Poisoned Waters

America's waterways are facing a grave threat. Both Puget Sound and the Chesapeake Bay are experiencing alarmingly high levels of pollution. The primary culprit behind this pollution is industrial waste from agriculture, which poses a significant danger to both wildlife and human health. The situation in the Chesapeake Bay is particularly concerning, with far-reaching implications. Larry Sims, an experienced waterman, has witnessed the bay's deteriorating health over the course of six decades. The decline in the crab catch, which has plummeted by over 50% in just 25 years, has had a profound impact on the traditional way of life for watermen. Pollution is causing the emergence of dead zones in bodies of water across the globe. These oxygen-deprived areas are responsible for the death of countless fish, crabs, and oysters, and their frequency and size are rapidly increasing on a global scale. Furthermore, pollution is also negatively affecting human health and recreational activities, leading to the closure of numerous beaches due to contamination.

The Chesapeake Bay is now at risk of losing its vital functions. Defenders of the bay are deeply distressed by its precarious state and the lack of public interest in addressing the issue. There must be both political will and public demand for action to save the bay. This necessitates bipartisan collaboration and a stringent regulatory approach. Additionally, modernizing sewage plants, such as Blue Plains, to restore water quality is crucial in reducing pollution in the Potomac River. 1. Enhancing water quality through the implementation of innovative technologies, such as biological nutrient removal, is a crucial step. The Reagan administration's opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) mission hindered progress in this area. Appointed officials who were against the EPA's mission further complicated matters. Consequently, a shift towards a strategy of voluntary compliance occurred, resulting in missed targets and unregulated pollution. The contamination of rivers and the bay by poultry waste from chicken farms is a pressing concern. This waste, rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, is contributing to the proliferation of algae blooms in the bay. To address this issue, aerial photography is being utilized to document and monitor the flow of poultry waste into the bay. Purdue's vertical integration has revolutionized the poultry industry, replacing small independent poultry companies with integrated large-scale chicken companies.

While this transformation has led to lower prices and increased consumption, it has also brought about environmental challenges due to intensive factory-style poultry production. Agriculture, particularly animal manure, stands as the primary source of water pollution. However, it is not solely the manure itself that poses a problem; the concentration of animals in one location also causes harm to ecosystems. The responsibility for managing animal manure remains unclear, and the operations of factory farms continue to inflict significant damage on the environment. The untreated waste generated by farming activities is a major contributor to pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. Agricultural waste is often not managed in the same way as urban sewage or industrial pollution, which raises environmental concerns. The source of pollution from poultry farms is a topic of debate, making it challenging to establish regulations. Agricultural pollution has a significant impact on water quality. Identifying the precise source of nutrient pollution near agricultural poultry operations is a difficult task. The struggle between politics and industry influence is evident in the implementation of regulations to control runoff from chicken manure. Corporations tend to shift the costs of pollution cleanup onto the public to maximize profits.

The poultry industry asserts that it is taking sufficient measures, but environmentalists remain doubtful. The effects of chemical compounds on marine life are concerning. Marine biologists have observed abnormal mutations in fish, such as intersex in male bass, due to exposure to endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are highly potent chemicals that disrupt normal bodily functions even in minuscule quantities, raising worries about reproductive function and hormone levels. Chemicals present in water can impact fish and potentially humans. Fish share similar hormone systems with humans, making them valuable indicator species for monitoring water quality. Chemicals detected in water bodies may affect human drinking water and health. Keeping pace with emerging pollutants poses a significant challenge. New chemicals that lack safety standards set by the EPA present a formidable challenge. Outdated filters are not equipped to capture these new contaminants, resulting in their presence in drinking water. Endocrine disruptors pose health risks with uncertain levels of safety. Potential consequences include the development of premature breast cancer, reproductive issues, and congenital anomalies. The lack of clarity regarding safety levels necessitates better regulation to prevent harm.

