In April 2011, Governor Christine Gregoire expressed concern about Samish Bay shellfish bed closures during a Government Management and Accountability Program session on Puget Sound. Gregoire challenged state agencies to address this issue quickly. In response, state and local officials recently released a plan for more inspections and enforcement on all fronts, including septic tanks, livestock operations, small hobby farms, dairies and others, as well as more education and help for landowners.

Public Works staff are conducting the water quality sampling and working with Public Health and Planning and Development Services staff to identify specific locations of pollution sources. Public Health and Planning staff have also started conducting voluntary site visits with willing landowners. If Skagit County finds potential sources or conditions of fecal coliform bacteria pollution, the inspectors will refer landowners to appropriate resource agencies with programs designed to eliminate the pollution. Enforcement of County or State regulations will occur only in the case that landowners with demonstrated pollution problems do not cooperate voluntarily. Multiple portable toilets and pet waste stations have also been placed throughout the Samish in an effort to reduce the pollution associated with both human and pet waste.

[Facility locations map]

2016 Clean Samish Winter Report

The Samish River: A Clean Water Initiative [Video]