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Proposed Strategies for Puget Sound's Health

The Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team is seeking comments now through November 6th on its draft 2000 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan. The plan is the state's framework for managing and protecting the Sound and for coordinating the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, tribal and local governments. Last updated in 1996, the draft 2000 management plan adds two new programs and significantly amends two others. The proposed additions are:

• Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Shared Waters Program, to coordinate water quality preservation and enhancement in Washington and British Columbia.
• Aquatic Nuisance Species Program, to control the spread of introduced aquatic nuisance species and to prevent introduction of non-native species to Puget Sound. -}

  The proposed plan amends these programs:

  • Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows Program explores new measures to protect and restore salmon, encourages innovative development practices; and addresses implementation and enforcement.
  • Marine and Freshwater Habitat Program combines the Wetlands Protection and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection Programs. The program incorporates watershed actions for protection of fish, shellfish and other species, establishes scientific benchmarks for the recovery of habitat, and addresses loss and alteration of shoreline habitat. -}

    The 2000 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan is available on the Action Team's website, http://www.wa.gov/puget_sound where you can comment online. To obtain a printed copy, please contact the Action Team at 1-800-54-SOUND.

    Written comments can be submitted to: Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team, Attn: Steve Tilley, Planning Manager, P.O. Box 40900, Olympia, WA 98504-0900. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on November 6, 2000.

    
    

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