Water Pollution In Washington: The Case Of Puget Sound

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Washington, with diverse pollution threats, including toxic substances, warm water temperatures, low levels of dissolved oxygen, low pH, bacteria, and nonpoint source pollution. An example of water pollution in Washington is the decommissioned Hanford nuclear weapons production site, where the cleanup of 56 million gallons of radioactive waste is expected to cost over $100 billion and continue through 2060. The site poses a significant threat to groundwater, surface water, and marine resources, highlighting the urgent need for effective pollution control and prevention measures in the state.

Washington's Water Quality Assessment

The Water Quality Assessment is a critical component of Washington's efforts to protect and restore its aquatic ecosystems. It serves as a guiding document for pollution-reduction and habitat-improvement initiatives. By analyzing various categories of water quality, the assessment identifies areas of concern and informs priority-setting for environmental justice issues. The assessment also reveals knowledge gaps, highlighting the need for further investigation to fully understand the complex dynamics of water pollution in the state.

One of the key challenges highlighted by the assessment is the issue of elevated water temperatures, which, combined with high bacteria levels, account for nearly half of the total polluted water in the state. Other common problems include low dissolved oxygen levels and the presence of toxic substances. These issues are often interconnected, as increased water temperature can amplify the impacts of other pollutants.

To address these concerns, Washington has implemented various strategies, including the Water Quality Management Plan to Control Nonpoint Sources of Pollution (Nonpoint Plan) and the Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture. The state also works closely with local communities, providing support and resources for cleanup efforts. The Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) programs, led by local agencies and tribes, play a crucial role in tackling bacteria and nutrient pollution from nonpoint sources.

Nonpoint sources of pollution

One of the primary nonpoint sources of pollution in Washington is stormwater runoff. Stormwater is rain and snowmelt that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, and parking lots. As it flows over these surfaces, stormwater can pick up pollutants like oil, fertilizers, pesticides, soil, trash, and animal waste. This untreated water then drains into lakes, rivers, and marine waters, where it can harm fish and wildlife and make shellfish and water unsafe for human consumption.

Agricultural activities also contribute to nonpoint source pollution in Washington. The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can lead to excess nutrients and toxic chemicals entering water bodies, causing harmful algae blooms. Additionally, livestock accessing streams can eat or trample streamside vegetation, impacting water temperatures and increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.

Residential areas are another source of nonpoint pollution. Runoff from residential lawns and surfaces can carry pollutants such as pet waste, chemicals from yards, and car wash water into nearby water bodies. Individual actions, such as picking up pet waste, reducing the use of chemicals, and washing cars on gravel or lawn areas, can help mitigate residential nonpoint source pollution.

Washington's Water Quality Management Plan to Control Nonpoint Sources of Pollution (Nonpoint Plan) aims to address these challenges. The plan outlines strategies, including partnerships and financial incentive programs, to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality. Local agencies and tribes also lead Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) programs to identify and address bacterial and nutrient pollution from various nonpoint sources.

Toxic stormwater runoff

Washington is home to a vast network of waterways, including almost 74,000 miles of rivers and streams, over 4,000 lakes, and nearly 3,000 square miles of marine estuaries. The state's growing population is putting increasing pressure on these water bodies, with more people leading to more pollution. One significant source of water pollution in Washington is toxic stormwater runoff.

Stormwater is rain and snowmelt that runs off impervious surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, and parking lots. As it flows over these surfaces, stormwater can pick up and carry a range of pollutants, including oil, fertilizers, pesticides, soil, trash, animal waste, bacteria, and toxic chemicals. These pollutants are then drained downstream into lakes, rivers, and marine waters, where they can contaminate swimming areas, pollute shellfish beds, damage salmon habitats, and contribute to flooding and drought.

One particularly harmful chemical found in stormwater is 6PPD-quinone, which comes from tire dust as tires wear down on the road. These tire wear particles wash into stormwater and are lethal to coho salmon, contributing to a severe reduction in the number of adults able to reproduce. Other pollutants in stormwater, such as bacteria and nutrients, can be especially detrimental when water temperatures are higher, as warmer waters can increase the impacts of these contaminants.

Addressing the issue of toxic stormwater runoff requires a unified effort from both government and local communities. In Washington, the Water Pollution Control Act gives the Department of Ecology the authority to regulate active and potential sources of nonpoint pollution, and the state has developed a Water Quality Management Plan to Control Nonpoint Sources of Pollution (Nonpoint Plan) to address this issue. Local governments and businesses also play a crucial role in stormwater management, particularly in cities and towns, through the Stormwater Permit Program.

Additionally, there are several small actions that individuals can take to help reduce stormwater pollution and keep Washington's water clean and cool. These include picking up pet waste, reducing the use of chemicals in yards and gardens, washing cars on lawns or gravel, and properly disposing of substances like paint, cooking oil, and grease. By working together, Washingtonians can help protect and improve the quality of their state's precious water resources.

Pollution from industrial sites

Washington is a water-rich state, with almost 74,000 miles of rivers and streams, over 4,000 lakes, and nearly 3,000 square miles of marine estuaries. The state's water quality is a growing concern, with a significant number of water bodies, marine sediments, and groundwater already contaminated by various pollutants. While there are many sources of water pollution in Washington, industrial sites are a significant contributor.

The federal Clean Water Act regulates water pollution from industrial sites, and Washington is required to submit a list of impaired waters to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) every two years. However, the state has been criticized for falling behind in its water pollution oversight and missing Clean Water Act deadlines. The GAO report found that the Washington State Department of Ecology, the agency responsible for submitting the lists, had been consistently late, with the 2012 list submitted in 2015 and the 2018 list not submitted until 2021.

Industrial facilities are regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology, which issues wastewater discharge permits to ensure compliance with water quality standards. The department also assists dischargers in complying with existing permits and works to increase the use of reclaimed water. Despite these efforts, industrial sites remain a source of water pollution in Washington.

One example of water pollution from an industrial site in Washington is the decommissioned Hanford nuclear weapons production site. The site is contaminated with 56 million gallons of radioactive waste, and the cleanup is expected to cost over $100 billion and continue through 2060. The contamination from this site threatens groundwater, surface water, and marine resources.

In addition to industrial sites, other sources of water pollution in Washington include stormwater runoff, agricultural activities, and sewage treatment plants. Warm water temperatures, low levels of dissolved oxygen, low pH, toxics, and bacteria are also listed as pollution threats. The diverse sources of pollution and the complexity of Washington's water bodies present significant challenges to maintaining water quality in the state.

Radioactive waste

The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for monitoring and addressing this issue. They have moved the liquid waste from single-shell tanks to newer, double-shell tanks and plan to send it to the Waste Treatment Plant for further treatment and disposal. Additionally, they are overseeing the cleanup of the Hanford Site and monitoring the groundwater and treatment activities to limit contamination entering the Columbia River.

Another facility in Washington that deals with radioactive waste is US Ecology, a licensed disposal facility for commercial low-level radioactive waste. This facility, located within the Hanford Site, has a history of intermingling chemical and radioactive waste before the regulation of chemical waste. An investigation under the Model Toxics Control Act has been ongoing since 1999 to assess the site's contamination and develop remedial actions.

To address these issues, the Washington State Department of Ecology implements various programs and strategies. They work with citizens, businesses, tribes, and environmental groups to reduce, prevent, and eliminate water pollution. The Water Quality program aims to prevent and reduce pollution, clean up contaminated waters, and engage citizens in protecting and restoring water quality. The department also manages capital funds, providing infrastructure and land-based projects that benefit water quality.

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