Port of Olympia Blog
At the Port of Olympia, establishing environmentally responsible and sustainable practices is a priority. From improving our stormwater treatment program and supporting the cleanup of Budd Inlet to accelerating climate action and continuing to advance our Green Marine initiatives, environmental stewardship is integrated into all that we do, every day. This year during Earth Week, we are excited to share recent updates on some of the projects we are working on to protect and improve the environment year-round.
Stormwater Management in Spring and Summer
Stormwater comes from rain and it’s wet. Oh, and dirty.
As rain flows over surfaces like rooftops, parking lots and roads, it picks up pollutants such as oil, gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, trash and pet waste. That’s why federal and state water quality laws require a permit to discharge into the Puget Sound. Our environmental team and port staff work year-round to ensure our stormwater management program is exceeding what is required as part of the Clean Water Act to ensure Budd Inlet is a safe and healthy marine ecosystem.
In a few months, the Port will begin its summer stormwater maintenance activities, including pond dredging, pump maintenance and catch basin cleaning. During the summer season, we also assess our stormwater infrastructure to identify maintenance needs and ensure the continued integrity and functionality of our systems. For now, we are focused on keeping our discharges clean during the spring rains while preparing to ramp up maintenance work as we approach the end of the wet season.
Learn more about our Stormwater Management Program.
Budd Inlet Sediment Sampling Update
Scottish Poet Robert Burns warned, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” We had intended to start sediment sampling in the north end of Budd Inlet (Sub-Area 3) in April but, as those with keen eyes can confirm, our boat has not yet made it out to collect any mud. But fear not! The work has only been pushed back about a month, and we have every intention of being on the water in mid to late May. Sample results have been received for West Bay (Sub-Area 2), and we hope to have a Sediment Chemistry Report by June. That will give us a full picture of the depth and breadth of contamination and inform the cleanup options.
Learn more about the Budd Inlet Cleanup.
Advancing Climate Action
The Port of Olympia recognizes that climate change presents significant operational, environmental, and economic challenges to our lines of business and the communities we serve. The Port is committed to sustainable and resilient operations and land management. Anticipating and preparing for potential environmental and economic impacts from climate change is a priority for the Port. In response, the Port is drafting a Climate Change Policy to ensure that through thoughtful planning, strategic investment and regional collaboration, we will reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future. The policy will include a Sustainability Action Plan and Strategy outlining specific action the Port will take to support its goals. Drafts of both have been presented to the Commission and with their feedback, we aim to have finalize the policy for approval this year.
Learn more about Port of Olympia’s climate action.
Protecting Whales Through Green Marine
Green Marine requires its voluntary participants to adopt practices that have a direct impact on the environmental footprint of their operations. Each year, the Port of Olympia strives to meet or exceed requirements in each Green Marine performance measure. This year, the Port aims to advance its performance in the underwater noise category.
Endangered whales and working vessels share the same waters in Washington. Noise from humans, such as shipping and recreational vessels, may cause significant harm 
to whales and other marine animals and their ability to communicate, navigate and forage. When shipmasters and pilots know that whales are nearby, they can slow down or alter course to reduce the risk of collision and disturbance.
The Port of Olympia encourages both the public and professional mariners to download WhaleAlert. This free app provides notifications when you are near a verified whale sighting. You can also help others avoid whales by reporting sightings through the app.
Download the WhaleAlert App.
Oyster Shells Testing with Pacific Shellfish Institute
The Port is continuing to partner with Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI) to test using recycled oyster shells as a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to clean pollution, such as heavy metals from stormwater, before it flows into Budd Inlet. The testing will evaluate whether oyster shell treatment can reduce chemicals of concern by measuring levels before and after treatment.
Pre-treatment data were collected on April 1 to establish baseline stormwater conditions before introducing oyster shells as a treatment. Prior to the next suitable spring rain event, PSI will place recycled oyster shells in the Port’s stormwater system to see if the shells help reduce pollution levels before it discharges into Budd Inlet.
As part of PSI’s recently awarded Rose Foundation Grant, the Port will support pilot work, including spring and fall mobilization and sampling. More updates will be shared once deployment occurs and additional sampling is completed during the next rainfall.
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