Toxic contaminants

Toxic contaminants have been released into the Puget Sound and its watersheds for decades by human activities. Concern over the possible harmful effects of these pollutants in the ecosystem led to the creation of Washington’s Pollution Control Commission in 1945, almost 30 years before the federal Clean Water Act. The Puget Sound Water Quality Authority was established in 1985 to address pressing water quality issues, and by 1989 monitoring and assessment of water quality in Puget Sound had begun with the Puget Sound Ambient Monitoring Program (PSAMP). Scientists continue to monitor a variety of toxic contaminants in Puget Sound ranging from persistent contaminants such as PCBs and flame retardants to lesser known Contaminants of Emerging Concern. 

-- Source: Puget Sound Science Review

Overview

Toxics in Fish Implementation Strategy

The Toxics in Fish Implementation Strategy is a recovery plan that will guide funding and activities to reduce the impacts of toxics contaminants on marine fish and the humans that consume them. A final version of the plan was published in May 2021.

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The Puget Sound Partnership's list of Puget Sound 'Vital Signs'

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