Sunshine Fuels Algae Blooms in State’s Fresh and Marine Waters

OLYMPIA – Blue skies, sunshine and warm temperatures aren’t just making our lawns and gardens grow, they are also contributing to algae blooms in our state’s fresh and marine waters.
An algae bloom is the visible appearance of millions of tiny plant-like organisms in the water.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and many other jurisdictions are currently monitoring algae concentrations in waters across the state. Blooms are occurring right now in Anderson Lake and Lake Leland in Jefferson County, and in Waughop Lake in Pierce County. Marine waters are also showing blooms in parts of Hood Canal and Puget Sound.
With nice weather forecast for the weekend, people may encounter waters with visible algae blooms while they are enjoying the outdoors. Blooms are naturally occurring and common during sunny weather.
Some types of blooms can produce toxins that can make people sick if they are exposed to the toxins. This is especially true for small children and the elderly. Pets can die after drinking water with a toxic bloom.
Other types of blooms may not be toxic, but they can be an environmental concern because when algae die, they sink and decay, which strips oxygen from the water. Aquatic life needs oxygen to survive.
Sometimes algae blooms look like spilled paint, oil or sewage. The public can report any suspected spill or algae bloom to the state by calling 800-OILS-911. You can also learn more about lake algae and sign up to receive emails about lake algae blooms by visiting Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Program Web site at: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/algae/index.html or visit King County’s lakes Web site at: green.kingcounty.gov/lakes/Bloom.aspx.

Nutrients that get into our waters feed algae blooms. Nutrients, which are substances that contain nitrogen and/or phosphorus, come from a complex variety of natural and human sources and pathways, including wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, groundwater, rivers, fertilizers and polluted runoff.
Ecology is taking steps in Puget Sound to determine how human activities along with natural factors affect nutrient and low dissolved oxygen levels. Ecology’s South Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Study is helping determine how humans impact this natural process. The study will inform actions to improve water quality.
People can help keep nutrients out of Washington waters.
· Your yard – Reduce the use of fertilizers and don’t overwater.
· Your dog -- Scoop, bag and trash dog poop.
· Your home septic tank -- Check it, fix it, maintain it.
· Your baby -- Keep dirty diapers out of the water.
· Your automatic dishwasher -- Use low or no-phosphate soaps, especially if you live on a lake and you use a home septic system.
· Your car -- Don’t feed soap to the storm drain. Wash your car on the lawn or at a commercial car wash.
To learn more about what you can do to keep our waters clean, visit Ecology’s water education website, Washington Waters – Ours to Protect at www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/

Additional algae bloom information:
Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program:
www.hoodcanal.washington.edu/observations/bloom_fishkill.jsp
Ecology’s Marine Monitoring Program
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/mwm_intr.html

2008 National Wetlands Award

CONGRATULATIONS to Peter Bahls for receiving a 2008 National Wetlands Award for Conservation and Restoration! Our local Tarboo shorelines and watersheds are fortunate to have someone like Peter working hard for protection and improvement. He was the only one of seven recipients from the Pacific NW.

Read more about the awards – including photos of last week’s Washington D.C. ceremony - at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/about.htm, and about Peter’s work at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/awardees.htm#bahls.

Tree Workshop

Do you have trees on your property? Or plan to plant trees? Wonder which trees will serve your purposes? How to ensure their health? Or determine if they have become a hazard? The tree workshop on February 28th is a great opportunity for you! Come armed with your questions and ready to learn.

Join us at 10am for the presentation on “Tree Risk Management” and then put your questions to our panel of local tree experts.

The workshop is sponsored by WSU Extension, Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee and WSU Shore Stewards. It coincides with the Jefferson County Conservation District’s annual native plant sale so you can attend the workshop and purchase plants in the same trip.

When: Saturday February 28th from 10 am-Noon
Where: Spruce Room at WSU Jefferson County Extension, Port Hadlock
Please register by calling Sally 360-379-5610 ext. 200.

Upcoming Workshops

Sea Level Rise and Intertidal Eelgrass Productivity in Padilla Bay, Washington: A Field and Modeling Study February 4, 2009, 2pm,Padilla Bay Reserve. Presenters: John M. Rybczyk and Peter Kairis. Dept. of Environmental Science, Western WA. U.

