Indicator Summaries Puget Sound Georgia Basin

8/6/2019 Indicator Summaries Puget Sound Georgia Basin

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Executive Summary

Puget Sound Georgia Basin

What Is Happening?

Population HealthThe Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into thehealth of our ecosystem, which includes the interactions among seven million

indicator presents population, population growth rates and projections, infant mortality rates, life expectancy andaverage family income across the Puget Sound Georgia Basin.

By 2025, the region is expected to add another 1.4 million people with no corresponding increase in land, resourcesor the many ecosystem services that we rely on. Our collective challenge will be to create livable urban communi

ational opportunities that make this place special.

Between 1976 and 2001, the Puget Sound Georgia Basin added 2.9 million

populations. Perhaps the most significant finding is the continuing disparity between rural and urban areas on both

indicators.

Insufficient Progress

continued

Why Is It Happening?

of the more urban communities.

and sprawl are very high:

bacteria and higher stream temperatures leaves ourrivers, lakes and streams unable to support salmon and

impervious surfaces, which result in higher flood flowsand reduced summer flows.

Rapid loss of farmland and forestland, particularly

sources of foods, aesthetic views and economicopportunities for rural communities.

stresses animal and plant populations and leads

air pollution, reduce general livability and require

Ecosystem Indicator Report

people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This

ties for this growing population that protect important ecosystem and societal services. These include healthyforests; watersheds and other natural areas that help maintain air quality, river flows, water quality and other naturalresources; sustainable farms and soils that provide local sources of food; and the many other amenities and recre

new residents. We are ethnically diverse, increasingly export-oriented andfilled with the promise of biotechnology, internet technology, aerospace andtourism. The region also has a higher income profile than other parts ofNorth America with higher rates of consumption and a correspondinglygreater impact on the capacity of natural resources. Life expectancy isslightly higher and infant mortality slightly lower in the Georgia Basincompared to Puget Sound. Life expectancy is highest in the GreaterVancouver Regional District (81 years) and King County (80 years), the areas of the basin with the largest

sides of the border. This urban/rural disparity is apparent across the life expectancy, income, and infant mortality

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/population_health/

People move to this region for educational opportunities, interesting and relatively well-paying jobs, and therecreational and outdoor-oriented lifestyle opportunities associated with such a diverse and dramatic naturalenvironment, defined by both temperate rain forests and the ubiquitous presence of mountains and water.However, the ability of rural communities to provide needed social and health care services has lagged behind that

How Does This Affect Me?The stakes associated with poor long-term planning

Poor water quality from chemicals, oils, pathogens,

other aquatic life. Water quantity is also affected by

around the edges of the urban core, affects local

Splitting wildlife habitat with new development

to lost biodiversity.Sprawling communities cause increased traffic and


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Population Health Indicator Summary October 2006

continued How Does This Affect Me? What Can I Do?expensive infrastructure investments like roads,utilities, and other necessary services to coverlarger and larger areas.

What Are We Doing About It?Regional governments, citizens, non-profitorganizations and businesses are responding tothese challenges by planning for and managinggrowth, transportation and health care needs andincorporating more effective environmentalprotection tools. They are using:

Growth management techniques to provideincentives to keep growth in existing urbanareas, support intelligent long-term planning

and protect forests and farmland Health programs to foster preventative care,

prenatal care, exercise and a healthy diet Life cycle assessment and ecological eco

nomics to uncover the true costs of manufactured products and promote integration ofeconomic analyses to assess the economicworth of ecosystem services such as cleanwater, air and food

Transportation planning to encourage livingnear work and using more diverse forms oftransportation such as bicycling, buses, walkingand rail or even telecommuting and saving a trip

Natural drainage and landscaping techniquesand low impact development approaches toprotect local watersheds and resources

Live in a well planned community or existing urban area,complete with vibrant social, economic, and recreational

opportunities. See Smart Growth BC www.smartgrowth.bc.cawww Use low impact development (LID) and natural landscaping:

www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/ LID.htm. Communities can apply for technical professionalassistance to incorporate LID in their plans.

Know your footprint! For home, see My Footprintwww

www.ecy.wa.gov/sustainability/pathways. Live close to work and travel smart: Use a car only when you

need one. See Flexcar at www.flexcar See the BicycleAlliance www

www.best.bc.ca.

Use your pocketbook to keep your family and community

wwwHousehold Products Database athouseholdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/.

performance buildings decrease energy consumption, in

Green Buildings BC www Learnwww.energystar.gov

landscapes with access to rural lands, local resources, treesand mature vegetation increase the attractiveness of acommunity and improve quality of life.

Your Tool Box

and Smart Growth | Washington .smartgrowth.wa.gov.

Puget Sound Action Team | LID

.ecofoot.org. For government agencies, see SustainableWashington

.org..bicyclealliance.org or BCs Better Environment

ally Sound Transportation

safe: Check out PPRCs green purchasing tools at.pprc.org. Also see the National Institutes of Health

Live in energy efficient homes and businesses: Green or high

crease productivity, and are safer and healthier to live in. See.greenbuildingsbc.com.

about EPAs Energy Star programSupport working farms and forests: Diverse community

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal,State, Provincial and Local partners from the United States and Canada.

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/population_health/

Share whats important to you and your communityhttp://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/


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Jack Kintner Photo

Executive Summary

Puget Sound Georgia Basin EcosystemIndicator Report

Urbanization and Conditions WorseningForest ChangePhoto: Natl. Science Foundation

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, whichincludes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water,land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes changes in land use between 1995 and 2000 inPuget Sound and 1992 and 1999 in the Georgia Basin. These changes include loss of forest, as well as increase inurbanization and accompanying impervious surface cover. Results are presented for approximately 2,725 localwatersheds within the international basin. Patterns of land use and land cover, in conjunction with the socioeconomic profile of the seven million people who live in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin, are the driving forces behindoverall ecosystem health.

