Rainy Streak Intensifies Runoff Pollution In Puget Sound

Wednesday, January 16, 2006
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - The rain falls on fields, golf courses and lawns, on forests and industrial sites. It mixes with oil, pesticides and other nasty substances before finding its way into area lakes and streams – many of them salmon-bearing – and eventually into Puget Sound.

"Storm water is a source of pollution, because there are pollutants in our environment that the storm water picks up," state Ecology Department spokesman Larry Altose said.

And there's plenty of storm water – it rained for 27 days straight, just shy of the 33-day record, before clearing up Sunday.

Industry, septic tanks and manure-rich dairies are not the only polluters putting salmon runs and killer whales at risk.

Cars leak fluids and spew brake-shoe and tire residue onto the street. Homeowners use pesticides to ensure velvety lawns. Pet owners neglect to clean up after their dogs.

"It's everybody's turn," said Fred Felleman of Ocean Advocates. "It's about caring for your car so it doesn't leak oil, using organic alternatives in the garden."

Runoff used to be a concern primarily for lakes and smaller bodies of water. Now larger bodies are at risk as the population booms.

"We each, in our very small ways – multiplied by the millions of us – are contributing to the overall pollution of our waters," Altose said.

Despite improvements in public utilities, storm water and sewage still gushes into Puget Sound and the Duwamish River from the greater Seattle area during heavy rains.

Most of the sewage has undergone at least basic treatment before its release.

"There's raw sewage in there but it's really diluted," King County wastewater-treatment spokesman Gary Larson said. At the same time, "we don't recommend swimming in any of these areas."

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune