Readers of this blog have, in the past, been informed of a variety of workshops and programs to assist property owners in mitigating possible sources of pollution which could foul surface and ground water. A particularly innovative approach to managing pollution from agriculture is being tested locally at Oyster Bay Farm. According to a recent press release from the Washington State Conservation Commission, a “$46,901 grant will pay for work to improve habitat for salmon and water quality in Pierre and Burns Creeks and in Totten Inlet while also increasing the capacity of the Oyster Bay Farm to pasture livestock and harvest shellfish.”
“This project will install low-cost mycoberms (mushroom bags) and plant native vegetation along 5,000 feet of stream that empties into Oyster Bay. These mycoberms will filter nutrients generated on the farm”, says Kathleen Whalen, Administrator for the Thurston Conservation District. “We hope, over time, to improve water quality to a point where it becomes healthy for salmon, shellfish, and other marine life in the area. At the same time, we can solve a problem for this farmer, increase the utility of the land to support livestock, and maintain a viable farming operation on the site,” says Whalen.
Great to see the continuous discovery and implication of new water testing methods. Water testing is a highly important, as water is effectively life, so you need to know what you’re dealing with, how safe the water is, and how such water can be used. This is where the value of quality water testing really comes into play. Fantastic blog.