Watershed Management Plan - Mason County

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Appendix C Key Issues and Options – Water Quality Similarly, the Puget Sound Action Team gave grants to 14 agencies in the fall of 2004 to begin implementing the corrective actions recommended in the Hood Canal Low Dissolved Oxygen Preliminary Assessment and Corrective Actions Plan. These projects include finding alternative uses for salmon carcasses, investigating the best ways to manage sewage along the Hood Canal shoreline in Mason County, evaluating the use of anaerobic digesters to handle livestock waste and salmon carcasses, and addressing failing septic systems (Puget Sound Action Team, 2005c). The Planning Unit could lend its support to the agencies, organizations, and individuals developing and conducting projects to improve dissolved oxygen levels in Hood Canal. Option 66. Implement any new state standards on nitrogen reduction in septic systems The Washington State Board of Health, in its Resolution 04-04, resolved to complete a rule-making process and enact new standards for septic systems in conjunction with the Department of Health, local health jurisdictions, and stakeholders (Washington State Board of Health, 2004). The Board held workshops around the state and developed a Final Draft Rule that would amend Chapter 246-272A WAC. This New Rule was adopted in July, 2005. The new rule includes nitrogen reduction standards, and it requires the local health officers of marine counties, including Jefferson and Mason, to develop plans to manage on-site septic systems locally. These plans must identify any risks associated with septic systems, including areas where nitrates have been identified as a problem, and establish additional monitoring, operations, and maintenance requirements commensurate with those risks (Rule Development Committee, 2005). Now that the rule has been adopted, Jefferson and Mason Counties are required to write and adopt on-site septic system management plans. These plans could include more stringent standards on nitrate reduction, or even requirements that nitrate reduction methods be used in septic systems, since nitrates are a major concern in Hood Canal. Option 67. Continue to track results from existing pilot projects and grant programs A number of pilot projects are underway to help improve the low dissolved oxygen levels in Hood Canal. For example, the Puget Sound Action Team recently funded 14 projects to address various causes of low dissolved oxygen ranging from failing septic tanks to livestock waste to salmon carcasses (Puget Sound Action Team, 2005c). The Planning Unit could encourage funding agencies and project implementers to monitor and page 130 Final Plan for County Adoption – May 11, 2006
Key Issues and Options – Water Quality Appendix C publish the results of each pilot project. This information will be invaluable to guide future efforts. Issue: Saltwater Intrusion Saltwater intrusion is the seeping of saltwater into freshwater aquifers. Saltwater intrusion threatens drinking water along the shores of Hood Canal, especially in WRIA 16’s South Shore sub-basin. Areas where freshwater aquifers are at or below the water level of Hood Canal – and where pumping rates are high – are particularly susceptible to saltwater intrusion. Option 68. Establish zones of possible saltwater intrusion and limit development Saltwater intrusion into groundwater wells can be the result of pumping too much fresh water out of the well, or of tapping into pockets of salty water trapped naturally underground. Saltwater intrusion is a concern in the South Shore Sub-basin of WRIA 16, but its extent is unknown. The Planning Unit could work to establish the extent of saltwater intrusion in WRIA 16, determine whether excess pumping is the cause, and if so, work with local government agencies and landowners to limit development in those areas. Jefferson County’s work could serve as a model that Mason County could apply in the South Shore sub-basin or other areas of concern. Issue: Invasive Species Invasive species are plants, animals, or other organisms that are non-native to an area and whose introduction causes economic, environmental, or human harm. Option 69. Support ongoing activities related to invasive species Mason and Jefferson counties both have noxious weed control boards that assist landowners with weed identification and control. In addition, statelevel agencies are working to address the threats caused by invasive marine animals such as the tunicate. The Planning Unit could support these efforts. Issue: Derelict Fishing Gear and Boats Derelict (abandoned) fishing gear and boats affect wildlife and people. Lost or abandoned nets, lines, traps, boats, unused dock pilings, anchors, floats, and other equipment can: (1) trap and wound fish, shellfish, seabirds, and marine mammals; (2) entangle swimmers or divers; (3) damage recreational Final Plan for County Adoption – May 11, 2006 page 131
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Watershed Management Plan Skokomish
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WRIA 16 Summary of Watershed Manage
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WRIA 16 Summary of Watershed Manage
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Chapter Introduction and Background
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Chapter WRIA 16 - State of the Wate
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Watershed Management Plan - Mason County

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