Oceans Shorekeepers Program www.keepersweb.org/ Shorekeepers or call (250) 756-7265 for South Coast Get septic savvy: Maintain your septic system well. Host a septic social through Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Marine Advisory Services wsg.washington.edu/outreach/mas/water_quality/ septicsense/1_sense_main.html or call (360) 427-9670 x496; Washington State Department of Ecology | Shorelands Program www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/ pugetsound/tips/septic.html or (360) 407-6000; Washington On-Site Sewage Association www.wossa.org Use Low Impact Development (LID) techniques. LID mimics nature by slowing polluted runoff, using good soils and plants to detoxify pollutants, and using porous paving materials and green roofs. Read Seattle Public Utilities | Natural Drainage Overview www.seattle.gov/util_old/ about_spu/drainage_&_sewer_system/ natural_drainage_systems/natural_drainage_overview/ index.asp or call (206) 684-3000. Read the Puget Sound Action Team Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound www.psat.wa.gov/Publications/ LID_tech_manual05/lid_index.htm Build Green: Learn more at Green Buildings BC | Guide to Green Building Resources www.greenbuildingsbc.com/ new_buildings/resources_guide/index.html

markets, restaurants, recreational equipment providers, lodging and others in rural affected communities. Restaurant and consumer loss of shellfish: This region is one of the largest producers of shellfish in North America. Tourists come to the Pacific Northwest in part to enjoy our shellfish traditions, which no longer exist in other parts of the continent. Ecosystem effects: Shellfish help improve water clarity, transfer energy into higher food webs, and allow Photo: Celita K. Johnston greater light penetration for eelgrass to grow. Eelgrass is a crucial nursery for many animals. Recreation: In 2005, the Washington Depart ment of Fish and Wildlife collected nearly $1.5 million in licensing fees for shellfish and seaweed.

What Are We Doing About It?

Regional (state or provincial) agencies monitor marine water quality and survey the shoreline and adjacent uplands for pollution sources before shellfish harvesting can occur. Washington has an early warning system. Where water quality problems do arise, shellfish protection districts are created, which provide funding for targeted restoration work to fix the underlying problem (e.g. sewage, farm runoff). Regional (state or provincial) and local agencies, First Nations and Tribes and other affected parties partner to design and carry out programs to locate and correct pollution sources (sewage or farm runoff). In both countries, active shellfish trade associations foster environmental responsibility and codes of practice.

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/shellfish/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

Air Quality

Jack Kintner Photo

Insufficient Progress

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator examines trends in air quality related to concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Puget Sound (between 1999-2004) and the Georgia Basin (1996-2004). PM2.5 refers to small particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, approximately 1/30 the width of a single human hair. Fine particulate matter affects both visibility and human health.

What Is Happening?
Levels of PM2.5 in Puget Sound have gradually decreased since the early 1990s but are forecasted to increase by about 20 percent between 1996 and 2018. In the Georgia Basin, concentrations remained relatively steady between 1996 and 2004 and are forecasted to increase 10 percent in the Lower Fraser Valley between 2000 and 2020. The Lower Fraser Valley is just north of Whatcom County and is BCs prime agricultural region.

Why Is It Happening?
Sources of PM2.5 include: Diesel particulate: The exhaust from diesel combustion results in the formation of PM2.5 which contains carbon particles and other gases that become visible as they cool. This contributes to haze and reduced visibility. Vehicles and trucks: In 2004, vehicles in the Greater Vancouver Regional District contributed 75 percent of the sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and gaseous hydrocarbon emissions as well as other air pollutants. In the Puget Sound, about 57 percent of human-caused emissions are attributable to motor vehicles. Indoor burning: Wood stoves and fireplaces contribute significantly to PM2.5. Marine vessel and port diesel emissions are of particular concern as commercial and recreational marine traffic increase throughout the Puget Sound and Georgia Basin.

How Does This Affect Me?

