For immediate release: March 27, 2008  (08-042 revised)

Contacts:
Mark Toy, Shellfish Program 360-236-3321
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Portion of Blake Island opens for commercial shellfish harvesting

OLYMPIA ¾ A large area of Blake Island in Kitsap County has reopened to commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting.

The state Department of Health upgraded this area after the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission built a new sewage treatment system at Blake Island State Park. The park is a popular Puget Sound island destination.

The new sewage treatment system serves Tillicum Village; it cost about $1.5 million. Among other improvements, the new system applies the treated wastewater to nearby land, where it’s naturally recycled rather than discharging directly into Puget Sound.

The system began operating in late 2004. The shellfish upgrade was delayed to allow enough time to pass to ensure that viruses likely to survive in marine sediments have died off.

“The system at Blake Island is an example of a successful investment by the state to ensure water quality improvements for Puget Sound,” said Rex Derr, State Parks Director. “The commission is committed to making sure that State Parks manages in a way that's good for the environment. The governor and legislature have provided funding for State Parks to fix up and replace systems all over the Sound as part of the Puget Sound cleanup, and that's complementary to the commission's priority to fix up existing parks as part of the State Parks Centennial 2013 Plan.”

Areas affected include marine waters south of Tillicum Village on the east side of the island. About 42 acres have been upgraded from “prohibited” to “conditionally approved.” The conditional classification means shellfish may not be harvested in the area from May to September because of seasonal boating activity.

“Blake Island is an example of the state’s ramped-up investment in wastewater and storm water management, and another sign we are on our way to protecting and restoring all of Puget Sound,” said David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. “While there is much work to do, success stories like these show the tremendous progress that can be made if we all work together.”

The only way to be safe when digging shellfish is to “Know Before You Dig.” The Department of Health’s recreational shellfish map (www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.htm), the state shellfish program (360-236-3330), and local health agencies are excellent sources of information.

The Office of Shellfish and Water Protection (www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/default.htm) has information about recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting and food safety.

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