The Big Picture:

 Our pollution-reporting activities are motivated by two factors.

1. Government and enforcement agencies are often understaffed and underfunded, and citizen volunteers can help leverage the resources committed to pollution prevention and enforcement.

2. Also, these agencies need community oversight to maintain a rigorous policy of enforcement of the law.

While on Patrol, we look for unusual discharges from stormwater pipes and Combined Sewer Overflows.

Staff and volunteers also check for the use of Best Management Practices by shoreline businesses. For example:

• shipyards must use tarps while painting
  
• businesses must take measures to prevent runoff of oil and other hazardous materials into the Sound.

Wildlife is also observed and noted, such as raptor sightings, nest sightings, dead fish or other dead wildlife.

When oil, fuel, or diesel sheens are sighted, or when businesses are seen violating Best Management Practices, these violations are reported to the Department of Ecology, US Coast Guard, Department of Fish & Wildlife, etc.

Through active monitoring, and with the help of volunteer and citizen reports, the Soundkeeper identifies potential pollution problems within the Puget Sound basin.

Resolution of pollution problems is sought through negotiation and, if necessary, legal action to defend the health of Puget Sound.

If you want to find out about our most recent Patrols, please visit our Patrol Update page.

SPILL REPORTING- 24 HOUR NUMBERS

Be prepared to provide the following information: reporting party, contact phone #, material, concentration, quantity, location, company name, resource damage and clean-up status.

 Puget Soundkeeper Alliance Pollution Hotline

1-800-42-PUGET

Number may not be monitored on weekends

OIL SPlLLS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES

WA Department of Ecology - Pollution Reports

Northwest (King to Whatcom Counties & Kitsap to San Juan)

(425) 649-7229

Southwest (Pierce to Thurston & Olympic Peninsula)

(360) 407-6300

National Response Center (NRC): 1-800 424-8802

 Coast Guard: (206) 217-6232

ALL SPILLS

WA Department of Ecology- Pollution Reports

Northwest (King to Whatcom Counties & Kitsap to San Juan):

(425) 649-7229

Southwest (Pierce to Thurston and Olympic Peninsula)

(360) 407-6300

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Marine Mammal Strandings: 1-800-853-1964

Whale Sightings: 1-800-562-8832