HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit 27-09 Rewording Condition 17From: Donna Frostholm <DFrostholm@co.jefferson.wa.us>
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2025 9:00 AM
To: Holtz, Michelle (DFW)
Cc: Nicholas, Michael D (DFW)
Subject: RE: Point Whitney - Quilcene Bay Biotoxin Monitoring
External Email
Hi Michelle,
I think that WDFW could rely on monitoring information collected by other state agencies, but the
submitted Habitat Management Plan indicated monitoring for toxins would be conducted due to
increased use of the improved boat launch and WDFW would take appropriate action, if needed, to
minimize the potential for cumulative impacts to adjacent areas used for recreational shellfish
harvesting. For this reason, I think the condition should indicate what WDFW would do if increased
levels of toxins were identified by Department of Health (DOH).
Based on DOH information in the email chain below, a potential revision could be: The permittee shall
use water quality monitoring information collected by Washington Department of Health and shall
coordinate with this agency as needed to ensure recreational shellfishing areas in the vicinity of the
project area are adequately protected.
You should feel free to use the above revision if you agree with it. At this point, though, the revised
condition can be accepted or revised by the hearing examiner.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Donna Frostholm
Jefferson County DCD
From: Holtz, Michelle (DFW) <Michelle.Holtz@dfw.wa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 1:26 PM
To: Donna Frostholm <DFrostholm@co.jefferson.wa.us>
Cc: Nicholas, Michael D (DFW) <Michael.Nicholas@dfw.wa.gov>
Subject: Point Whitney - Quilcene Bay Biotoxin Monitoring
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Hello Donna,
In order to address Condition 17 of the Pt. Whitney staff report, Mike Nicholas and I have done
some research into who monitors shellfish toxins in the areas surrounding the Pt. Whitney boat
launch. I received the below information from the Department of Health. They test mussels located
in the Quilcene Marina every other week for the marine biotoxins that cause paralytic shellfish
poisoning, diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and amnesic shellfish poisoning and provide real time
biotoxin closure information on the Shellfish Safety Map which can be found here: Washington
Shellfish Safety Map. If toxins are detected, they increase surveillance testing to weekly at
minimum. They also work closely with Mike Dawson, the Water Quality Manager at Jefferson
County Public Health. If necessary, biotoxin closures and Vibrio advisory signs are posted at the
kiosk adjacent to the boat launch. Please let me know if this monitoring satisfies the County’s
requirement in Condition 17. Tracie Berry and Jerry Borchert are the appropriate contacts from the
Department of Health if you have additional questions regarding any testing.
From the Shellfish Safety Map:
Thank you,
Michelle Holtz
(564) 669-4904
Environmental Planner III, CAMP
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
From: Holtz, Michelle (DFW)
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 12:43 PM
To: Barry, Tracie S (DOH) <tracie.barry@doh.wa.gov>
Cc: Dawson, Michael (DOHi) <mdawson@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Borchert, Jerry (DOH)
<Jerry.Borchert@DOH.WA.GOV>
Subject: RE: Quilcene Bay Biotoxin Monitoring
Hello Tracie,
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly with this information. Although we don’t anticipate a
significant increase in boat activity due to limited parking, there is still potential for some increase
in use. There is a kiosk available on site in the parking area adjacent to the boat launch where signs
can be attached if needed. Attached are a couple pictures for reference.
Thank you,
Michelle Holtz
(564) 669-4904
Environmental Planner III, CAMP
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
From: Barry, Tracie S (DOH) <tracie.barry@doh.wa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 11:20 AM
To: Holtz, Michelle (DFW) <Michelle.Holtz@dfw.wa.gov>
Cc: Dawson, Michael (DOHi) <mdawson@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Borchert, Jerry (DOH)
<Jerry.Borchert@DOH.WA.GOV>
Subject: Quilcene Bay Biotoxin Monitoring
Hi Michelle,
Thank you so much for reaching out regarding biotoxin monitoring in Quilcene Bay.
We test mussels located in the Quilcene Marina every other week for the marine biotoxins that
cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and amnesic shellfish poisoning.
If toxins are detected, we increase surveillance testing to weekly at minimum.
We work closely with Mike Dawson, the Water Quality Manager at Jefferson County Public Health,
to notify recreational shellfish harvesters when any of the biotoxins exceeds safe limits for human
consumption. Jefferson Health posts signs and creates press releases during biotoxin events.
Additionally, we provide real time biotoxin closure information on the Shellfish Safety Map which
can be found here: Washington Shellfish Safety Map.
Quilcene and Dabob Bays do experience biotoxin closures, though those events are not
necessarily frequent. There is a seasonal cook all shellfish advisory due to Vibrio for all of Hood
Canal including Quilcene and Dabob as well.
Michelle, in the event that there is an increase in boat activity it may be useful/necessary to post
biotoxin closure or Vibrio advisory signs near the ramp. Is there an information kiosk or similar
where signs could be attached if needed?
Thank you again for reaching out and please let Jerry Borchert, cc’d here, or myself know if we can
provide any further information.
Take care,
Tracie S. Barry
Gender Pronouns: she/her
Marine Biotoxin Specialist
Shellfish Licensing & Certification
Environmental Public Health
Washington State Department of Health
tracie.barry@doh.wa.gov
doh.wa.gov | 360-688-3114
For Current Shellfish Safety Information
Visit doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety