SEQUIM — An open house concerning a pollution project update on Sequim-Dungeness area beaches is planned from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
Clallam County Environmental Health and project partners Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, the Clallam Conservation District and Streamkeepers of Clallam County will conduct the open house at the Dungeness Schoolhouse, 2781 Towne Road.
Sequim-Dungeness beaches have experienced shellfish harvest closures for years because of high pollution levels in area waters.
Fecal coliform in local waters indicate to health officials the presence of enteric bacteria, which can make people and animals sick.
Since 2014, county environmental health officials and project partners have worked to find and correct pollution sources around the Lower Dungeness through the Pollution Identification and Correction program.
Some examples of pollution sources include sewage systems, agriculture and pet waste.
Program work continues, and the project area will now expand to include waters farther up the Dungeness watershed.
The open house features an informal format with opportunities to ask questions directly to project partners, displays and literature on project highlights, water quality monitoring results and trends, plans for project area expansion and information on financial and technical assistance available to help landowners eliminate sources of pollution
For more information, see www.clallam.net/PIC or contact Jacob Melly at 360-417-2415 or EnviroHealth@co.clallam.wa.us.
