Stormwater pollution is the biggest source of toxic substances going into the Salish Sea — yet nobody routinely monitors how much contamination is flowing into it from land. Most water pollution begins on land: from fecal bacteria, to highly toxic tire dust that’s harming Coho salmon, to tiny oil leaks from millions of cars. It’s a tangled web of small, distributed pollution sources that we hope to untangle.
That’s why about three years ago, RE Sources started its own stormwater pollution monitoring program of outfalls and creeks that discharge into Bellingham Bay. Now, we’re leading in joining forces with six other cities and converting this program into a community science endeavor.
How you can help: We’re seeking about 12 volunteers total (three groups of four people) to collect samples once a month in Bellingham during a low-ish tide. Ideally, we’re looking for a one year commitment, but there is flexibility if that’s not possible for you. If we can find 4 people per team, not everyone has to be available every month.
There are a few main tasks involved with monitoring:
- Grab the gear from RE Sources and sample the outfalls and/or creeks (1-2 hrs)
- Return the gear and culture the bacteria from sample — at RE Sources (~1 hr)
- Return 24 hours later to count the bacteria — at RE Sources (~1 hr)
Depending on your team, you could take turns doing the above or you could assign people to different tasks. Perhaps there is one person who likes lab work but not field work — then they could focus more on bacteria sample analysis. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and work together for an important cause!
Help study stormwater pollution — no experience needed!
Some sampling sites require a half mile walk with uneven surfaces. If this is a barrier, just let us know and we can pair you with a more accessible site. You’ll need to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes that can get wet and muddy but are sturdy. Even if you are on the fence about trying it, please feel free to come along for the experience! And if you don’t live in Bellingham, consider volunteering for one of the other programs located in Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Everett, or Shoreline — we can connect you with those teams.
Interested? There are three days in September and three days in October where you can come along and learn how to use the sampling equipment and experience what a day in the field and in the lab looks like. Contact Pollution Prevention Specialist Kirsten McDade information and answer questions: kirstenm@re-sources.org
September:
- Mon, Sep 25 meet at RE Sources at 8 am to sample Group 1: Squalicum creek, Broadway outfall, Whatcom Creek, and Little Squalicum Creek (if the restoration is finished).
- Tues, Sep 26 meet at RE Sources at 9 am to sample Group 2: C st, Cornwall, and Cedar outfalls. Note: the walk to C st is 0.5 miles one-way and you need to scramble on rocks to get to the outfall. This could be a good one to do by bike if there is interest.
- Wed, Sep 27 meet at RE Sources at 9 am to sample Group 3: Boulevard outfall, Bennett outfall (requires a steep descent onto the beach), and Padden creek.
October:
- Wed, Oct 11 meet at RE Sources at 8 am to sample Group 1: Squalicum creek, Broadway outfall, Whatcom Creek, and Little Squalicum Creek (if the restoration is finished). Return to RE Sources to process bacteria.
- Wed, Oct 25 meet at RE Sources at 8 am to sample Group 2: C st, Cornwall, and Cedar outfalls. Note: the walk to C st is 0.5 miles one-way and you need to scramble on rocks to get to the outfall. This could be a good one to do by bike if there is interest. Return to RE Sources to process bacteria.
- Thurs, Oct 26 meet at RE Sources at 8 am to sample Group 3: Boulevard outfall, Bennett outfall (requires a steep descent onto the beach), and Padden creek. Return to RE Sources to process bacteria.
Here is the map of the sites with descriptions on how to access them.