What Is Happening?

Forest Cover: Within the 5-7 year assessmentperiod, 452 watersheds had at least 1 percentof their total area converted from mature forestcover to some other land cover, often bareground, immature vegetation, or industrial/ urban uses. At the same time, another groupof 205 watersheds, mostly occurring above2,000 feet in elevation and generally withinpublic ownership, indicated a net increase inforest cover as young stands or cleared areasre-grow into more mature forest cover.

Urbanization: During the same period, urbanization increased across many low elevationwatersheds and shoreline areas. One hundredfifty-eight local watersheds gained impervious surfacesby between 0.7 and 2 percent of their total area.Another 58 local watersheds showed increases inurban land cover of between 2 and 19 percent of theirtotal drainage area. While these percentages mayseem small, they represent fairly dramatic change overa relatively short period of time.

Urbanization is defined as the transformation of natural landscapes, such as wetlands and forests, to built environments. These built environments typically contain large amounts of impervious surfacessuch as concrete, asphalt, roofs, lawns and othermaterials that quickly carry pollutants to the inlandwaters of the Puget Sound Georgia Basin. Thewatersheds showing more rapid rates of conversionloss were mostly in low and mid-elevation areas

containing large proportions of private land. Low elevation watersheds typically include those that are below approximately 2,000 ft/609 meters in elevation. These watershedscontain valuable gentle-gradient aquatic habitats that sustainimportant species. These watersheds are also important forthe high quality water that they provide and also for their flood-buffering functions.


Threats to the agricultural land base include: speculativebuying (in hopes of influencing land use and zoningchanges), taking land out of production, fragmentationof agricultural lands, incompatible adjacent land usesand lawsuits (odor, noise, drift of pesticides); incompatible regulations, difficulties associated with irrigation,and appraisal at highest and best use which raisesproperty taxes. continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/urbaniz_forest_change


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Urbanization and Forest Change Indicator Summary October 2006

Why Is It Happening? continued What Can I Do?

We are losing forest lands for similar reasons: developmentpressure and migration to suburban areas that make land useconversion attractive, depressed market prices for forest products,fire suppression policies, development of Real Estate InvestmentTrusts (including out of state buyers such as insurance companies)and pressure on state trust land to produce income in the face ofdecreased state revenue.

How Does This Affect Me?

Higher energy costs because of the heat island effect:impervious surfaces can raise local temperatures.

Increased flooding and stream pollution: impervious surfacescan quickly transport pollutants and increases the potential fordownstream flooding.

Fragmented wildlife habitat stresses local plant and animalpopulations.

Reduced quality and quantity of water: impervious surfacesincrease the rate at which pollutants and oil reach streams andestuaries and can interrupt the natural cycle in which water isreplenished for future use.

Lost farms and forests means loss of history, aesthetic beauty andlost economic opportunities for local food and forestry products.

Impervious Surfaces in Watersheds: Research has shown thatonce watersheds have developed roughly 10 percent of theirdrainage area into an impervious or paved condition, there is a highpotential for physical, chemical, and biological impairments to bothwater quality conditions and other resources such as shoreline

erosion, downstream flooding, and scoured and smothered fisheggs.

What Are We Doing About It?

Responses to loss of farm and forest land include: Smart Growth and community planning : make density and urban living moreattractive, comfortable, and accessible while protecting forests,farms and green spaces. Smart Growth includes mixed land use,compact designs, housing option types, walkable neighborhoods,alternative transportation options, and protects farms, forests andnatural beauty; Low Impact Development and natural landscap-

ing (use native plants, good soil, green roofs and pervious surfaces

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/urbaniz_forest_change/ Share whats important to you and your community

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/contact/

Support smart and well plannedcommunities: support beautiful, more

convenient and vibrant neighborhoods. Consider using bicycles,skateboards, carpools, telecommuting, buses or FlexCars for a

Buy: Use your pocketbook to keepyour family and community safe

National Institutes of Health Household Products Database athouseholdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/

Garden: Use natural landscaping andlow impact development:www.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/util/ rescons/; www.wnps.org andwwwNature Scape British Columbia:hctf.ca/nature.htm. Support low impactdevelopment (www.psat.wa.gov/ Programs/LID.htm)

Act Local: Support and protect localwww.agf.gov.bc.ca;

http://www.farmland.org andwww.nnrg.org

Your Tool Box

Stretch:

different way to travel.

through green purchasing. Visit the

.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/Go-Native/).

farms and forests:

to allow water to slowly seep into the groundand slow polluted runoff into waterways);Farmland through agricultural protectiondistricts and local farm/food initiatives; Forest protection through market tools and progressive laws.



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Executive Summary

Insufficient ProgressSolid Waste and RecyclingThe Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, whichincludes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water,land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the diversion and disposal of solid waste (alsoknown as municipal solid waste, MSW, trash, refuse or garbage) in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin from 1999through 2003. Solid waste is largely an untold story, like the tip of an iceberg. In the wasteberg, only six percent ofmaterials such as chemicals, metal and mining ores, trees, fibers and petroleum actually end up in a product.The remaining 94 percent is transformed during the manufacturing rocess into wasted heat and energy, non-specifiedmaterials or commercial or industrial waste.

What is Happening?In 2003, the citizens and businesses of the PugetSound Georgia Basin sent more than six million tons

of garbage to landfills or incinerators. This single yearof waste is enough to fill Interstate 5 from Olympia,Washington to Whistler, BC more than one foot deepin garbage. However, in this same year, another sixmillion tons of products and materials avoided the fateof landfills. In fact, 2003 was a record year for reducing landfill waste through the diversion of products ormaterials. This is good news because diversion includes materials that are reused as intact products, Chart: Washington State Dept. of Ecologyrecycled, refined, or control burned for energy recovery. Diversion does not include backyard burning or illegaldumping. The bottom line is that while the region is diverting more materials from landfills and incinerators, ouroverall waste generation and disposal rates grew at a more rapid pace than the increase in our population.

