Septic Systems

Saving Hood Canal: Eliminating polluting septic systems

Hood Canal has become a “dead zone” due to decreasing levels of oxygen in the waters there.   In recent years, it’s not been uncommon to witness dead fish floating on the surface of Hood Canal in early Fall, when the problem is most severe.

Sadly, this condition, which is often caused by increased sewage and fertilizer discharges in stormwater, is a growing problem throughout the entire South Sound region.   Most experts agree that by reducing these discharges we can significantly reduce these occurrances.  Moreover, by reducing these types of pollution, we improve the ability to harvest shellfish in areas either closed or threatened to be closed due to human health related concerns.

To restore dissolved oxygen levels in Hood Canal and to restore shellfish harvest areas throughout Puget Sound it is necessary to work with local jurisdictions as they develop on-site management plans covering septic systems and with homeowners with on-site systems.

In 2006, People for Puget Sound successfully advocated for the passage of major legislation which requires County Health officials in the 12 Puget Sound Counties to adopt septic system plans to address these problems.  The bill, HB 1458, required the identification and cleanup of failing septic systems by 2012.   Plans, which must be approved by the state, have now been adopted by most of these jurisdictions.

People for Puget Sound continues to advocate for additional controls, including state legislation which would require all new septic systems to meet standards to reduce nitrogen, a pollutant which is known to cause dissolved oxygen problems (see HB 3227 – 2008 legislative session).

Other Areas

The South Sound area – notably in Budd and Carr Inlet – has begun to experience sever dissolved oxygen problems that are similar to those in Hood Canal. People For Puget Sound is participating in the technical advisory committee for  a major investigation into the problem that is being conducted by the state Department of Ecology.  The study is geared toward the development of control measures throughout the South Sound.

What you can do to help:

• If you are on a septic system, have it inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it is operating correctly. If you’re unsure of what to do, contact your local Board of Health for advice.
• Avoid using fertilizer on your lawn and garden to the greatest extent possible. If you must use fertilizer, use it judiciously.
• Maintain riparian vegetation along creeks and along the edge of Hood Canal and Puget Sound.
• Dispose of pet waste properly.
• Contact your state legislators and urge them to support full funding of local septic system management plans.

Contact | Heather Trim | 206-456-3809