Health effects: Adults breathe 11,000 liters of air every day and children breathe more air per pound of body weight. Diesel particulates contain cancer-causing agents in the form of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory effects such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure and increased risk of lung cancer. Populations particularly at risk are the elderly, people with pre-existing heart and
continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/air_quality/

Air Quality Indicator Summary

October 2006

How Does This Affect Me?

continued

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box As A Citizen
Burn only dry, seasoned wood at very high heat using certified stoves and inserts Use alternative sources of transportation. Bike to work! Use your car less often, carpool, or drive a fuel efficient car. Switch from diesel to biodiesel fuels. Learn more at Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition | Biodiesel
www.pugetsoundcleancities.org/FuelingBiodiesel.htm

lung conditions, children and asthmatics. In BC, almost eight percent of the population has asthma, leading to 27,646 hospital stays each year. In Washington State, 11 percent of adults and 10 percent of children have asthma (BC Lung Association and WA Lung Association; PSGB Air Quality | References www.epa.gov/ region10/psgb/indicators/air_quality/ references.htm). Economic effects: These health effects are accompanied by associated medical and social costs such as lost work time, impaired enjoyment of life and sick children. A recent Lower Fraser Valley study estimated that a mere one percent improvement in general ambient air quality would lead to $29 million in annual savings. Haze, to which PM2.5 is the greatest contributor, can also lead to loss of valuable tourism revenue. A 2000 study predicted losses of $7.45 million for the Greater Vancouver Regional District and $1.32 million for the Fraser Valley from just one poor visibility event.

or BC Sustainable Energy Association | Biodiesel www.bcsea.org/sustainableenergy/biodiesel.asp. If you are sensitive to air quality, check on local conditions at AirNow www.airnow.gov in Washington and the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Network in BC www.gvrd.bc.ca/aqi. Be smart and limit outdoor exercise when air quality conditions are poor.

What Are We Doing About It?

Public policies to reduce PM2.5 include a new EPA law that will decrease sulphur in non-road diesel fuel; diesel emission reduction partnerships like clean school bus initiatives; BCs AirCare and Scrap-It Program and Washingtons emission check program; ferry system pilots, and wood stove and fireplace education programs.

Your Tool Box As A Business Owner

Use ultra low sulphur diesel fuels or biodiesel blends. Choose shipping and receiving suppliers that belong to EPAs SmartWay Transport Partnership www.epa.gov/otaq/smartway. Support a commute-trip reduction program.

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/air_quality/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary
Conditions Worsening

Marine Species at Risk

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the formal number of listings or designations of marine species identified to be at risk of extinction within the Puget Sound Georgia Basin. The species listed are native to this area and are important components of the local estuarine and marine ecosystem. The indicator addresses only those marine species that utilize the Puget Sound Georgia Basin ecosystem and were formally listed or designated as an at-risk species prior to September 2004. In each case, a local population of a species has been listed or designated by state, provincial or federal agencies in the U.S. or Canada because it is genetically distinct and uniquely adapted to this area, and therefore its decline warrants special attention to ensure its conservation. In many ways, the species at risk indicator represents the cumulative effects that humans have on the Puget Sound Georgia Basin through population pressure, toxic chemical and nutrient pollution, and habitat loss through land use changes. It is these factors, in combination with over-harvesting, that have resulted in a decrease in local abundance and biodiversity and the ability of species to successfully reproduce at rates that would sustain their populations.

What Is Happening?
As of September 1, 2004, 63 species of concern were either listed or designated as being at risk by one or more of the jurisdictional agencies in either Puget Sound or the Georgia Basin. Species Added to the Puget Sound Georgia Basin Marine Ecosystem List between 2002 and 2004 are: Bull Trout; Killer Whale, Offshore Population; Leatherback turtle; Cultus Lake and Sakinaw Lake Sockeye Salmon; Bocaccio; Stellar Sea Lion; Grey Whale -- Northeast Pacific population; Harbour Porpoise -- Pacific Ocean population; and the Northern, or Pinto Abalone. The Northern Resident Killer Whales constitute 16 pods with approximately 205 members. Between 1997 and 2003, the population declined by seven percent. The Southern Resident Killer Whales (pods J, K and L) currently contain about 85 members. The southern residents population declined 17 percent between 1995 and 2001 and were listed as endangered under U.S. Federal law in late 2005.

Marine animal species listed or designated as being atrisk in the Puget Sound and Georgia Basin

Why Is It Happening?
Three major factors influence species decline: Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation Nothing more profoundly affects a species ability to survive than habitat loss. Wildlife face severe stress when wetlands, forestlands, prairies and shoreline areas are paved over, armored, dredged or drained, creeks are piped into culverts, over-water structures are constructed, and nets are dragged across bottom habitats. Once native habitat is converted to other uses, particularly with traditional development approaches and patterns, the remaining habitat often becomes more isolated in a fragmented landscape of multiple land uses. Wildlife populations associated with these fragmented habitats are often isolated from other breeding populations, competition and predation from other species and food resources.
continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/species_at_risk/

Marine Species at Risk Indicator Summary

October 2006

Why Is It Happening?

continued

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box
Join local conservation organizations: Contact the Cascade Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, or local land trusts to find out how you can help in your local community. Also see The Land Trust Alliance of BC for an array of tools, including the Ecological Gifts Program. Develop community partnerships to protect or restore local habitats that support salmon, shellfish, marine and shoreline birds and other species. Canadas Federal Habitat Stewardship Program works to protect habitat and contribute to the recovery of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Use natural landscaping and low impact development: Work with landscape suppliers that emphasize native species and use organic landscaping techniques and compost supplements. Create beautiful and functional landscapes that help slow polluted runoff and attract wildlife.