Puget Sound Circulation and Habitat Restoration February 5, 2009, 7 p.m.,Bellingham. Hosted by the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee, Dr. Tarang Khangaonkar will present a high-resolution circulation model of Puget Sound, developed to help improve restoration projects in estuaries and nearshore areas.

Planning for Climate Change—New Course from the Coastal Training Program March 4, 2009 Mount Vernon. March 18,2009 Lacey. This class was developed and customized for the Coastal Training Program audience and is directed toward the practical needs of planners. Presenters will cover projected impacts of climate change to our region, strategies for adapting, implications of our current state regulations, and more.

Building Better Projects - Salmon Habitat Conference April 15-16, 2009Shelton WAThe second habitat conference for salmon recovery grant recipients. Share information about what projects work, lesson learned, and how to make the next projects even better. Sessions on the following types of projects: restoration, acquisition, nearshore and estuary, fish screening and passage.

BOCC Names Two to the MRC

On Monday, February 2, 2009, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) named two people to fill vacancies on the Marine Resources Committee (MRC). Jerry Gosline was named as an alternate representing Environmental Interests. Stephen Lewis was named to fill the Recreation seat that was vacated by Hyatt Barnes.

Mr. Gorsline has lived in Jefferson County for 35 years. During this time he worked as a forestry contractor, as the Timber/Fish/Wildlife environmental representative for the DNR Olympic Region, and as a policy analyst for the Washington Environmental Council. As a shoreline property owner he has a real property interest in a beautiful reach of Discovery Bay shoreline. As a long-time member of the Olympic Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, he has studied regional plant communities, including marine riparian vegetation, for many years. He also served on the shoreline policy group that drafted the first Shoreline Master Program draft update in 2000, and most recently served on the policy advisory group that helped to develop the current public review draft SMP update. He has also authored three local history books. He is currently serving as the District 2 representative on the Conservation Futures Citizens Oversight Committee. In seeking appointment, Mr. Gorsline said: "I believe my strong roots in this region, knowledge of local habitats, and long-standing interest in conserving and protecting land and water resources in this county, qualify me for a position on the MRC."

Mr. Lewis has been an active participant on the MRC for the last year-and-a-half, as Mr. Barnes designated alternate to the Recreation seat. He has been a boater nearly his entire life, owning rowboats, kayaks, sailboats from 9 feet to 46 feet, power boats from 14 to 40 feet in length. As a volunteer he has taught boating skills and sailing skills, navigation and piloting to the general public for 28 of the last 34 years. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Port Townsend Yacht Club, and of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Lewis has a bachelor's degree in biology fiom Harvard College, (1963) with additional studies at the University of Washington in oceanography and related classwork. He worked for six years, 1965 - 1971 for the Oceanography Department of U. Of W. In seeking appointment, Mr. Lewis said: "I can well represent the Recreational boating interests, with some understanding of the biology and physical complexity of our impact on the marine environment."

Fun, Games, Songs For The Sound—And Lobby Day ‘09

February is a short month but crammed full of issues and events for members and supporters. The Legislature is in session, so read our weekly updates on bills and budget issues—and do your part to make your voices heard this Feb 19 at Citizens’ Lobby Day. But the month’s also filled with beachwalks, music and games, so read on and mark your calendars. Read the full newsletter.

Hood Canal Conference Meeting Summary

To participants of the November 7, 2008 Hood Canal Environmental Achievement Awards and Conference and others interested parties, a meeting summary is available for your review. Concerned parties were invited to participate in a facilitated discussion with the HCCC Board of Directors in support of their effort to “create and maintain a ‘larger table’ that is inclusive of all groups and individuals involved in the stewardship of the Hood Canal Watershed.” This summary reflects that discussion. To read the summary and descriptions of award winners, please visit www.hccc.wa.gov (under the Education and Outreach heading, select 2008 Hood Canal Awards Conference). You are encouraged to send additional feedback to Scott Brewer, Executive Director, Hood Canal Coordinating Council at sbrewer@hccc.wa.gov.

Navy Demonstration Project Kinetic Hydropower System Puget Sound

The Navy is proposing to design, install, test, and evaluate a Kinetic Hydropower System (KHPS) in Puget Sound over the next three years. The proposed project is a tidal energy demonstration effort in which the Navy will gather operational and environmental data from a U.S. designed and built tidal energy system. This small-scale experimental project will provide the data needed to evaluate the use of tidal energy technology as a renewable source of electrical power for Navy bases worldwide.

