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Shellfish logo used by permission, courtesy of the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA). Website hosted by:
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Drayton Harbor ProjectsBoats/MarinasRecreational
CommercialAnother potential pollution source for the harbor comes from the commercial boats and businesses located on the pier at the mouth of the harbor. Like recreational vessels, discharges from commercial vessels, from holding tanks to bilge water and deck waste, are a potential source of contamination in the harbor. Management practices of the businesses occupying the wharf area of the marina can also impact water quality. Work is being done in this area with some of the commercial owners to help reduce pollution contributions.
On-site Septic Systems |
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Historically, boat owners used to directly discharge their sewage
into the waters on which they navigated. This practice is no longer
allowed in the inland waters of the United States (no direct discharge
is allowed within 3 miles of land). However, old habits can be
hard to break and this is definitely a potential source of pollution
for Drayton Harbor. The additional drawback to this is that although
the US does not allow direct discharge of sewage in their waters,
other countries still allow this practice. Therefore, people from
other countries traveling in US waters may not know or respect
our laws. Boats and marinas can also impact water quality with
more than just bacterial contamination- they can contribute solvents,
paints, oil and gasoline products, and other chemicals into our
marine environments. Education is a big component on getting boaters
and marinas to change practices and procedures. 
On-site
pump-out facilities The Port of Bellingham has installed
4 pump-out facilities at its Blaine Marina facilities as part
of its expansion project. Three of these are portable units
to make pumping out of holding tanks easier. The Port has been
looking into getting a pump-out station for the commercial
vessels that would have various adapters to allow any vessel
to hook up to it. The problem with this may be that many commercial
vessels are older and either don’t have holding tanks
or don’t have the ability to discharge above deck (they
have through hull discharge for when they are out to sea).
Signage - The Port of Bellingham has added signage to
their marina area. All of their pump-out facilities, which allow
boaters to properly dispose of their “black water” or
sewage, are now marked with a pump-out symbol, making it easier
for people to recognize them. The Port has also placed two signs
in the marina that inform boaters that the Blaine Marina is a
no-discharge harbor and discharging into these waters can result
in a $10,000 fine. The Community Oyster Farm Project also put
up