Pollution and chemical contaminants The Puget Sound Georgia Basin has a long legacy of intensive industrial activities including industrial wastewater discharges, mining, pulp and paper mills, oil refineries, and smelting. Contamination from these sources is exacerbated by overall polluted surface runoff. Contaminants of concern include heavy metals, organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, carcinogens created through petroleum combustion), flame retardants, phthalate esters (used in plastics and cosmetics) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Over-harvesting from both commercial and recreational interests.

How Does This Affect Me?

Affects the legacy to our communities and our children Physical and emotional well-being Losing species habitat means loss of flood protection, pollinators that produce crops, potential medicines and biochemical compounds Costly clean-up and restoration Imbalance in species causes other problems like opening niche space for aggressive, non-native species Loss of recreational and wildlife viewing revenues: Washington is fifth in the U.S. for revenues associated with wildlife viewing. No species to look at, less local revenue

What Are We Doing About It?

Public Sector Strategies: Federal, provincial/state and local government strategies for protecting and recovering species fall into the following categories: Scientific assessments, including monitoring and surveys Species recovery and management planning by public agencies and partners through grant programs Land acquisition or easement by public agencies and other conservation interests including private landowners, farmers, community groups and non-profit organizations working through habitat acquisition and land trusts, tax incentives, conservation reserve enhancement programs, wetland reserves or farm/ranchland protection and forest stewardship programs

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/species_at_risk/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

Toxics in Harbor Seals

Conditions Worsening

Photo: Peter Ross

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the presence and effect of persistent bioaccumulative toxics (PBTs) in harbor seals and in the fish they eat. PBTs are chemicals that dissolve easily in animal fat and do not break down readily, causing them to build up, or bioaccumulate, in the food web. This indicator emphasizes the following trends in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin: the flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and its presence in harbor seals from 1984 to 2003, and the level and distribution of PBDEs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Pacific herring, a key food of harbor seals. PBDEs are used in commercial and consumer electronics, fabrics, upholstery, mattresses, and paints and cable insulation, among other products.

What Is Happening?
Harbor Seals: Between 1984 and 2003, harbor seals were tested in four locations (see figure at top right). Seals from Gertrude Island (Strait of Juan de Fuca), Puget Sound, were approximately twice as contaminated as their counterparts in the Georgia Basin, indicating that they are exposed to higher levels of PBDEs in their diet. A study of Puget Sound and Strait of Georgia harbor seal prey showed that the Puget Sound harbor seal food basket is seven times more contaminated with PCBs (2.90 mg/kg lipid) than the Strait of Georgia food basket (0.41 mg/kg lipid). Further, PBDE concentrations were almost five times higher in the Puget Sound seal food basket. Differences in prey consumed did not explain the differences in contamination between the two harbor seal populations, but was rather attributed to an effect of local contamination within Puget Sound (Cullon et al., 2005, http:// www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/harbor_seals/ references.htm). Pacific Herring: Herring is a food source for many animals that are higher in the food web. Herring are eaten by seals, diving birds and many marine fish species including Chinook and Coho salmon. Accordingly, the health of these predators depends on the health of the herring as one of their food sources. Between 1999 and 2003, 1,055 three-year-old male herrings were sampled in six of 14 major Puget Sound Georgia Basin stocks. Total PCBs in whole bodies of herring from Port Orchard and Squaxin (central and southern Puget Sound, respectively) were

Chart: Washington State Dept. Fish & Wildlife, West et al.

four to nine times higher than those from the Georgia Basin (Denman Island). The elevated levels of PCBs in Puget Sound herring are similar to levels measured in herring from the Baltic Sea, one of the more highly contaminated marine ecosystems in the world.
continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/harbor_seals/

Toxics in Harbor Seals Indicator Summary

October 2006

What Is Happening? continued

Salmon, Orcas and Humans: PCB and PBDE concentrations in Puget Sound herring and Strait of Georgia herring also reflect contaminant patterns in their predators: Chinook salmon; Coho salmon; harbor seals; and in resident killer whales that feed predominantly on salmon in the summer months. A 2004 report indicated PBDEs in the breast milk of healthy Pacific Northwest mothers at levels 20 to 40 times higher than their Japanese and Swedish counterparts (Sightline Institute www.sightline.org/research/ pollution/res_pubs; Toxics in Harbor Seals | References www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/harbor_seals/ references.htm)

What Are We Doing About It?

