EDISON, Wash. (AP) — Two studies have traced fecal coliform pollution in the Samish Bay to feces from ruminants, birds and humans.
The Skagit Valley Herald reports (http://bit.ly/nQOHdV ) the results are from one study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and another by Oregon State University.
High levels of fecal coliform in the watershed frequently close the bay to shellfish harvesting. Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered the watershed be cleaned up in the next year, and identifying the sources has been a priority.
The EPA study of samples from the watershed indicated an almost even spread between human and ruminant contributors.
