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 Agricultural
practices
Numerous agricultural practices can have significant impacts on
water quality. Animal access to water bodies, land spreading of
manure during the wet season, removal of buffers that provide filtration
of pollutants before they can enter a water course, and improper
animal housing are just a few of the activities that can affect
water quality. All farms can contribute to pollution of our waters:
large commercial livestock and dairy farms, vegetable growers,
small farms and even homeowners who only own one or two domestic
animals. Work has been done with the large commercial farms to
help alleviate some of their impacts on our waterways. Efforts
now need to be directed towards the small/hobby farms to help reduce
their effects on water quality.
- Nutrient Management Plans - As a way to control
manure generated on dairy farms, the State Dairy Management Law
requires that diary farms create and implement nutrient management/conservation
plans for their farms. There are 209 dairy farms in Whatcom County.
Of these, 30 have at least part of their dairy within the borders
of the Drayton Harbor Shellfish District. All of the dairies
within the shellfish district had an approved nutrient management
plan in place by the July 1, 2002 deadline; in addition, all
plans were certified (all components of the plans were implemented)
by December 31, 2003. For more information on nutrient management
plans and other farm
practices, check out the Whatcom
Conservation District website.
- Dairy Farm Inspection Program - The Department
of Ecology (DOE) inspects all dairy farms. There are 18
dairy farms that have their milking operation/facility within
the Drayton Harbor watershed. All 18 dairy farms have been
inspected by DOE.
On-site Septic Systems
Municipal Sewer Systems
Agricultural Practices
Boats/Marinas
Stormwater Runoff
Wildlife/Non-human Contributions
Other Sources
Education and Community Involvement
Data Management/Water Quality Monitoring
Reports |
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