What is the biggest polluter in the Puget Sound?
Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one toxic threat to Puget Sound. Rain washes chemicals, fertilizers, oil, auto fluids, and litter off roads and sidewalks directly into our waterways.
What are the three major types of pollution in Washington?
The three major types of pollution in Washington are water, air, and light.
Why is Puget Sound so polluted?
The most common delivery pathway toxic chemicals take to reach Puget Sound is through polluted surface runoff — also known as stormwater. Rain hits roofs, roads, developed areas, and other hard surfaces and runs into storm drains. It then goes mostly untreated into lakes, streams, and rivers that drain to Puget Sound.
What are the main pollution problems?
The major kinds of pollution, usually classified by environment, are air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. Modern society is also concerned about specific types of pollutants, such as noise pollution, light pollution, and plastic pollution.
What are the major ecological problems at Puget Sound?
The cause of these environmental issues are, toxic contamination, eutrophication (low oxygen due to excess nutrients), and near shore habitat changes. The Puget Sound has been affected by urbanization and the toxic pollutants it produces.
What toxin is found in Puget Sound?
The problem appears greatest in south and central Puget Sound — where fish, seals and whales had higher levels of chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs.
What causes air pollution in Washington?
The main sources of outdoor air pollution in Washington State are motor vehicles, outdoor burning, and wood smoke. Gas and diesel-powered equipment, some industries and wildfires also contribute to air pollution. You can check current air quality conditions and burn bans in your area.
Does Washington have a lot of pollution?
1of90Washington’s air quality is getting worse, according to the recently released 2019 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association. Three Washington cities made the list of most polluted by short-term particle pollution.
Is swimming in Puget Sound safe?
A large number of beaches in the Puget Sound region have high levels of fecal bacteria causing the water to be unsafe for swimming and water contact. The high levels of bacteria were discovered during routine sampling conducted throughout the summer.
What is the Pacific Northwest environment?
In general, the Pacific Northwest has a wet and cool climate which has led to the growth of extensive forests featuring some of the largest trees in the world. The region’s coastal forests are considered temperate rainforests. More inland, however, the climate can be drier with more harsh winters and warmer summers.