( U. S .I m

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M e

t r i c t o n n e s

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s

Why Is It Happening?Patterns of solid waste generation are firmly tied tothe cultural aspects of our society. Solid wastegeneration, disposal and diversion rates are basedon a complex interaction of the following factors:

Demographic profile: The region has a high percapita income, which can lead to more wastebecause more products are purchased and used

Changes in family size: For 20 years, householdsize has steadily decreased. Many smaller house

holds produce more per capita waste than largerhouseholds.

Greater use of convenience products and eatingoutside the home

Substantial increase in manufacturing and marketingof convenience products that are used once andthen discarded as garbage

Emphasis on recycling without addressing wastereduction

How Does This Affect Me?Garbage may be out of sight, but not withoutserious implications. Excessive solid waste generationleads to the following:

Lost economic opportunities and manufacturing inefficiencies. Thousands of new jobs could be created in theregion by expanding and starting businesses focused onreuse, manufacturing and recycling

Toxics in products exported to countries outside NorthAmerica, particularly electronics that are laden with toxicchemicals

Cost and time to handle products and waste Environmental and human health impacts from

landfilling and incineration of garbage Exposure to harmful substances found in products (see

the Toxics in Harbor Seals Indicator)

http://ww w.epa .gov/region 10/psgb/indicators/solid_wa ste/


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Solid Waste and Recycling Indicator Summary October 2006

What Are We Doing About It? What Can I Do?Reducing waste intelligently creates opportunities foreach of us, including communities, governments andprivate businesses.

British Columbia regions and Washington countieshave adopted regional solid waste management plans

Governments and non-profits offer technical assistancein waste prevention and reduction, and recycling, with anemphasis on paper and food waste

Product stewardship for manufacturers: These effortsfocus on asking manufacturers to design products fortheir entire life cycle so they are made into secondgeneration products or can be composted. Learn moreat BC Ministry of Environment | Product Stewardship:www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/ips/progdev/ Northwest Product Stewardship Council:www.productstewardship.net and Washington

State Department of Ecology | Beyond Waste:www.ecy.wa.gov/beyondwaste/

Using purchasing strategies and specifications toreduce waste, toxicity and promote durable goods thatlast: Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention ResourceCenter | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing:www.pprc.org/pubs/epp/epp_report.cfm Recycling Resources

Inform: www.informinc.orgSustainable Business:www.sustainablebusiness.orgCommunity Futures:www.communityfutures.caGreen Conference Initiative:www.epa.gov/oppt/greenmeetings/ National Waste Prevention Coalition:www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/nwpc/ BC Ministry of the Environment:www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/mpp/reduction.htm

Think creatively send experiential

materials Shop consignment and buy used

products online

sided, reduce margins, or dont print at all Compost and donate food. Ninety-six

billion tons of edible food are thrownout as garbage each year in the U.S.

Bring your own cloth bag to shop and

percentage of our fossil fuels are used

marine waters, where they kill marine life.

Additional Solid Waste &

Your Tool Box

Buy products with extended warrantiesAvoid disposable products and buy

products with recyclable packaging

gifts and wrap with old maps and other

Use paper with respect print double-

break the plastic bag habit. A significant

to make plastic products that end up in

Photo: Kitsap County Solid Waste

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/solid_waste/ Share whats important to you and your community




7/18


Executive Summary

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, whichincludes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of

index (physical and chemical properties) and an index of biological integrity (health of biological organisms at the

saltwater sources.

What Is Happening?

Measuring Water Quality: Water quality is measured by combining differentaspects ( parameters) of water quality into a numerical water quality index. Theindexing calculations differ slightly between BC and Washington although bothsystems measure temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphorous and nitrogen(nutrients) and suspended solids (turbidity or cloudiness). These indexes are tied to

use in BC. In addition, the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) measures the health ofbugs and critters in the streams such as caddis flies, mayflies, stoneflies, freshwa

found and expected in different healthy habitats.

Puget Sound : In 2003, 50 percent of Puget Sounds permanent monitoring stations reported good water quality and 50

i

continued

Georgia Basin: In 2003, of the 16 sites measures, five

most abundant and delicious salmon in the world, wasmonitored at five locations and, of those, two were

largest salmon producing river in the world. Of the 300important salmon spawning streams in the Fraser Riversystem, about half are found in urbanized areas of the

In addition to these water quality chemistry results, BC alsoreported fairly broad impairment of their biological conditionwith 85 percent of streams tested for biological healthconsidered impaired.

Maps: CommEn Space

River received the poorrating and has costroughly $4.5 million toclean up.

In addition to thesewater quality chemistry

tests, 59 percent of thestreams tested forbiological health wereconsidered impaired.

indicated by chemistry sampling, remains good inmany areas, an equal number of areas are at risk ofdegradation. Water quality as indicated by biologicalconditions shows a much broader pattern of impairment

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/freshwater_quality/

River, Stream and Lake Quality

water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the quality of freshwater found in waterbodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, creeks and sloughs in 2003. Stream quality is measured by a water quality

base of the food chain). As water travels over hard surfaces such as compacted soils, asphalt and the thousands ofacres of human-made surfaces, it picks up oils, grease, chemicals, and human and animal wastes. All of it, unlessphysically filtered by the processes of wetlands, soils and plants, will find its way, untreated, to both freshwater and

meeting beneficial uses under the Clean Water Act such as drinking, swimming orfishing in Washington State and are similarly linked to these same types of water

ter shrimp and worms. Streams are tested for the number and type of organisms

percent fair water quality. The stations reporting fair water quality results were typically located near urbanized areassuch as Port Angeles, Mount Vernon, and Tukwila, or adjacent to farming areas such as the Skagit and Puyallup. Forthe 22 rotating basin stations (e.g. Nooksack, Wh te River, Dungeness, Snoqualmie, Union rivers) 14 had fair water

were rated excellent, five good, three fair, two marginaland one poor. The Fraser River, home to some of the

excellent, two good and one fair. The Fraser River is the

Lower Fraser Valley.

quality, seven rated good, and one had poor waterquality. The Nooksack

While water quality, as

affecting streams on both sides of the border.

Conditions Worsening


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River, Stream and Lake Quality Indicator Summary October 2006

Why Is It Happening?Stream water quality is affected by two major sources:point discharges under permit for sewage treatment plantsand industrial facilities; and non-point sources (eg. pollutedrunoff that carries soil, chemicals, oil, debris and otheruntreated pollutants into water). These problems are exacerbated by impervious surfaces and compacted soil that cannotslow or biologically inactivate the pollutants. Polluted runoffcomes from manure and chemicals from agriculture, failingseptic systems, vehicles, urbanization and constructionactivities.

How Does This Affect Me?Poor stream quality can affect drinking water quality, leadto loss of recreational uses and commercial fishingrevenue, impair nature-based tourism revenue and wastevaluable public funding to clean up dirty rivers. BC

nature-based tourism creates over $2 billion in revenueeach year and Washington is fifth in the nation forrevenues from watching wildlife -- and fishing for salmon ispriceless. Poor stream quality also affects water quantityand flow, both critical for fish migration, irrigation andindustrial manufacturing. We put future generations at riskby allowing streams to become degraded with water qualityproblems in the first place.

What Are We Doing About It?Citizens, businesses and communities work with govern

ment agencies in many productive ways: Farm planning and manure/chemical management Use of low-impact development and native landscaping Stormwater planning Technical assistance to businesses Community engagement and learning through septic

socials, gardening classes and celebrations of successin restoring stream health

What Can I Do?

Use natural landscaping techniques: SeattlePublic Utilities Conservation IndexwwwWashington Native Plant Societywww.wnpColumbia www.hctf.ca/nature.htm

Support low impact development: Puget

www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/LID.htm Pick up after Rover

See USDA Natural Resources ConservationService | Washington www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov

or call (509) 323-2900 Check out the BC Ministry of the

water quality:www.env.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/nps/Home/npshome.htm

Properly install and maintain septic systems:

at www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/waste.htmor call (888) 586-9427

Your Tool Box

.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/util/rescons/,

s.org and Nature Scape British

Sound Action Team

If you are a farmer, work with the Conservation Districts to fence your animals properly.

Environments information on protecting

See Washington State Department ofHealth, Wastewater Management Program


Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/freshwater_quality/



9/18

Shellfish

Executive Summary


Jack Kintner PhotoInsufficient Progress

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, whichincludes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water,land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes status and trends in commercial shellfish growing areas in Puget Sound and direct-harvest closures in Georgia Basin. Shellfish growing area closures provideimportant information about water quality and human activities where the land meets the sea, or the nearshore .Shellfish are an economic mainstay of our rural communities; growers provide our homes and restaurants with theregions delicious clams, oysters and mussels. In the Pacific Northwest, shellfish are indelibly linked to our heritage,particularly those of First Nations and U.S. Tribes, which have harvested shellfish for more than 12,000 years.

What Is Happening?In Puget Sound: Since 1980, about 30,000 acres (~12,000 hectares) of commercial shellfish growing areas have been closed to harvest because of pollution.

Between 1995 and 2004, more than 4,000 acres (~1800 ha) were downgraded torestricted classifications but more than 12,000 acres (~7,800 ha) were upgraded a net upgrade of almost 8,000 acres (~3,100 ha). Clusters of closed areas are locatedin south Puget Sound, Kitsap Peninsula, Hood Canal and the Whidbey Basin.

Areas opened in 2003 include Dyes Inlet and Portage Bay, while closures occurredin Drayton Harbor and Dungeness Bay. By 2004, 23 areas were listed as threatened under the Washington State Department of Healths early warning systembased on water quality from fecal coliform (bacteria associated with waste).

Shellfish Closure Areas: 2003-2004

In the Georgia Basin: Between 1989 and 2004, growing areas closed to commercial shellfish harvesting in BC rosefrom more than 79,000 ha (~195,000 acres) to almost 124,000 ha (~306,000 acres) a 64 percent increase. Thisincrease in closures is attributable more to expanded monitoring activities than degradation of water quality. During2004, 58 percent of overall BC closures were located in the Georgia Basin, including urbanized areas such asBurrard Inlet, Fraser River Estuary, and Boundary Bay. Outside Vancouver, BC, Howe Sound is closed to all shellfishharvesting north to Squamish and east to Port Moody, as are many areas along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island.

Why Is It Happening?The health of shellfish and human safety in eatingcommercially grown shellfish is affected by:

Urbanization and polluted runoff from hard building/road surfaces : The greater the degreeof urbanization, the greater the threat to shellfishgrowing areas. Impervious surfaces act as superhighways for oil, grease, chemicals, sediment andother water pollutants.

Sewage and septic : Sewage from malfunctioningsewage treatment plants, weaknesses in agingsewage collection systems and failure of homeseptic systems release animal and human wasteand other dangerous bacteria and pathogens toshellfish-growing waters.

Marinas and boaters : There are 279,000 boats in thebasin, some of which release untreated sewage to water.

Farms and domestic animals : Manure and agriculturalchemicals that are not appropriately treated or controlledcan run off from farms during rain events and polluteshellfish growing areas. Domestic pet waste is also aproblem if not picked up and disposed of properly.

How Does This Affect Me? Loss of tribal rights: Shellfish closures impair thou

sands of years of First Nation and Tribal shellfish rights,which are crucial to these traditions and economies.

