Bay Patrol

Today, Preserving PNW worked with Communities For a Healthy Bay to perform bay patrol out in the Puget Sound. We rode around the Foss Seaway Port and to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Along the way, we saw adorable seals poking their heads out of the ocean and stopped to see Salmon Beach. Fun Fact: Salmon Beach residents have to walk approximately 200 steps to carry groceries or furniture after leaving their house to do

errands.

Why is bay patrol important?

Having bay patrols in our community is crucial to keep order within the Puget Sound. It helps locate any dangers within the ocean including people in distress, spotting dangerous behavior that goes against ocean policies, oil spills, and outdated infrastructure. People on bay patrol act as law enforcers, search and rescue, and environmental protectors all at once.

The History Behind the Puget Sound's Stinky Aroma

Ever wonder why that every time you drive through Ruston Way, it smells like rotten eggs? Our captain of the bay patrol who also works at Communities For a Healthy Bay, Stephanie Stockwell, told us about the important history of the major pollutants of the Puget Sound who is behind that smell. One of the major pollutants were pulp and paper mill emissions. These emissions caused air pollution by using chemical compounds to break down wood chips into paper. That process released hazardous gases and sulfur compounds, which are responsible for the smell. Simpson Tacoma Kraft mill, the primary culprit of that same process, was just shut down in 2023.

Thank you, Communities For a Healthy Bay for giving us an opportunity to go on a bay patrol!