Responses include a Washington State Chemical Action Plan (www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0507048.pdf), legislation under consideration to phase out PBDEs, and recommendations from the Washington Departments of Ecology and Health (www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/pbt/pbde/). In 2005, a bill was introduced in Washington that would phase in bans on certain types of PBDEs, including those found in televisions, computers and residential upholstered furniture and mattresses. Canada proposed that PBDEs be considered toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and added to the Virtual Elimination List. A wide range of electronics companies, corporations such as Ikea and Volvo, and major medical and non-profit organizations are supporting a ban on PBDEs.

Why Is It Happening?
Nearly 67,400 metric tons of PBDEs are sold worldwide each year. The U.S. is the worlds leading manufacturer at 33,100 metric tons. Wildlife and humans are exposed: when PBTs/PBDEs migrate out of the products they are found in as the products wear out or degrade; through food, as soils or food webs become contaminated; through household dust, where PBDEs and other pollutants are found in high concentrations; and during burning or incineration, where dioxins and furans are created and spread throughout the atmosphere. PBDEs and PCBs, like all other persistent bioaccumulative toxics, bind to fatty tissue in humans and wildlife, including plankton (the base of the marine food web), fish, animals and sediment. The legacy of PCBs, banned nearly 30 years ago, is still with us as we spend hundreds of millions of dollars cleaning up sediments in the region.

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box
Clean often and carefully, paying attention to cleaning fabrics Keep electronics away from direct light Businesses: adopt environmentally preferable purchasing strategies and ask your suppliers to stop using PBDEs and other PBTs (see Corporate Environmental Strategy: International Journal for Sustainable Business. Vol. 12, Issue 1, 2005. www.cesjournal.com). For examples of how to establish an environmentally preferable purchasing program, visit the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) at www.pprc.org or call them at (206) 352-2050. Continue to breast feed children and check fish consumption advisories. See Health Canada | PBDE Flame Retardants and Human Health www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/environ/pbde_e.html. Visit Health Canada | PBDEs in Fish www.hcsc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/chem-chim/pbde-edpb/ pbde_fish-edpb_poisson_e.html. Check out Washington State Department of Health | PBDEs www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/pbde/pbde.htm.

How Does This Affect me?

Using laboratory studies and established models of chemical structure, we know that PBDEs, similar to PCBs, affect the neurological, immune, endocrine and reproductive systems of harbor seals. PCBs, which resemble PBDEs in structure, are also known to affect memory and learning in humans. Given the widespread occurrence of PBT contaminants in humans, and the health risks that have been identified using a variety of methods, there exists reason for concern about the increasing levels of PBDEs in humans and in the environment.

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/harbor_seals/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicator Report

Executive Summary

Marine Water Quality

Conditions Worsening

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator measures water quality based on seawater density stratification from 19982004 in Puget Sound and 1999-2004 in the Georgia Basin. Seawater density stratification is an indicator of the degree of mixing within the water column (the water between the surface and the marine floor), its resilience to mixing, and the likelihood that aspects of poor water quality will develop due to human induced pressures. Together, this set of metrics describes the relative vulnerability of marine waters to water quality problems such as excessive algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels. Seawater can be layered, similar to the way an oil and vinegar salad dressing separates. Stratification is a measure of this layering. But unlike salad dressing, water density is affected by temperature and salinity: density increases with decreasing temperature or increasing salinity. Imagine denser cold and salty water underlying a warmer and fresher surface layer the bigger the density difference between these two layers, the less likely they are to mix, and water quality problems can develop. Seawater stratification is characterized by its intensity and persistence. Stratification affects the overall sensitivity of the water to pollution from humans, such as sewage, excessive use of fertilizers (nutrients) and other chemicals from paved land surfaces, and changes in circulation and the filtering capacity provided by wetlands and vegetated shorelines. In a way, the intensity and persistence of stratification can tip the balance to favor either better or worse marine water quality.

What Is Happening?
The degree of water stratification is labeled in the map at right according to both its intensity and persistence: strong persistent, strong intermittent, moderate infrequent and weak infrequent. In past decades, it appeared as if the marine waters of Puget Sound and the Georgia Basin had an almost limitless ability to assimilate the various wastes from our cities, farms and industries. Recent trends, however, indicate that the natural capacity of these coastal waters to assimilate pollution is much more limited than we thought, particularly in areas such as Hood Canal, south Puget Sound, inner Whidbey basin and the central Georgia Basin. In these areas, as strong stratification has developed and persisted, the respective water quality has steadily decreased. This trend is the basis for the indicators declining conditions rating. As waters become more stratified, through weather, climate or circulation changes, they become even more limited in their ability to assimilate pollution. Where stratification patterns are strong and relatively persistent, we must do our best to reduce and minimize human impacts on water quality otherwise, we risk losing these valuable marine ecosystems.

Seawater stratification patterns

Puget Sound
Between 1998 and 2004, a series of 46 stations in greater Puget Sound were monitored monthly for water quality and density stratification. The majority of the stations (23) show moderate infrequent stratification. These are located throughout the Puget Sound and reflect the strong tidal mixing of the area. Eleven stations show strong persistent stratification. These are typically located near river mouths (e.g. Budd Inlet, Commencement Bay, Port Susan, Possession Sound, Skagit Bay), near river influence (Penn Cove, Saratoga Passage), or where mixing processes are weak (Hood Canal).
continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/marine_wq/

Marine Water Quality Indicator Summary

October 2006

What Is Happening?
Georgia Basin

continued

What Can I Do?

Your Tool Box
Get septic savvy: maintain your septic system well. Contact Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Marine Advisory Services. Use natural landscaping and low impact development: See the information on natural lawn care at King County | Yard and Garden Topics and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | Landscaping for Wildlife. Check out the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Shorekeepers Program. Read the Puget Sound Action Team Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound. Deal with pet waste: Always carry a plastic bag to pick up after your pet. Pay attention to the no dog signs at beaches. Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing programs. Reduce and control polluted stormwater runoff: Impervious surfaces and most stormwater systems provide a quick gateway for contaminants to get into local streams, lakes and beaches.

Between 1999 and 2004, a series of 13 stations, extending from the mouth of Juan de Fuca Strait up to the northern end of the Strait of Georgia were visited seasonally. Each year, surveys were taken in April, June, September and December to capture seasonal variations. The majority of the stations show strong persistent stratification due to the influence of freshwater from the Fraser River. However, stations located in strong tidally induced mixing areas, such as Boundary Pass, Rosario Strait, and the northern end of the Strait of Georgia, show moderate infrequent stratification.

Why Is It Happening?
Factors that influence stratification include: ambient air temperature, solar radiation, freshwater input from river flows and precipitation, surface winds, internal waves, and tidal circulation. Both freshwater (reducing salinity) and solar radiation (increasing temperature) cause greater density differences to develop between the warmer, fresher surface layer and the cold, salty deep waters. The role of our geography: The waters at the ends of the deep fjords of the Puget Sound and Georgia Basin, and in the deep bottom waters behind shallow underwater mountains (sills), are somewhat isolated from exchange with incoming Pacific Ocean waters. The implications are that pollutants, such as fertilizers or toxics, released into these areas may become entrapped within local areas over relatively long periods of time.

How Does This Affect Me?

When marine water becomes strongly stratified, it becomes more vulnerable or sensitive to human impacts and pollution. These impacts can affect communities and ecosystems in many ways: Low dissolved oxygen impacts: Strong persistent stratification forms a barrier to mixing and can lead to oxygen declines in the water. In sensitive marine waters, problems associated with low dissolved oxygen levels, or DO, may become more pronounced and directly affect aquatic life. Low DO levels can kill fish over large areas. Loss of recreation, fishing and wildlife viewing revenues: This region is very popular for outdoor recreation. Human-caused pollution can quickly contribute to problems in areas with strong persistent stratification. This can include negative effects on the production and diversity of marine life and on the quality of our shorelines and marine waters. Affect the community and ecological legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren.

What Are We Doing About It?

Marine water quality responses include: reducing the level of nutrients in our waste discharges, reducing nutrients and other pollution in stormwater runoff, using low impact development approaches and natural landscaping, implementing farm and manure management plans, and using buffers and native vegetation to filter and take-up nutrients that would otherwise become pollution as they reach water bodies.

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/marine_wq/ Share whats important to you and your community http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal, State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.