Pathogens prevention reduction and control 1-4 (PC-00J32601): Final report

A report from the Washington State Department of Health outlines results from a series of projects funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program in 2011. These projects addressed pathogen pollution in Puget Sound through the management of human and animal waste. Restoring shellfish growing areas, avoiding shellfish closures, and protecting people from disease served as the primary objectives.

Overview

In 2011, EPA awarded the first of six rounds of funding for Pathogens Prevention Reduction and Control through a Lead Organization Cooperative Agreement to the Washington Department of Health. The first four rounds of funding, also known as “Rounds 1-4” were issued under a grant that ended in January 2018. "Rounds 5-6" of the Pathogens work fall under a separate cooperative agreement ending in 2019. The work of these agreements is part of a six-year strategy in alignment with the Puget Sound Action Agenda. Over six years and two cooperative agreements, more than 160 projects were sub-awarded, with over $20 million invested.
 
This work addresses pathogen pollution in Puget Sound through the management of human and animal waste. Restoring shellfish growing areas, avoiding shellfish closures, and protecting people from disease served as the primary objectives. The Pathogens award invested in the following programmatic areas and was foundational to the Shellfish Strategic Initiative work:
  • Inventory, inspect and fix failing on-site septic systems
  • Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) programs- in all 12 Puget Sound counties
  • Monitor and notify public of health threats via the Beach Assessment, Communication and Health program (BEACH) in partnership with the Department of Ecology
  • Inspect farms and implement livestock best management practices (BMPs)
  • No Discharge Zone petition and increase the number of boating pump out stations
  • Research and Data Management
“This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-00J32601 to the Washington State Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.”
 

Download the full report

About the Author: 
The Washington State Department of Health is a government agency within the State of Washington.