Safe Shellfish Program

Our local beaches and waterways along Puget Sound give us the opportunity to harvest crab, clams, oysters, mussels, and other foods from the sea. The Safe Shellfish Program promotes the safe harvesting and consumption of shellfish in Pierce County.

There are many commercial and recreational shellfish growing areas in Pierce County (see map). Some have experienced a decline in water quality, limiting the ability to harvest clams and oysters. High bacterial levels measured in the water of these growing areas can be due to failing septic systems, poor animal keeping, or storm-water runoff.

In the past, the health department helped address the problems in these watersheds by undertaking grant-funded projects after a problem was found. These projects were generally successful in identifying and correcting sources of fecal coliform bacteria, leading to improved water quality. However, this was a reactive approach that only provided a one-time correction effort.

The Shellfish Watersheds Water Quality Program provides continuous and flexible resources to protect water quality in Pierce County's shellfish watersheds. The health department works to identify and correct failing septic systems and takes many water samples to help identify other problem areas. The health department can refer animal waste issues to the Pierce Conservation District and storm-water problems to Pierce County Water Programs .

For more information call the Health Department at 253 798-6470 extension 7 or email us.

Last Updated: Apr 7, 2010 10:31 AM