Economic effects in the community: Every shellfishgrowing area closure means contract uncertainties forgrowers, and triggers losses for shellfish workers, super-

continued


10/18

Shellfish Indicator Summary October 2006

How Does This Affect Me? continued What Can I Do?markets, restaurants, recreational equipmentproviders, lodging and others in rural affectedcommunities.

Restaurant and consumer loss of shellfish: This region is one of the largest producers of

shellfish in North America. Tourists come tothe Pacific Northwest inpart to enjoy our shellfishtraditions, which no longerexist in other parts of thecontinent.

Ecosystem effects: Shellfish help improvewater clarity, transferenergy into higher foodwebs, and allowgreater light penetration Photo: Celita K. Johnston

for eelgrass to grow. Eelgrass is a crucialnursery for many animals.

Recreation: In 2005, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife collected nearly$1.5 million in licensing fees for shellfish andseaweed.

What Are We Doing About It?Regional (state or provincial) agencies monitormarine water quality and survey the shorelineand adjacent uplands for pollution sourcesbefore shellfish harvesting can occur. Washing

ton has an early warning system. Where waterquality problems do arise, shellfish protectiondistricts are created, which provide funding fortargeted restoration work to fix the underlyingproblem (e.g. sewage, farm runoff). Regional(state or provincial) and local agencies, FirstNations and Tribes and other affected partiespartner to design and carry out programs tolocate and correct pollution sources (sewage orfarm runoff). In both countries, active shellfishtrade associations foster environmental responsibility and codes of practice.

Plant native vegetation and minimize grass and otherimpervious surfaces. Be a steward of the shoreline!:

book www.dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/watersheds/puget/puget-sound-guidebook.htm

See s at Puget Sound

www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/Habitat.htm Check out the information on natural lawn care at King

dnr.metrokc.gov/topics/ www.goforgreen.ca/

gardening/index.html ll

Shorekeepers Program www.keepersweb.org/

Shorekeepers or call (250) 756-7265 for South Coast

wsg.washington.edu/outreach/mas/water_quality/

Shorelands Program www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/ pugetsound/tip

www.wossa.org Use Low Impact Development (LID) techniques. LID

materials and green roofs. Read Seattle Public Utilities |Natural Drainage Overview www.seattle.gov/util_old/ about_spu/drainage_&_sewer_system/ natural_drainage_systems/natural_drainage_overview/

Manual for Puget Sound www.psat.wa.gov/Publications/ LID_tech_manual05/lid_index.htm

Build Green: Learn more at Green Buildings BC | Guide toGreen Building Resources www.greenbuildingsbc.com/ new_buildings/resources_guide/index.html

Your T ool Box

Download the Puget Sound Shoreline Stewardship Guide

A Primer on Habitat Project Cost Action Team | Marine and Freshwater Habitat

County | Yard and Garden Topicsyard-and-garden/ or Go for Green

Take classes in natural lawn care: Ca (206) 296-8360Check out Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Get septic savvy: Maintain your septic system well. Host aseptic social through Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Marine Advisory Services

septicsense/1_sense_main.html or call (360) 427-9670x496; Washington State Department of Ecology |

s/septic.html or (360) 407-6000; Washington On-Site Sewage Association

mimics nature by slowing polluted runoff, using good soils

and plants to detoxify pollutants, and using porous paving

index.asp or call (206) 684-3000. Read the Puget SoundAction Team Low Impact Development Technical Guidance


Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/shellfish/ Share whats important to you and your community



11/18


12/18

Air Quality Indicator Summary October 2006

How Does This Affect Me? continued What Can I Do?

lung conditions, children and asthmatics. In BC,almost eight percent of the population hasasthma, leading to 27,646 hospital stays each

year. In Washington State, 11 percent of adultsand 10 percent of children have asthma (BCLung Association and WA Lung Association;PSGB Air Quality | References www.epa.gov/ region10/psgb/indicators/air_quality/ references.htm).

Economic effects: These health effects areaccompanied by associated medical and socialcosts such as lost work time, impaired enjoyment of life and sick children. A recent LowerFraser Valley study estimated that a mere one percent improvement in general ambient air

quality would lead to $29 million in annualsavings. Haze, to which PM 2.5 is the greatestcontributor, can also lead to loss of valuabletourism revenue. A 2000 study predicted lossesof $7.45 million for the Greater VancouverRegional District and $1.32 million for theFraser Valley from just one poor visibility event.


Public policies to reduce PM 2.5 include a new EPAlaw that will decrease sulphur in non-road dieselfuel; diesel emission reduction partnerships likeclean school bus initiatives; BCs AirCare andScrap-It Program and Washingtons emissioncheck program; ferry system pilots, and woodstove and fireplace education programs.

Use alternative sources of transportation. Bike towork!

Switch from diesel to biodiesel fuels. Learn moreat Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition | Biodieselwww.pugetsoundcleancities.org/FuelingBiodiesel.htm

Biodieselwww.bcsea.org/sustainableenergy/biodiesel.asp.

www.airnow

Monitoring Network in BC www.gvrd.bc.ca/aqi. Besmart and limit outdoor exercise when air quality

Use ultra low sulphur diesel fuels or biodieselblends.

Choose shipping and receiving suppliers that belong

www.epa.gov/ot Support a commute-trip reduction program.

Your Tool Box As A Citizen

Burn only dry, seasoned wood at very high heatusing certified stoves and inserts

Use your car less often, carpool, or drive a fuelefficient car.

or BC Sustainable Energy Association |

If you are sensitive to air quality, check on localconditions at AirNow .gov in Washington and the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality

conditions are poor.

Your Tool Box As A Business Owner

to EPAs SmartWay Transport Partnershipaq/smartway.


