Poverty Bay annual shellfish growing area review

This 2021 annual review by the Washington State Department of Health assesses water quality and shellfish harvesting conditions in Poverty Bay, located near Des Moines and Federal Way. The area holds a mix of Approved, Conditionally Approved, and Prohibited classifications, with most stations meeting bacteriological standards, though Station 701 and Station 720 raised concerns due to elevated fecal coliform levels. Pollution sources such as stormwater runoff and past sanitary sewer overflows continue to be monitored, with ongoing correction efforts supported by Public Health Seattle-King County grant funding.

Notes

This is the 2021 annual review of the Poverty Bay shellfish growing area, prepared by the Washington State Department of Health. The report summarizes water quality sampling results, pollution sources, and management plan evaluation for areas classified as Approved, Conditionally Approved, and Prohibited. The area meets standards but has some concerns, including elevated fecal coliform levels at Station 701 and Station 720.

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