Thursday, December 9, 2010

Fecal Matters: Sewer Discharge Impacts Dyes Inlet and Around the Sound

BEACH Program Update

With heavy rains the risk of illness from water contact increases. Combined sewage overflows in Port Angeles, Seattle, and Bremerton will release a mixture of sewage and stormwater during heavy rains. The BEACH Program recommends avoiding water contact 48 hours after rainfall.

Kitsap County Health District released the following press release today:

"December 9, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jim Zimny
(360) 337-5623
(360) 710-2296


Sewer Discharge Impacts Dyes Inlet
“No Contact” Advisory Issued for Shellfish and Recreational Use


BREMERTON - The Kitsap County Health District is issuing a 7- day “No Contact”
advisory for marine waters in Dyes Inlet. This advisory includes the Port Washington
Narrows, Chico Bay, Phinney Bay, Mud Bay, Ostrich Bay and Oyster Bay. The advisory
is being issued because the Eastside Treatment Plant located near Lions Park on the
eastern shore of the Port Washington Narrows has discharged an estimated 200,000
gallons of partially treated raw sewage into the water.


This advisory affects recreational contact, such as swimming, and shellfish harvesting in
this area. The Health District is posting warning signs at public access points in the
closure area. The Health District has an ongoing advisory against collecting shellfish in
the Port Washington Narrows and during periods of heavy rainfall in Dyes Inlet."


Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

An advisory has been issued for beaches in Dyes Inlet. Visit the BEACH Map to see beach closures across the coast and sound. Surf the web before you surf the beach!

Jessica Bennett is the BEACH Program Data Manager.
She is available at 360-407-6159 or jessica.bennett@ecy.wa.gov for questions.



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