The heavy load: addressing creosote and large debris in the Salish Sea

• Main Author: Robertson, Chris
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2018
• Subjects: Large debris; Fresh Water Studies; Life Sciences; Marine Biology; Natural Resources and Conservation; Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology; Orca
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2018ssec/allsessions/368; https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2803&context=ssec

Remnant creosote treated wood products and other large marine debris are major contributing factors to decreased ecosystem health within the Salish Sea. The wood preservative creosote is a known carcinogen and a significant source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These chemicals persist in sediments and lead to increased forage fish spawn mortality. PAH impacts are amplified through bioaccumulation and directly impact native salmon runs and resident Orca Whales. There is an estimated 650,000 gallons of creosote currently leaching from the remaining 16,000 creosote treated pilings. The hazardous and technical nature of removing creosote logs and large debris does not lend itself to the capabilities of most state and local agencies, community groups, NGO’s, and other volunteer-based removal efforts. In response, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Aquatic Lands Restoration Program has developed a program to partner with these groups and eradicate creosote from the Salish Sea while providing rapid response and removal of large debris. Through a broad network of partnerships, specialized equipment, and training, the DNR has become the lead entity for creosote and large debris removal and disposal throughout the state. Since 2004, the DNR has developed Best Management Practices for removal by land, sea, and air. To date, the program has removed over 52 million pounds of marine debris and 296,922 sq. /ft. of overwater structures. With an estimated 35 million pounds of creosote remaining in the ecosystem, the DNR is exploring new technology and partnerships to reach new shoreline property owners and respond to reports of debris from the public.