Pollution Control Plan
Date Plan Created/Updated
South Holmes Harbor does not have a current pollution control plan.
Process for Creating SPD/Plan
When the SPD was created, County Council determined it would be a non-taxing district. Given the lack of resources to do the necessary work, Island County worked with Ecology to obtain funding to support efforts of the SPD, including writing grants. Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) provided the majority of resources that went into the watershed to help support the work.
Link to Pollution Control Plan
n/a
Pollution Source: On-Site Sewage System (OSS)
Identifying Potential Pollution Source
The SPD conducts water quality sampling downstream, then works upstream into smaller streams and ditches to zero in on source areas. Targeted campaigns have been created with door to door outreach in areas of known compliance problems. The SPD uses surfacing sewage, non-conforming use, positive dye testing, and water quality sampling to identify and confirm if an OSS is failing. The County often finds seasonal failures due to the rising water table. They try to start with water quality sampling and then approach property owners for dye testing. Fecal coliform levels are only used as an indicator of a failure; dye testing is used to confirm a failure.
Validating Source of Pollution
The SPD carries out different types of sampling to narrow down the source of pollution, including dye tests, fecal coliform counts and caffeine sampling.
Verifying Pollution Source Has Been Corrected
Correction is verified through continued sampling.
Establishing a threshold (concentration, number of counts or flow rate): The SPD uses the state standard (a threshold of 100 cfu/mL fecal coliform) to determine exceedances.
Pollution Source: Agriculture
Identifying Potential Pollution Source
Agriculture is not a significant pollution source in the watershed. Water quality sampling indentifies any potential sources, and the SPD partners with the Conservation District to do outreach to property owners with hobby farms and help develop farm plans and best management practices (BMPs).
Validating Source of Pollution
n/a
Verifying Pollution Source Has Been Corrected
Correction was verified through continued water quality sampling.
Other Pollution Source
Pet Waste
Pet waste stations were installed in public areas with walking trails and high dog walking activity.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
n/a
Other (including wildlife, stormwater, marinas)
Investigations are ongoing as to the potential for rack material (dander of kelp, crab carcasses, etc.) to contribute to bacterial exceedances in marine waters on a seasonal basis.