Map: South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District areas of interest

This map shows where Holmes Harbor is closed to shellfish harvest, because elevated fecal bacteria levels were found in the marine water, making shellfish unsafe for humans to eat. The closure area represents the furthest extent to which those contaminated waters could negatively impact shellfish growing areas. South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District encompasses all land that drains into the harbor’s south end, and shoreline properties bordering the closed area. County Planners are currently testing surface water at starred sites, in their continuing search for fecal contamination. (State Health & Ecology staff sample marine waters, as do County Health techs, who also test ground, or drinking water.) Runoff tested in hatched areas show it is not contributing to the contamination. Runoff in purple FOCUS areas show fecal impairments. The blue upland areas are pending further investigation.

Your Board of Island County Commissioners held a public hearing in Freeland on March 5, 2007 and established a Shellfish Protection District (non-taxing) for South Holmes Harbor.  About 120 local residents attended to learn more about why the State has closed the area to shellfish harvest, as well as to swimming, wading or water skiing.  Many citizens publicly commented on the issues.  Island County's strategy to correct the problem was also discussed.

• South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District (1.1 MB) - Your county mailed this informative Notice to about 3,100 postal patrons in the Freeland WA zip code (98249) in February 2007.  We will publish similar flyers in the months to come to keep you informed.  There will also be other outreach to residents, visitors and businesses in the district.

The formation of the district was necessitated after the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced the closure of South Holmes Harbor because of public health concerns in the summer of 2006.  Fecal Coliform bacteria had been found in the waters there (based on long-term testing), making it unsafe to harvest and consume shellfish.  The area was also closed to swimming, wading or water skiing.  For more information, see the following links:

• Swimming at Freeland County Park permitted - Notice Sept. 10, 2008
  • Retrospective of swimming beach water sample data by Health Department
• State Dept of Health report - July 1 '08 -- Health Consultation; Evaluation of Selected Metals in holmes Harbor Shellfish
• Approved Quality Assurance Project Plan - South Holmes Harbor Bacteria Remediation Project
• WA State Department of Health (DOH) "Letter of Findings" & "Sanitary Survey" (2.7 MB) - July 7, 2006.
• DOH Shoreline Survey (1.8 MB) - March 2006.
• DOH Administrative Practices for Closing Holmes Harbor (63 KB) - WAC 246-280-030 & WAC 246-280-060
• Revised Code of Washington - Shellfish Protection Districts - RCW 90.72

After the closure occurred, both your Island county Health Department and Department of Planning and Community Development, have worked closely with other local and state agencies, community groups, businesses, professionals, service providers and interested individuals to devise an action plan, and propose the district boundaries.

• Island County's Action Plan (156 KB) - This describes how the problems at South Holmes Harbor will be corrected by your County with broad participation from the South Whidbey community.  While no new regulations or taxes are proposed, there will be additional emphasis to ensure that existing rules are being followed.
• Map of District Boundaries (180 KB) - The Shellfish Protection District boundary includes all areas that drain into the south end of Holmes Harbor.  It is these drainages where data shows high fecal coliform concentrations.
• Resolution Establishing the South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District (36 KB) - This resolution was passed unanimously by your Board of Island County Commissioners on March 5, 2007 at a public hearing.
• Water Quality Monitoring Program (138 KB) - In 2006, your Island County Commissioners created our Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) Program.  The program is a key component of the Resource Enhancement division of your county's Department of Planning and Community Development.  Surface water monitoring now takes place regularly throughout Camano and Whidbey watersheds, with a special focus in the Freeland area.  WQM in the Freeland watersheds will measure progress as we work to correct the problems at South Holmes Harbor, and to identify potential sources of pollution.

To learn more about shellfish and the sources of fecal coliform bacteria:

• Shellfish Facts (18 KB) - This informational fact sheet is preprinted with thanks to the Thurston County Environmental Health Division.
• The Scoop on Poop (614 KB) - Whether at home or walking the dog, fecal waste from pets should always be bagged & disposed of in your garbage can (flushing is not recommended).
• Island County Health Department - Information and helpful assistance about septic systems, shellfish safety and other environmental health programs.  Plus, important links to Washington State Department of Health and Puget Sound Action Team.
• WSU Island County Cooperative Extension - Island County's extension programs have all sorts of helpful tips and ideas for homesites, farmsteads and animal owners in the Holmes Harbor area.  The WSU small farms web page offers downloadable how-to booklets for managing manure (keep it covered), and keeping livestock healthy (pasture and mud management).

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

To keep those who live, work and visit the Holmes Harbor area up to date about the issues, residents, absentee landowners and businesses receive informational publications periodically.

Click here to view the informational mailings:

• Click here to view the Summer-Fall 08 FOCUS neighborhood bulletin

• Click here to view the 08 FOCUS neighborhoods map

• Our Island, Our Waters
• Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District "FOCUS" areas

Submit photos of your dog for the chance to be displayed in posters around the South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Learn more here!

If you have questions or ideas about South Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District and Freeland watershed neighborhoods, please e-Mail us at NEIGHBORHOODS@co.island.wa.us, and type "Holmes Harbor" in the subject line.