Pollution Threatens Shellfish Growing AreasPollution problems in Puget Sound are threatening 14 commercial shellfish growing areas with harvest restrictions or closures, according to this year's state Department of Health's early warning system reports and associated list of threatened areas. The early warning system alerts local health departments, state natural resource agencies, tribes, shellfish growers and others when declining water quality threatens an area with a downgrade of classification or closure. Contamination can render shellfish unsafe to eat. Puget Sound is one of the most productive shellfish growing areas in the country. "Shellfish are vital to our region's economy and are an indicator of a healthy marine environment," said Nancy McKay, chair of the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team. "Pollution in growing areas threatens the Puget Sound lifestyle." Pollution from failing on-site sewage systems, animal wastes, and stormwater runoff are the main reasons shellfish growing areas are downgraded. To combat pollution from failing on-site sewage systems, state law calls for local governments to develop, adopt and carry out programs to ensure proper operation and maintenance of on-site systems. These programs need to be in place by the year 2000. "The good news is that last year was the best on record for shellfish restoration -- with more than 4,000 acres upgraded," said McKay. "The bad news is that restoration takes many years and a lot of resources." Local areas that are threatened with a downgrade in classification or failing to meet current classification standards are:
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