“Eyes Over Puget Sound” for June 17

By Sandy Howard, communication manager, Environmental Assessment Program

Is Puget Sound on fire?


Check out the June 17 “EyesOver Puget Sound.” Our cover photo shows Elliott Bay with one of several stunning views we captured from up high of another harmless Noctiluca plankton
bloom.

The bloom is dramatic in some cases almost resembling fire in the water.
This is our second large Noctiluca

Cleaning Up: Wenatchee’s waterfront revival

By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program




The city of Wenatchee’s vision for a revived Columbia River waterfront continues to prove fruitful, thanks in part to seed money from Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program (TCP).


In Wenatchee, city officials used a $150,000 integrated planning grant from TCP to develop a plan for reuse of an old landfill along the river (shown at

Sequim-area residents enjoy a wealth of information on water conservation

By Dan Partridge, Communications Manager, Water Resources Program



Members of Future Farmers of America at Sequim High School prepare site for new water-efficient demonstration garden
Water conservation on the Olympic Peninsula is making a splash! People are learning about low water-use landscaping, including groundcovers that provide good alternatives to lawns, the “miracle of mulch” and much

Fecal Matters: No Contact Advisory for Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA

BEACH Program Update

On June 12, 2013, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a no contact advisory for Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way in Tacoma, WA. The closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria counts in the water. The public is warned not to make contact with the water until further notice. The Health Department is working with the City of Tacoma to find the source.

Contact

Test your knowledge about fuel-efficient driving

No-idle signs give good reminder
by Melanie Forster, Air Quality Program, Southwest Regional Office


Many of us know that unnecessary engine idling pollutes the air
and wastes fuel. But we all could use a friendly reminder, even Department of
Ecology employees whose job is to protect our environment. “No-Idle Zone” signs
have recently appeared in Ecology's parking areas. You may have seen

Fecal Matters: Purdy Sandspit County Park in Pierce County is Open for Swimming.

BEACH Program Update

Purdy, WA - Purdy Sandspit County Park is open for water recreation. Beach caution signs were previously posted on May 31, 2013 due to high fecal bacteria in the water.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department removed the caution signs June 5, 2013, after follow-up sampling indicated low bacteria levels. There is no longer a
public health concern.

Visit the BEACH web

Fecal Matters: No Swimming or Wading at Purdy Sandspit in Pierce County

BEACH Program Update

On May 31, 2013, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a no contact advisory for Purdy Sandspit County Park in Purdy, WA. The closure was issued due to high fecal bacteria counts in the water. The public is warned not to make contact with the water until further notice. The Health Department will continue to collect water samples weekly.

Contact with fecal