When a sudden, die-off of animals occurred in the Spring Street Aquarium, Aquarium manager, and FRIENDS President, Mike Kaill, took action to determine the cause. Initial tests identified detergent (surfactant), was entering the aquariums intake water. The aquarium uses sea water directly adjacent to Friday Harbor's stormwater outflow. It was determined that stormwater laden with surfactants was mixing with sea water, and contaminating the aquarium.
The Washington State Department of Ecology was notified and cooperative programs with the Town of Friday Harbor were initiated. Several problems on the Spring Street drainage were found and addressed. Now levels of surfactants are less and animals in the aquarium are doing better, but there is still surfactant pollution in the aquarium.
.This problem alerted Mike that additional sampling needed to begin throughout the County. Partnering with other volunteers, stormwater outflow surveys are being conducted near population centers in the county. |
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Project goals are to better understand San Juan Countys stormwater pollution, identify the pollution source(s), and reduce these levels throughout the county. FRIENDS believe that this cannot be done without public understanding and support, so there is a substantial component of the project directed to public awareness.
Project Clean Stormwater is supervised by Dr. Michael Kaill who is working with citizen volunteers and interns to survey stormwater outflows, evaluate products, and conduct public education and outreach. If you are interested in volunteering for this program, please call 360-378-2319.
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