Health Dept. confirms all SJC shellfish growing areas meet public health water quality standards

An annual review finds no downgrades or risks to classifications

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has completed its annual review of shellfish growing area classifications and confirmed that all growing areas in San Juan County continue to meet the state’s stringent public health standards.  

Based on water sample data collected in the previous year and assessment of potential sources of pollution, DOH has determined that no classification downgrades are necessary at this time. Additionally, no shellfish growing areas in San Juan County are currently threatened with a downgrade. You can view all the annual reports online here.  

The annual reports can also be found on DOH’s Commercial Shellfish Map Viewer by clicking on a growing area and selecting the Annual Growing Area Review Document link. You can use the online Commercial Shellfish Map Viewer to see current water quality, station location information, and query data in the “Find Something” box.  

Shellfish growing area classifications are a critical tool for protecting public health. Everyone plays a critical role in protecting water quality. Simple actions, like maintaining septic systems, cleaning up pet waste, properly disposing of waste from boats and RVs, and managing farm animal runoff, do make meaningful differences.  

A key factor in maintaining these high standards is the ongoing work of local public health programs dedicated to protecting water quality and environmental health. San Juan County’s efforts include a robust On-Site Septic System Operation and Maintenance Program, which helps prevent untreated wastewater from entering marine waters. These efforts are complemented by the County’s Shellfish Safety Program, which collects shellfish samples county-wide to monitor water quality and prevent shellfish-related illnesses.  

“Maintaining high water quality standards is essential for protecting both public health and our local shellfish resources,” said Mark Tompkins, Director of San Juan County Health & Community Services. “This year’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of ongoing monitoring, community partnerships, and proactive management efforts throughout the county.”  

DOH oversees the safety of commercially harvested shellfish statewide, using national standards to classify all harvest areas. For those gathering shellfish recreationally, the latest safety updates are available through the State’s Shellfish Safety Map or by calling the 24-hour Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. 

About San Juan County’s Shellfish Safety Program

Our Department works in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health to ensure that the public can safely harvest recreational shellfish.  Shellfish from different areas of the County are collected on a routine basis from April to October; they are then sent to the Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, where they are analyzed for biotoxin levels.  Based on the biotoxin levels, the State may close certain areas for certain species.  We continue to monitor levels and, when biotoxin levels return to a safe level, the area will be reopened.  For the most current information regarding closures and the harvesting of recreational shellfish, see the Shellfish Safety Map. 

Relevant URLs:  

• Shellfish Growing Areas Annual Reports | DOH
• Commercial Shellfish Map Viewer | DOH
• Shellfish Safety | SJC
• Cleaner waters, safer shellfish: Washington reports progress in harvest areas | DOH
• Public Health Laboratories | Washington State Department of Health

About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services  

San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.