Eyes Over Puget Sound for August 27, 2012

By Sandy Howard, communication manager, Environmental Assessment Program



This photo shows Sinclair Inlet in the central Sound.
Just out! New aerial photos from our marine monitoring program’s Aug. 27th overflight.

We saw extensive red-brown blooms in finger inlets in South Sound as well as Sinclair Inlet. Also, very green bloom in Quartermaster Harbor, macro-algae abundant in Central Basin.

Classroom Invaders – students and teachers unknowingly spreading invasive species

By Brook Beeler, environmental educator, Office of Communication and Education

I recently received a forwarded newsletter from a colleague with the introduction, “Darn science teachers!” What on earth could he be referring to? Science teachers are awesome!

The Columbia Basin Bulletin distributed a newsletter article about how teachers are inadvertently releasing invasive species into the

Boots on the Ground: Washington Conservation Corps provides support for wildland firefighting efforts in Kittitas County

By Bridget Mason, WCC Coordinator, Washington Conservation Corps



Wildfire approaching windmills in Ellensburg.



WCC crew move fuel cans for use by firefighting equipment.
Photos by Ernie Farmer

Beginning at 6 a.m. on August 13, the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) deployed eight AmeriCorps members and two WCC Crew Supervisors to assist with efforts to contain the Taylor Bridge wildfire

Fecal Matters: Has this brutal Washington heat wave got your swimsuit in a bunch?

BEACH Program Update



If so, hit the beach but stay healthy!
Avoid swimming related illness by keeping diapered kids out of the water and dispose used diapers in the trash.

Kids love to play in those cool streams that flow down to the beach, keep them out! Small streams and creeks often carry bacteria from upland sources down to the beach.

Remember that warmer water + crowded swimming areas

Good Yard Care Practices Help Protect Washington Waters

By Brook Beeler, environmental educator, Office of Communication and Education


Mulch or compost clippings and prevent them from
entering our waters causing pollution
Gardening season has kicked into high gear in Washington and with all that lawn care comes oodles and oodles of grass clippings and other garden debris. For many, managing all those clippings can be overwhelming. There are a few

Beavers— Furry troublemakers or buck-toothed saviors?

By Jani Gilbert, Eastern Region Communications Manager

The beaver bill went into effect this summer in Washington state. The work of beavers was admired by Democrats and Republicans alike during the last session when they unanimously passed HB 2349. After all, beavers appear to be the best water managers around and they really don’t ignite quite the controversy that other forms of water

Around the Sound: Irondale cleanup starts soon

By Michael Bergman, Public Involvement Coordinator, Toxics Cleanup Program



Preparations start the week of Aug. 13 for cleanup and restoration work at the former Irondale Iron and Steel site (shown in the photo). Here’s our news release on the project.

The site in Jefferson County is contaminated with metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons from the now-defunct smelter’s operations from 1881

Around the Sound: Public comment period for Rayonier Mill legal agreement amendment

By Marian Abbett, Site Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program


Ecology is amending the agreed order (legal agreement) for the Rayonier Mill site to include cleanup work during the City of Port Angeles’ combined sewer overflow (CSO) project.

The proposed agreed order amendment and Materials Management Plan describe the interim cleanup action tasks. This includes Rayonier’s and the city’s roles and

Air Time: Okanogan health officials warn of smoke dangers

By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Air Quality Program

Okanogan County Public Health has issued a health advisory warning people about the risks of breathing smoke from wildfires burning in neighboring Chelan and Douglas counties.

Here’s the text of the advisory:

August 7, 2012
To: Media Source
Subject: Forest Fire Public Service Announcement (PSA)
This Public service announcement is

"Eyes Over Puget Sound" for July 31, 2012

By Sandy Howard, communication manager, Environmental Assessment Program


Check out the aerial photos from our marine monitoring program’s July 31st Puget Sound over-flight.

We saw extensive red-brown blooms in South Sound Inlets and parts of Central Sound. We also observed high algae blooming activity in most of Puget Sound. Jellyfish aggregations have grown in size and numbers in Budd Inlet