Tools for Identifying, Validating, and Correcting Pollution Sources
Office Evaluation
Includes GIS and other existing data evaluation
For more tool topics see sidebar at right.
Burley Lagoon, Filucy Bay, Rocky Bay SPDs / Pierce County PIC
Pierce County has the most complete and accurate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Puget Sound region. Additionally, it has a regular, funded and ongoing maintenance and update function of drainage system changes to ensure accuracy and completeness. The County uses GIS to provide context for a particular property or area. The water quality sampling locations (both shoreline tributaries and upland sampling locations) are mapped and the water quality results are available by clicking on the location marker. The County also routinely uses the parcel layer, the ortho layer, the hydro layer, and sometimes one of the topo layers to better understand the property or area.
Henderson and Nisqually SPDs
The county uses aerial photos (and dye tests) to find OSS problems.
Jefferson County CWD
GIS analysis is utilized, but the County needs updated GIS resources. Permit database and tax assessor's databases need better coordination.
Kitsap Public Health District
Kitsap Health's PIC Protocol guides all PIC activities. It specifies that a project area evaluation is initiated once a priority watershed has been identified. Available data and background information is collected and reviewed. Examples include: project area details, history, maps, public access areas, water quality data, soil conditions, sewer maps, stormwater maps, and Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shellfish areas and reports. Property inspection forms are prepared with assessor records, OSS records, and applicable O&M records. Kitsap Conservation District utilizes GIS aerial photographs to conduct initial farm inventories.
Oakland Bay CWD
The Carmody database is used for tracking OSS Operations & Maintenance (O&M) service events. It has the ability to run specific reports and provide data to be evaluated. Mason County Public Health (MCPH) works with the county's GIS department to complete GIS layers and develop maps to be used in the evaluation.
From Mason County's Water Quality Standard Operating Procedure:
- Obtain Parcel File - review permits on file to determine age of the system, size, location, basis for determining size, system design, whether final inspection was conducted, soil texture/classification, and any outstanding conditions (e.g. expired O&M permit). Fill in information on the survey data form and attach a copy of the As- Built.
- Review any records of complaints received regarding the system, look in Tidemark and the parcel file.
- Review the Soil Survey to determine soil types.
- Acquire all maps pertinent to the survey area, i.e. topographical, road, and assessor maps.
Skagit County CWP / The CSI / PIC Program
Mapping tools are used to delineate sub-basins, locate pollution hotspots, and track progress in property and OSS inspections, best management practice (BMP) implementation, and riparian restoration.
South Holmes Harbor SPD
The SPD is beginning to build a database to track system compliance and incorporate GIS mapping.