SPECIES AFFECTED: All recreational shellfish harvesting for all species of clams, oysters, and mussels.
Shrimp and crab are not included in this closure, but crabs should be cleaned prior to cooking, and the “crab butter” should be discarded. Shellfish harvested commercially that are available in stores and restaurants are tested for toxins prior to distribution, and are safe to eat.
The closure is due to the discharge of approximately 2 million gallons of fully-treated sewage and stormwater into Port Washington Narrows from the City of Bremerton treatment plant in East Bremerton. The discharge occurred between 9:20 p.m. Nov. 21 and 7:27 a.m. Nov. 22. This treatment plant is designed to operate during heavy rains.
Incoming tides carried the discharge from Port Washington Narrows into Dyes Inlet. Since some viruses can survive disinfection, the Health District and Washington State Department of Health have issued a seven day shellfish harvesting closure for all of Dyes Inlet.
There is no water contact advisory being issued. However to reduce risk of
illness, the public is always strongly encouraged to wash their hands after coming in
contact with any body of water.
Anyone planning to harvest or consume local, recreationally-harvested shellfish must first:
1) Check the safety status of shellfish harvesting:
