Two inlets in Thurston County threatened with restrictions because of rising fecal levels

Two inlets in Thurston County are threatened with harvest restrictions because of rising fecal coliform bacteria levels.

Eld Inlet and Henderson Inlet were among 13 areas to get flagged in an annual evaluation of the state’s 115 commercial shellfish harvesting areas, the Washington State Department of Health stated in a recently completed report.

The annual evaluation found the 13 areas were showing some water quality impacts because of increased bacteria levels, but each currently meets water quality standards.

“Shellfish harvesting areas are more than just a resource, they’re a reflection of the health of Washington’s marine waters,” said Scott Berbells, Manager of the Shellfish Growing Area Section for the Department of Health, in an announcement about the results.

“These areas provide a comprehensive, science-based snapshot of water quality across the region. Protecting and maintaining these areas is essential for preserving the integrity of our marine ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of shellfish resources.”

The other shellfish harvest areas threatened with restrictions are Makah Bay in Clallam County, Pacific Coast in Grays Harbor County, Quilcene Bay in Jefferson County, Dyes Inlet and Liberty Bay in Kitsap County, Hood Canal 6 (Hoodsport), Oakland Bay and Stretch Island in Mason County, Bay Center in Pacific County, Skagit Bay South in Snohomish County and Portage Bay in Whatcom County.

The threatened status in the 13 areas does not make the shellfish less safe to eat, the Department of Health said.

Four other areas were found to be experiencing impacts from wastewater treatment plants, marinas and other discharges that will require harvest restrictions and additional management. Those areas are Bainbridge Island (eastern shoreline), Hood Canal north of Seabrook and Grays Harbor near Westport and Ocean Shores.

The Department of Health said it would collaborate with county partners, state agencies, shellfish growers and tribal governments to identify and address sources of pollution, as well as develop projects to improve water quality in threatened areas.

“Even small actions can have a big impact on protecting our water quality,” Barbells said. “Everyone has a role to play — whether it’s maintaining septic systems, properly disposing of pet waste, using pump-out stations for boats and RVs, or managing farm animal waste responsibly.”

Recreational harvesters can get up-to-date harvest information on the shellfish safety map.