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13/18


Executive Summary

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/species_at_risk/

Marine Species at RiskThe Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, whichincludes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of

tions of marine species identified to be at risk of extinction within the Puget Sound Georgia Basin. The species

been listed or designated by state, provincial or federal agencies in the U.S. or Canada because it is geneticallydistinct and uniquely adapted to this area, and therefore its decline warrants special attention to ensure its conservation.

land use changes. It is these factors, in combination with over-harvesting, that have resulted in a decrease in

their populations.

What Is Happening?


As of September 1, 2004, 63 species of concern wereeither listed or designated as being at risk by one ormore of the jurisdictional agencies in either PugetSound or the Georgia Basin. Species Added to thePuget Sound Georgia Basin Marine Ecosystem List

Sea Lion; Grey Whale -- Northeast Pacific population;Harbour Porpoise -- Pacific Ocean population; and the

The Northern Resident Killer Whales constitute 16 podswith approximately 205 members. Between 1997 and

Marine animal species listedor designated as being at-risk in the Puget Sound andGeorgia Basin

2003, the populationdeclined by seven percent.The Southern ResidentKiller Whales (pods J, Kand L) currently containabout 85 members. The

southern residents population declined 17 percentbetween 1995 and 2001 andwere listed as endangeredunder U.S. Federal law inlate 2005.

Three major factors influence species decline:

Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation

survive than habitat loss. Wildlife face severe stresswhen wetlands, forestlands, prairies and shoreline

more isolated in a fragmented landscape of multipleland uses. Wildlife populations associated with these

breeding populations, competition and predation fromother species and food resources.

continued

water, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the formal number of listings or designa

listed are native to this area and are important components of the local estuarine and marine ecosystem. The indicator addresses only those marine species that utilize the Puget Sound Georgia Basin ecosystem and were formallylisted or designated as an at-risk species prior to September 2004. In each case, a local population of a species has

In many ways, the species at risk indicator represents the cumulative effects that humans have on the Puget

Sound Georgia Basin through population pressure, toxic chemical and nutrient pollution, and habitat loss through

local abundance and biodiversity and the ability of species to successfully reproduce at rates that would sustain

between 2002 and 2004 are: Bull Trout; Killer Whale,Offshore Population; Leatherback turtle; Cultus Lakeand Sakinaw Lake Sockeye Salmon; Bocaccio; Stellar

Northern, or Pinto Abalone.

Nothing more profoundly affects a species ability to

areas are paved over, armored, dredged or drained,creeks are piped into culverts, over-water structuresare constructed, and nets are dragged across bottom

habitats. Once native habitat is converted to other uses,particularly with traditional development approachesand patterns, the remaining habitat often becomes

fragmented habitats are often isolated from other

Conditions Worsening


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Marine Species at Risk Indicator Summary October 2006

Why Is It Happening? continued What Can I Do? Pollution and chemical contaminants

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin has a long legacy ofintensive industrial activities including industrial wastewater discharges, mining, pulp and paper mills, oilrefineries, and smelting. Contamination from thesesources is exacerbated by overall polluted surfacerunoff. Contaminants of concern include heavy metals,organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, carcinogens created through petroleumcombustion), flame retardants, phthalate esters (usedin plastics and cosmetics) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Over-harvesting from both commercial andrecreational interests.

How Does This Affect Me?

Affects the legacy to our communities and our children Physical and emotional well-being Losing species habitat means loss of flood protection,

pollinators that produce crops, potential medicines andbiochemical compounds

Costly clean-up and restoration Imbalance in species causes other problems like

opening niche space for aggressive, non-native species Loss of recreational and wildlife viewing revenues:

Washington is fifth in the U.S. for revenues associatedwith wildlife viewing. No species to look at, less localrevenue

Join local conservation organizations:

Program.

that support salmon,shellfish, marine and shoreline birds and other

to the recovery of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern.

development: that emphasize native species and use organiclandscaping techniques and compost supple

attract wildlife.

Your Tool Box

Contactthe Cascade Land Conservancy, The NatureConservancy, or local land trusts to find outhow you can help in your local community.Also see The Land Trust Alliance of BC for anarray of tools, including the Ecological Gifts

Develop community partnerships to protect or restore local habitats

species. Canadas Federal Habitat StewardshipProgram works to protect habitat and contribute

Use natural landscaping and low impact Work with landscape suppliers

ments. Create beautiful and functional landscapes that help slow polluted runoff and


Public Sector Strategies: Federal, provincial/state and local government strategies for protecting and recoveringspecies fall into the following categories:

Scientific assessments, including monitoring and surveys Species recovery and management planning by public agencies and partners through grant programs Land acquisition or easement by public agencies and other conservation interests including private landowners,

farmers, community groups and non-profit organizations working through habitat acquisition and land trusts, taxincentives, conservation reserve enhancement programs, wetland reserves or farm/ranchland protection and foreststewardship programs

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/species_at_risk/




15/18


Executive Summary

Photo: Peter RossConditionsToxics in Harbor Seals WorseningThe Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, whichincludes the interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system ofwater, land, plants, animals and microorganisms. This indicator describes the presence and effect of persistentbioaccumulative toxics (PBTs) in harbor seals and in the fish they eat. PBTs are chemicals that dissolve easily inanimal fat and do not break down readily, causing them to build up, or bioaccumulate, in the food web.

This indicator emphasizes the following trends in the PugetSound Georgia Basin: the flame retardant polybrominateddiphenyl ether (PBDE) and its presence in harbor seals from1984 to 2003, and the level and distribution of PBDEs andpolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Pacific herring, a key foodof harbor seals.

PBDEs are used in commercial and consumer electronics,fabrics, upholstery, mattresses, and paints and cable insulation,among other products.

