Potential Pollution Problem Statements (original) (raw)

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Potential Pollution Problem Statements

I. On-site Sewage Systems

On-site sewage treatment/disposal systems (OSS) currently serve the majority of the residences in San Juan County and will continue to do so as the number of residences increase. Septic systems are an effective tool in treating and disposing of sewage if properly sited, designed, installed, operated, and maintained. Systems that do not meet all of these conditions fail and can contaminate surface water (fresh and marine) and ground water with pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals.

The majority of the land available for development has soils with moderate to severe limitations for septic installation (see appendix B, soil suitability maps, San Juan County Watershed Characterization Report). As a result, alternative septic systems are being installed that require an active program of operation and maintenance to insure the system functions properly. Specific problems identified in San Juan County include:

• San Juan County Health and Community Services has limited resources to inform homeowners, Realtors, and contractors about septic system operation and maintenance.
• San Juan County currently has a limited program for tracking systems failures to insure prompt repairs.
• San Juan County has a limited program to insure systems are being properly maintained.
• Many homeowners are not maintaining their septic systems.
• The lack of a septage disposal facility on San Juan Island increases the cost for pumping a septic tank discouraging many people from routinely servicing their systems.
• San Juan County's wetland maps are incomplete and county personnel are not trained in the identification of wetlands resulting in septic systems being installed within wetlands and their buffers.

II. Land Conversions

The population in the San Juan islands continues to increase. Population increases, projected to continue for several years, heightens the demand for land suitable for residential use causing more land to be converted from forest, wetland, and agricultural property to residential and/or commercial use. As land is converted, vegetation is removed increasing the amount of impervious surfaces. This can lead to increased run-off, erosion, and sedimentation. Specific problems include

• Current controls on residential development are inadequate for reducing and/or preventing run-off, erosion, and sedimentation.
• Simple Land Divisions are the commonest form of land conversions and can be completed with little or no regulatory oversight.
• The use of Conversions Option Harvest Plan may be accelerating the removal of forestland for residential development.
• The county wetland inventory is incomplete making protection difficult.
• No mechanism is in place to measure cumulative impacts on the watersheds.

III. Stormwater

Stormwater, as a source of non-point pollution, is defined as run-off from impervious surfaces created by residential, commercial, and other urban development. As growth continues the amount ofimpervious surfaces increases, generating more stormwater which can adversely impact stream channels. Unchecked, stormwater can contaminate surface and ground water with heavy metals, oils, toxic organics, pathogens, nutrients, and sediment. In addition, stormwater, when directly channeled through a series of ditches, pipes, and drainage ways, can dramatically increase the erosion potential of creeks and streams. Identified problems include:

• Best Management Practices for controlling run-off and erosion are not fully understood or implemented by some property owners and developers.
• Existing regulations do not adequately cover residential development (see Land Conversions for additional potential problems).
• Stormwater management strategies are different for urban and rural areas yet the same standards apply.

IV. Agricultural Practices

Agricultural operations have been changing throughout San Juan County, shifting from large commercial operations to smaller more intensive use. All operations regardless of size must be properly managed. Without proper management agricultural operations can degrade water quality through erosion, sedimentation, bacteriological and chemical contamination, and nutrient loading. Potential problems with agricultural operations include:

• Best Management Practices (BMPs) are not fully understood and/or implemented by all farm owners.
• The Conservation District/NRCS has limited resources to inform and assist farmers in BMP implementation.
• Implementation of BMPs is not required for agricultural lands to receive tax credits. Parcels under 20 acres must show profits from agricultural activities to qualify for agriculture tax benefits. This promotes intensive farming activities which may discourage BMP implementation.
• An accurate farm inventory, including the number of farms and management problems, has not been completed.
• Enforcement of water quality violations from farming activities is ineffective.

V. Forestry Practices

Forested land comprises a majority, close to seventy percent, of the landmass in San Juan County. Timber harvested here is used as a source of sawlogs, pulpwood, export logs and firewood. Timber harvesting, without proper management, has the potential to adversely affect water quality and watershed stability. Potential pollution arising from timber operations, generally from skid trails and roads, can include soil erosion and sedimentation, temperature increases in surface water, and run-off contaminated with chemicals and nutrients. Identified problems include:

• The Forest Practice Rules, including Best Management Practices (BMPs) do not take into consideration the unique growing conditions that are found the in San Juans, such as low rainfall, shallow soil conditions, and low productivity rates.
• The Forest Practice Rules do not protect the small seasonal streams and forested wetlands located in the San Juans.
  State and local agencies are ineffective at providing oversight and monitoring of forest practice permits and subsequent land development.
• The Forest Practice Rules are difficult for the property owner to understand.
  Forestry Best Management Practices are not fully understood and/or implemented by all landowners and loggers.
• The cumulative effect of exempt timber harvesting on watershed stability and function is unknown.
• Monitoring of BMP implementation is inadequate on Designated Forest Land.

VI. Marinas and Recreational Boating

San Juan County is a very popular boating destination. Each year, thousands of boats flock to the San Juan islands to explore the many coves and inlets. While the boaters are very important to the economy of San Juan County, they also can pollute the marine and fresh water. Pollution can be from illegal sewage discharges, oil and/or gas spills, and from solvents and paints used to maintain the vessels. Problems include:

• The percentage of boat owners discharging sewage overboard is unknown. However, previous surveys indicate the percentage may be very high.
• The number and impacts of boats anchoring in small bays is unknown.
• Installation and maintenance of pump-out facilities are costly, particularly at remote parks and bays.
• Enforcement of federal regulations regarding illegal discharges is inadequate due to a lack of resources by the United States Coast Guard.

VII. Solid and Hazardous Waste

The volume of solid and hazardous waste generated will continue to increase as the population grows. Disposal costs continue to climb as more landfills are closed. Proper management (i.e.: the use, storage, recycling, treatment and disposal of solid and hazardous waste) is essential for reducing or eliminating the potential water quality pollution from these waste. If not properly managed, these wastes can pollute surface and ground water with hydrocarbons, heavy metals, toxic organic chemicals, and/or pathogens. Problems identified include:

• Old unregulated landfill sites have not been inventoried or assessed.
• Illegal dumping may increase if disposal costs increase.
• Many homeowners and business owners are not fully aware of impacts resulting from improper disposal of hazardous wastes.
• There are inadequate disposal facilities for household hazardous waste throughout the county