Purpose of the Project
Congress directed the Navy to study the possible use of KHPS technology in Puget Sound, & appropriated funding for Phase I of the project. This demonstration project is in keeping with the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007, which requires 25% of electrical power from renewable sources by 2025. The project is also consistent with Navy’s objectives to develop reliable power delivery to its facilities worldwide and reducing dependence on fossil fuel while supporting its mission capabilities and readiness objectives.

KHPS Technology
The proposed project includes design and installation of a small grouping of turbines (Figure 1) on the sea floor that aligns with the direction of currents to generate electricity as tides flow in and out of Puget Sound. As shown in Figure 2, underwater cables will transmit the electricity generated by the turbines to a land-based facility, where the electricity will be used on a Navy base.

Project Location
The Navy is currently studying two potential areas in Puget Sound that could be suitable for KHPS technology and power production (Figure 3). The evaluation of these areas is ongoing and will continue through spring, 2009. The screening criteria for identifying suitable sites within the three areas include:

• Sufficient tidal flow (e.g., strong tidal currents)
• Suitable range of depth and slope for installation of the turbines
• Proximity to Navy installation
• Avoiding or minimizing adverse effects on sensitive environmental resources
• Avoiding Tribal, commercial, and recreational fishing
• Avoiding interference with commercial and Navy vessel operations

Project Schedule
The project is currently in the first of two phases. Phase I began in spring 2008 and is scheduled for completion by summer 2009. During Phase I, the Navy’s objectives are to select preliminary KHPS sites, further study the engineering and environmental suitability of those sites, and initiate a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental evaluation process.

Phase II of the project is subject to further Congressional funding, and has not yet been scheduled. However, if funded, Phase II would include final design, fabrication, and a one-year demonstration test. At the conclusion of the demonstration test, the KHPS turbines and equipment would be removed.

Estimated Project Timelines - Start - Duration
Site Selection, Design, Environmental Analysis, Fabrication - Summer 2008 - 2.5 yrs
Installation of KHPS Facilities - Summer 2011 - 1-3 mos
One-yr Demonstration of KHPS Summer/Fall 2011 9-12 mos
Removal of KHPS Facilities - Summer 2012 - 3 mos

Figure 1.
Verdant Power Free Flow Turbine
being installed, East River, NYC, 2007.
Figure 2.
Schematic representation of land-based facilities,
cabling sub-system, & KHPS turbines.
Figure 3.
Approximate locations (green
areas) of two study areas (off Marrowstone Is.)being assessed for KHPS suitability
& further consideration.
Locations of Navy facilities (Indian Is) are
identified in yellow.

General inquiries should be directed to the Navy’s Environmental Public Affairs Officer (PAO): sheila.murray@navy.mil
Inquiries or comments concerning the overall planning, design or installation of the demonstration project may be directed to the Navy Region Northwest Action Officer: Captain Robert Schlesinger, Regional Engineer, Navy Region Northwest, 1101 Tautog Circle, Silverdale, Washington 98315
Technical, Tribal, regulatory, and/or working-level inquiries may be directed to the following primary points of contact:
Mr. Brian Cable, Technical Lead brian.cable@navy.mil
Mr. Peter Havens, Environmental Lead peter.havens@navy.mil
Ms. Cindy O’Hare, Tribal Coordinator cindy.o’hare@navy.mil

HCCC GIS workshop February 25, 2009

The Hood Canal Coordinating Council (HCCC) invites you to attend a review of its GIS tools and databases related to salmon recovery and environmental assessment. The workshop will be held on Wednesday February 25, 2009 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Silverdale Community Center in Silverdale, WA. The HCCC GIS includes; build-out studies, protected lands database, land use permit tracking project, impervious surface data, and forest practice applications.

Who should attend: those involved in the planning and implementation of salmon recovery and environmental assessment in Hood Canal and the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca should attend, including land use planners, habitat managers, and salmon recovery interests. The event is free.

Please RSVP Sue Texeira at stexeira@hccc.wa.gov if you plan to attend.

MRC Monthly Meeting February 3 - You're Invited!

The Jefferson County MRC will meet 6:00-8:00p.m., Tuesday, February 3 at WSU in the Madrona Rm., Port Hadlock. The agenda includes a presentation from Jim Rabb of Mobilisa, committee reports, and routine updates.

For more information or to request an agenda contact Gabrielle LaRoche.