In the summer of 2006, the HCSEG in partnership with the Mason County Dept of Health Services began two-year investigation of fecal coliform bacteria sources in Big Mission and Little Mission Creeks in Belfair.  The Washington State Department of Ecology provided funding in the form of a Centennial Clean Water Grant to reduce elevated levels of bacteria which have in the past closed adjacent shellfish beds.

These streams have an impact on the commercial and recreational shellfish harvest areas and compromise the quality of recreation experiences at Belfair State Park when water quality standards are not maintained.

Citizen volunteers are needed to assist the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) and Mason County Department of Health Services (MCDHS) staff in the collection of this water quality data.  Water quality measurements and water samples will be analyzed for:

•      

• fecal coliform bacteria
• metals: cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc (to establish baseline  data)
• dissolved oxygen
• water temperature
• pH
• turbidity

In addition, MCDHS will be conducting sanitary surveys to identify failing septic systems and work with property owners to eliminate excessive bacteria contributions to the marine waters. 

What you can do…  

•         Participate in Steering Committee Meetings

Quarterly planning meetings will be held to give project participants and local residents an opportunity to share information and provide task updates.  These meetings are planned for the first week of April, July and October, 2007.  For time and location of the meetings, please contact Renee Rose or check our Events and Announcements web page. 

•           Participate as a Volunteer Sampler                             

Training will be provided in the collection of water samples and water quality measurement data.  Field sampling occurs once a month at multiple locations within the Big and Little Mission Creek watershed.  If you are interested in signing up please contact Renee@HCSEG.org or 360.275.9722.

•           Attend Community Meetings                   

Several community meetings will be held to update local citizens on the efforts of the sampling project.  Residents will also have an opportunity to learn how they can reduce their impact to their local streams and marine water of Hood Canal.

•           Take Care of Your Septic System

Have your septic system inspected regularly and get your tank pumped when needed.  MCDHS staff are available as a septic resource.  They are also offering to conduct sanitary surveys of residential septic systems as a free service in this community as part of their effort to identify failing systems.  Contact MCDHS at 360.427.9670 x 544.

Click here to see graphs illustrating fecal coliform concentrations in Big and Little Mission Creeks.