Portage Bay Projects

Agricultural practices

• 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, 197 have at least part of their dairy within the borders of the Portage Bay Shellfish District. All but one of the dairy farms in the Portage Bay Shellfish District had approved nutrient management plans in place by the July 1, 2002 deadline. The farms have until December 31, 2003 to have a certified plan in place (all components of the nutrient management plan will have been implemented). 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 diary farms. There are 140 dairy farms that have their milking operation/facility within the Portage Bay watershed. The inspection process is an ongoing part of the DOE's work in the county.

On-site Septic Systems
Municipal Sewer Systems
Agricultural Practices
Stormwater Runoff
Education and Community Involvement
Data Management/Water Quality Monitoring
Reports