The orcas in Puget Sound are a significant tourist attraction but are currently facing endangerment. These orcas are studied as an indicator of the overall health of the sound due to their position as top predators, accumulating contaminants. The population of orcas has experienced a sharp decline, with seven local orcas dying within a year, leaving the current population at 86 and leading to their endangered status. The distressing trend of high levels of PCBs in younger whales is a cause for concern. PCBs absorbed from the mother's milk result in high mortality rates among young whales. Additionally, PCB contamination in marine mammals is linked to human health issues. The contamination of the food web by PCBs from the Duwamish River is a persistent problem due to the slow cleanup process. In 2001, the Duwamish River was declared a federal Superfund site. Boeing is facing challenges in identifying and addressing its legacy pollutants. Sean Blocker, a former marine, overlooks Boeing's legacy pollutants as the EPA's point man. Boeing and the EPA are engaged in a dispute over cleanup plans, leading to significant delays. Boeing and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are currently in disagreement regarding the responsibility for pollution. To address this issue, Boeing has invested a substantial amount of $80 million in testing and cleanups. This extensive endeavor involved over 500 sampling locations within their facility.

One particular point of contention for Boeing is their ongoing dispute with the city of Seattle regarding the responsibility for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that are flowing through a ditch and into the river. The company is hesitant to accept full responsibility for the pollution, which has significant implications for the safety of fishing for native tribes in the area. Among the native tribes, the Duwamish community, in particular, faces the highest risk due to their heavy consumption of fish from the river. It is crucial to clean up the river to ensure the safety of their food source. However, Boeing objects to the idea of restoring the river to a state where fish can be safely harvested. Furthermore, the residents of South Park are demanding a thorough cleanup of the contaminated areas. The presence of PCBs, cancer-causing chemicals that were banned in the 1970s, continues to have a profound emotional impact on the neighborhood. There are suspicions that Malarkey Asphalt, an abandoned industrial site, may have undiscovered hotspots of PCB contamination. It is essential to investigate and address this potential threat to the community's well-being. Despite these challenges, the South Park community has shown great determination and advocacy for clean water. Their efforts have been instrumental in protecting the water quality in the area. Individuals like B.J. Cummings have played a significant role in driving progress in this regard. It is important to recognize that stormwater runoff poses the most significant threat to our waterways. As it travels into water bodies, stormwater runoff picks up pollutants such as PCBs and toxic pesticides. These untreated toxins are then deposited into Puget Sound, with a staggering 150,000 pounds being introduced daily.

Controlling stormwater runoff requires careful consideration of land use policies. King County, which is predominantly covered in forests, serves as a political testing ground for implementing effective land use strategies to mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff on water quality. Ron Sims, the CEO, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at preserving forests and critical areas to protect water quality. The implementation of new ordinances has resulted in limitations on property rights. If not cleared, these ordinances restrict 65% of property usage. In response, affected landowners are forming alliances and advocating for their rights. The county ordinance is supported by both political and scientific analysis. The decision to implement this ordinance was prompted by a scientific analysis of runoff water flows. Sims enjoys strong political support from an overwhelming majority in King County. Uncontrolled growth and development have had a detrimental impact on the environment. Rapid urbanization has led to the depletion of forests and the presence of unhealthy water bodies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Political and business leaders have supported infrastructure development to facilitate growth, inadvertently contributing to environmental degradation.

Tysons, which heavily relies on automobiles, is grappling with severe environmental strain. The area is notorious for gridlock and heavy traffic, which is unsustainable. The extensive development and parking in Tysons have resulted in a proliferation of impermeable surfaces, causing significant environmental harm to the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. The development taking place in Tysons exemplifies the intersection of development and clean water on a national scale. The ecological consequences of development in the Tysons area are significant, as they negatively impact the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Local environmental leaders in Loudon have effectively utilized concerns regarding traffic, taxes, and quality of life to initiate a political campaign against developers. In Arlington, Virginia, smart growth practices are prominently showcased, transforming suburban living to resemble city living. Arlington's approach primarily revolves around constructing in proximity to Washington's mass transit system, resulting in high-density living and mixed-use development. The ongoing redevelopment of Tyson's Corner aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly and human-scale environment.

Business leaders are optimistic that the introduction of the metro's rapid rail will stimulate redevelopment and shift the focus towards mass transit. Advocates for the Chesapeake Bay eagerly embrace the opportunity to address stormwater systems, establish parks, and restore green areas. The issue of water pollution poses a looming threat, gradually depleting natural resources that are essential for our survival. It is imperative to prioritize the restoration of clean water, clean air, and land care for the sake of our future.