About the Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program
The focus of the PIC Program is identifying and correcting sources of bacterial pollution coming into Tribal marine waters. Swinomish Water Quality works closely with other local, state, Tribal, and federal PIC partners in a collaborative effort to reduce pollutants in our waterways and improve the status of shellfish growing area. The PIC program achieves this through source tracking and working directly with property and home-owners to address pollution sources.
Potential Pollution Sources
The PIC program works to address common sources of fecal pollution including, but not limited to:
- Failing septic systems, which may look like:
- Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drain-field
- Foul odors around the septic tank or drain-field
- Bright green, spongey, and lush grass over the septic tank or drain-field, especially during dry season
- Algal blooms in nearby water bodies
- High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in your well water
- Excess dog waste in areas where people often bring dogs, such as parks and beaches
- this can include in your yard!
- Excess wildlife waste, which may be of natural or human causes, such as feeding or baiting animals, creating congregations of wildlife in an area
- Improper waste management of domesticated animals such as chickens
- Illicit sewer connections
- Leaking sewer connections
If you have concerns about a contamination source on your property or around the Reservation, contact our PIC Program Lead: Brooke Zibell, bzibell@swinomish.nsn.us. We will follow-up with a site visit and monitoring in the area of concern.