What Is Happening?Harbor Seals: Between 1984 and 2003, harbor seals weretested in four locations (see figure at top right). Seals fromGertrude Island (Strait of Juan de Fuca), Puget Sound, wereapproximately twice as contaminated as their counterparts inthe Georgia Basin, indicating that they are exposed to higher

levels of PBDEs in their diet. A study of Puget Sound andStrait of Georgia harbor seal prey showed that the PugetSound harbor seal food basket is seven times more contaminated with PCBs (2.90 mg/kg lipid) than the Strait of Georgiafood basket (0.41 mg/kg lipid). Further, PBDE concentrationswere almost five times higher in the Puget Sound seal foodbasket. Differences in prey consumed did not explain thedifferences in contamination between the two harbor sealpopulations, but was rather attributed to an effect of localcontamination within Puget Sound ( Cullon et al., 2005, http:// www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/harbor_seals/ references.htm ).

Pacific Herring: Herring is a food source for many animals thatare higher in the food web. Herring are eaten by seals, divingbirds and many marine fish species including Chinook and Cohosalmon. Accordingly, the health of these predators depends onthe health of the herring as one of their food sources. Between1999 and 2003, 1,055 three-year-old male herrings weresampled in six of 14 major Puget Sound Georgia Basin stocks.Total PCBs in whole bodies of herring from Port Orchard andSquaxin (central and southern Puget Sound, respectively) were

Chart: Washington State Dept. Fish & Wildlife, West et al.

four to nine times higher than those from theGeorgia Basin (Denman Island). The elevatedlevels of PCBs in Puget Sound herring are similarto levels measured in herring from the Baltic Sea,one of the more highly contaminated marineecosystems in the world.

continued

http://ww w.epa .gov/region 10/psgb/indicators/harbo r_seals/


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Toxics in Harbor Seals Indicator Summary October 2006

What Is Happening? continued Salmon, Orcas and Humans: PCB and PBDE concentrations in Puget Sound herring and Strait of Georgia herringalso reflect contaminant patterns in their predators: Chinook salmon; Coho salmon; harbor seals; and in residentkiller whales that feed predominantly on salmon in the

summer months. A 2004 report indicated PBDEs in thebreast milk of healthy Pacific Northwest mothers at levels20 to 40 times higher than their Japanese and Swedishcounterparts (Sightline Institute www.sightline.org/research/ pollution/res_pubs; Toxics in Harbor Seals | Referenceswww.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/harbor_seals/ references.htm)

Why Is It Happening?Nearly 67,400 metric tons of PBDEs are sold worldwideeach year. The U.S. is the worlds leading manufacturerat 33,100 metric tons. Wildlife and humans are exposed:when PBTs/PBDEs migrate out of the products they arefound in as the products wear out or degrade; throughfood, as soils or food webs become contaminated;through household dust, where PBDEs and other pollutants are found in high concentrations; and during burningor incineration, where dioxins and furans are created andspread throughout the atmosphere.

PBDEs and PCBs, like all other persistent bioaccumulative toxics, bind to fatty tissue in humans and wildlife,including plankton (the base of the marine food web),fish, animals and sediment. The legacy of PCBs, banned

nearly 30 years ago, is still with us as we spend hundredsof millions of dollars cleaning up sediments in the region.

How Does This Affect me?Using laboratory studies and established models of chemical structure, we know that PBDEs, similar to PCBs, affectthe neurological, immune, endocrine and reproductivesystems of harbor seals. PCBs, which resemble PBDEsin structure, are also known to affect memory and learningin humans. Given the widespread occurrence of PBTcontaminants in humans, and the health risks that havebeen identified using a variety of methods, there exists

reason for concern about the increasing levels of PBDEsin humans and in the environment.

What Are We Doing About It?Responses include a Washington State Chemical ActionPlan (www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0507048.pdf), legislation underconsideration to phase out PBDEs, and recommendationsfrom the Washington Departments of Ecology and Health(www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/pbt/pbde/). In 2005, a bill was

introduced in Washington that would phase in bans oncertain types of PBDEs, including those found in televisions,computers and residential upholstered furniture and mattresses. Canada proposed that PBDEs be considered toxicunder the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and addedto the Virtual Elimination List. A wide range of electronicscompanies, corporations such as Ikea and Volvo, and majormedical and non-profit organizations are supporting a ban onPBDEs.

What Can I Do?

cleaning fabrics

Keep electronics away from direct light

purchasing strategies and ask your suppliers toCorpo-

1, 2005. www.cesjournal.com). For examples ofhow to establish an environmentally preferablepurchasing program, visit the Pacific Northwest

Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) atwww.pprc.org or call them at (206) 352-2050. Continue to breast feed children and check fish

consumption advisories. See Health Canada |PBDE Flame Retardants and Human Healthwww

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/chem-chim/pbde-edpb/

www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/pbde/pbde.htm.

Your Tool BoxClean often and carefully, paying attention to

Businesses: adopt environmentally preferable

stop using PBDEs and other PBTs (seerate Environmental Strategy: International Journal for Sustainable Business. Vol. 12, Issue

.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/environ/pbde_e.html.Visit Health Canada | PBDEs in Fish

pbde_fish-edpb_poisson_e.html. Check outWashington State Department of Health | PBDEs


Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/harbor_seals/ Share whats important to you and your community



17/18


Executive Summary

Marine Water Quality Conditions WorseningThe Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators give a glimpse into the health of our ecosystem, which includesthe interactions among seven million people, their health, local economies and a complex system of water, land, plants,animals and microorganisms. This indicator measures water quality based on seawater density stratification from 19982004 in Puget Sound and 1999-2004 in the Georgia Basin. Seawater density stratification is an indicator of the degreeof mixing within the water column (the water between the surface and the marine floor), its resilience to mixing, and thelikelihood that aspects of poor water quality will develop due to human induced pressures. Together, this set of metricsdescribes the relative vulnerability of marine waters to water quality problems such as excessive algal blooms and lowdissolved oxygen levels.

