The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is developing a plan to reduce nutrient sources in the Puget Sound, as required by the Clean Water Act. The purpose is to address the impacts of nutrients in the Sound including algae blooms, increased corrosivity, and low dissolved oxygen. This issue will become more critical as our population continues to grow. Potential approaches to address these challenges may have significant impacts on cities that operate treatment plants that discharge into the Puget Sound or cities in watersheds where their stormwater ultimately drains into the Sound. It is important that cities are part of the discussion to develop the plan to address human sources of nutrients in the Sound.
Ecology is holding a series of Puget Sound Nutrient Forum meetings to collaboratively develop a plan to address this issue. AWC attended the kickoff meeting on April 25, as did staff from numerous cities.
The next meeting is Wednesday, May 30 from 10 am – 3 pm at the Red Lion Seattle Airport. Remote attendance is also provided via webinar. Register online if you plan to attend.
The agenda includes the following topics:
- Sharing the big picture of what’s going on with nutrient over-enrichment in Puget Sound;
- Discussing Ecology’s regulatory backstop for determining water quality compliance;
- Continued discussion on the relationship between the Marine WQ Implementation Strategy and the Nutrient Forum efforts; and
- Discussing Ecology’s planned “next steps” for the Nutrient Forum effort, including meeting topics and schedules for the next several months.
If you can’t attend the meeting, but want to stay informed, consider signing up for the project listserv. Ecology has also set up a project web page with more information.
AWC will continue to participate in this process and provide updates.