Seawater can be layered, similar to the way an oil andvinegar salad dressing separates. Stratification is ameasure of this layering. But unlike salad dressing,

water density is affected by temperature and salinity:density increases with decreasing temperature orincreasing salinity . Imagine denser cold and salty waterunderlying a warmer and fresher surface layer thebigger the density difference between these two layers,the less likely they are to mix, and water quality problems can develop. Seawater stratification is characterized by its intensity and persistence. Stratification affects

What Is Happening?

the overall sensitivity of the water to pollution from humans,such as sewage, excessive use of fertilizers (nutrients) andother chemicals from paved land surfaces, and changes in

circulation and the filtering capacity provided by wetlandsand vegetated shorelines. In a way, the intensity and persistence of stratification can tip the balance to favor eitherbetter or worse marine water quality.

The degree of water stratification is labeled in the map at right according to both itsintensity and persistence: strong persistent, strong intermittent, moderate infrequent and weak infrequent. In past decades, it appeared as if the marine waters ofPuget Sound and the Georgia Basin had an almost limitless ability to assimilatethe various wastes from our cities, farms and industries. Recent trends, however,indicate that the natural capacity of these coastal waters to assimilate pollution ismuch more limited than we thought, particularly in areas such as Hood Canal,south Puget Sound, inner Whidbey basin and the central Georgia Basin. In theseareas, as strong stratification has developed and persisted, the respective waterquality has steadily decreased. This trend is the basis for the indicators decliningconditions rating. As waters become more stratified, through weather, climate orcirculation changes, they become even more limited in their ability to assimilatepollution. Where stratification patterns are strong and relatively persistent, wemust do our best to reduce and minimize human impacts on water quality otherwise, we risk losing these valuable marine ecosystems.

Puget Sound

Seawater stratification patterns

quality and density stratification. The majority of thestations (23) show moderate infrequent stratification.These are located throughout the Puget Sound andreflect the strong tidal mixing of the area. Eleven stations show strong persistent stratification. These are

Between 1998 and 2004, a series of 46 stations in typically located near river mouths (e.g. Budd Inlet, Comgreater Puget Sound were monitored monthly for water mencement Bay, Port Susan, Possession Sound, Skagit

Bay), near river influence (Penn Cove, Saratoga Passage),or where mixing processes are weak (Hood Canal).

continued

http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/marine_wq/


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Marine Water Quality Indicator Summary October 2006

What Is Happening? continued What Can I Do?Georgia BasinBetween 1999 and 2004, a series of 13 stations, extending from themouth of Juan de Fuca Strait up to the northern end of the Strait ofGeorgia were visited seasonally. Each year, surveys were taken inApril, June, September and December to capture seasonal varia

tions.

The majority of the stations show strong persistent stratification due tothe influence of freshwater from the Fraser River. However, stationslocated in strong tidally induced mixing areas, such as Boundary Pass,Rosario Strait, and the northern end of the Strait of Georgia, showmoderate infrequent stratification.

Why Is It Happening?Factors that influence stratification include: ambient air temperature,solar radiation, freshwater input from river flows and precipitation, surfacewinds, internal waves, and tidal circulation. Both freshwater (reducing

salinity) and solar radiation (increasing temperature) cause greater densitydifferences to develop between the warmer, fresher surface layer and thecold, salty deep waters.

The role of our geography: The waters at the ends of the deep fjords ofthe Puget Sound and Georgia Basin, and in the deep bottom watersbehind shallow underwater mountains ( sills) , are somewhat isolatedfrom exchange with incoming Pacific Ocean waters. The implicationsare that pollutants, such as fertilizers or toxics, released into theseareas may become entrapped within local areas over relatively longperiods of time.

How Does This Affect Me?When marine water becomes strongly stratified, it becomes morevulnerable or sensitive to human impacts and pollution. These impactscan affect communities and ecosystems in many ways: Low dissolved oxygen impacts: Strong persistent stratificationforms a barrier to mixing and can lead to oxygen declines in the water.In sensitive marine waters, problems associated with low dissolvedoxygen levels, or DO, may become more pronounced and directlyaffect aquatic life. Low DO levels can kill fish over large areas. Loss of recreation, fishing and wildlife viewing revenues: Thisregion is very popular for outdoor recreation. Human-caused pollutioncan quickly contribute to problems in areas with strong persistent stratification. This can include negative effects on the production and diversity ofmarine life and on the quality of our shorelines and marine waters. Affect the community and ecological legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren.

system well.University Cooperative Extension,

development: See the information on

Landscaping for Wildlife. Check out the

Shorekeepers Program. Read the Puget

Puget Sound.

attention to the no dog signs at beaches. Adopt environmentally preferable

purchasing programs. Reduce and control polluted stormwater

stormwater systems provide a quickgateway for contaminants to get into localstreams, lakes and beaches.

Your Tool Box

Get septic savvy: maintain your septicContact Washington State

Marine Advisory Services.Use natural landscaping and low impact

natural lawn care at King County | Yardand Garden Topics and WashingtonDepartment of Fish and Wildlife |

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Sound Action Team Low Impact Devel- opment Technical Guidance Manual for

Deal with pet waste: Always carry aplastic bag to pick up after your pet. Pay

runoff: Impervious surfaces and most

What Are We Doing About It?Marine water quality responses include:reducing the level of nutrients in our wastedischarges, reducing nutrients and otherpollution in stormwater runoff, using low impactdevelopment approaches and natural landscaping, implementing farm and manure management plans, and using buffers and nativevegetation to filter and take-up nutrients thatwould otherwise become pollution as theyreach water bodies.

The Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators Report is a collaborative effort brought to you by Federal,

Learn more http://www.epa.gov/region10/psgb/indicators/marine_wq/ Share whats important to you and your community


Indicator Summaries Puget Sound Georgia Basin

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