Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative

Final Report Ecology Grant Number G1400530

Figure 1. Plant-A-Thon Volunteers December 12, 2016

Evan Dobrowski

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Total Cost of Project: $267,196 Grant or Loan Amount: $200,397

Project Start Date: January 1, 2014 End Date: December 31, 2016

______& ______(AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY) DATE (PROJECT MANAGER) DATE Distribution List

Tammy Riddell Water Quality Program Washington State Department of Ecology PO Box 47775 Olympia, WA 98504-7775

Michael Dawson Jefferson County Environmental Health 615 Sheridan St Port Townsend, WA 98368

Page i Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 Contents Distribution List ...... 1 Overview Description of Project ...... 1 Fecal Coliform Bacteria ...... 1 Temperature ...... 2 Water Quality Standards ...... 5 Project Goals ...... 6 Project Location ...... 6 Outcome ...... 7 Task 1. Project Administration/Management...... 7 Task 2. Water Quality Sampling and Analysis ...... 7 Stream Monitoring ...... 8 Water Year 2014-2015 ...... 10 Water Year 2015-2016 ...... 22 Discussion ...... 29 Data Submission ...... 30 Task 3. Riparian Restoration ...... 30 Leland Creek Restoration Project ...... 30 Big Quilcene Sanitation ...... 31 Task 4. Public Outreach and Education...... 31 Evaluation ...... 31 Follow-Up ...... 32

Figure 1. Plant-A-Thon Volunteers ...... 1 Figure 2. Project Area Map ...... 4 Figure 3. Map of Spawning Grounds ...... 6 Figure 4, Salmonid Supplemental Spawning Criteria Map, WRIA 17 ...... 9 Figure 5, Big Quilcene 2015 Stream Flows ...... 10 Figure 6, BQU2.5 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 11 Figure 7, LQU0.1 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 12 Figure 8, LQU0.8 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 13 Figure 9, LQU1.7 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 14 Figure 10, TAR0.9 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 15 Figure 11, TAR2.0 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 15 Figure 12, TAR4.2 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 16 Figure 13, LEL0.7 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 17 Figure 14, DON0.2 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 18 Figure 15, DON1.8 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 19

Page ii Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016

Figure 16, HOW0.5 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 20 Figure 17, HOW1.9 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 21 Figure 18, RIP0.1 Temp 7DADMax 2015 ...... 22 Figure 19, LQU0.1 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 23 Figure 20, LQU0.8 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 24 Figure 21, LQU1.7 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 24 Figure 22, TAR0.9 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 25 Figure 23, TAR2.0 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 25 Figure 24, TAR4.2 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 26 Figure 25, LEL0.7 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 27 Figure 26, DON1.8 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 27 Figure 27, HOW0.5 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 28 Figure 28, HOW1.9 Temp 7DADMax 2016 ...... 29 Figure 29. Aerial photo of Leland Creek restoration area ...... 30

Table 1, 2012 EPA 303d Listed Waterbodies ...... 2 Table 2, Water Quality Standards ...... 5 Table 3, 2015 Temperature...... 10 Table 4, 2016 Temperature...... 22

Page iii Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 Overview Description of Project The Hood Canal Clean Stream Initiative is a program of the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Water Quality Division intended to monitor freshwater streams in the Quilcene area listed as impaired on the Environmental Protection Agency 303d list. Parameters monitored include temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and fecal coliform bacteria. Data generated from this project will help JCPH assess the current level of impairment for temperature and extend baseline data started under the Hood Canal Watershed Clean Water project in 2011 (Jefferson County Public Health, 2011). Stream reaches with known temperature exceedances and degraded riparian canopy were planted with native trees and shrubs. Once established, these plantings will help to shade streams and improve water quality and habitat for salmonids and other wildlife. The ultimate goal of the project was to remove impaired streams from the EPA 303d category 5 list through riparian restoration of 2.5 miles. Riparian buffers were planted along Tarboo and Leland creeks and their tributaries. The Hood Canal watershed is impacted by non-point source pollution. The primary water quality impact of concern in the project area is bacteriological pollution. Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria levels were monitored through a previous Hood Canal Clean Water Project (Ecology grant number G0800055) and were found at elevated levels at sites throughout the project area. In the course of other water quality projects, fecal bacteria have been found in surface waters throughout Eastern Jefferson County. Additional concerns leading to the Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative included high stream temperatures in sections of Big and Little Quilcene Rivers, Donovan, Howe, Leland, Ripley, and Tarboo Creeks listed in the 2012 Clean Water Act Section 303d list. Hood Canal supports commercial, recreational and subsistence fisheries, including shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels, shrimp and crab, and finfish such as salmon. The main concern addressed in the Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative was to plant riparian buffer strips to reduce temperatures for salmonids. Commercial shellfish growing areas downstream of the project area include Quilcene Bay and Dabob Bay. Health risks include exposure to pathogens from recreational activities such as swimming and from consumption of shellfish. Reconnaissance of sampling locations occurred through 2012 - 2014. The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was approved in November of 2014 and monitoring of streams began in December of 2014 and continued through October of 2016. The project was completed at the end of 2016. Fecal Coliform Bacteria Fecal coliform bacteria are a group of organisms used as indicators of sewage and manure contamination because they are often found in human and animal feces. Although many are not harmful, some fecal coliforms, such as certain strains of E. coli can cause disease in humans. They are also indicators to the possible presence of other pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa that live in human and animal digestive systems. When high levels of fecal coliform are present in a waterbody they indicate a risk to swimmers and boaters and may contaminate shellfish, making them unsafe to eat. Water quality standards for safe levels of fecal coliform in surface waters in Washington are set in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-201A. Hood Canal and water bodies entering it are required to meet the criteria for Extraordinary Primary Contact Recreation under WAC Chapter 173- 201A.

Page 1 Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 Temperature Seven rivers within the project area are listed in the 2012 EPA 303d list (Table 1, 2012 EPA 303d Listed Waterbodies). Thirteen Category 5 (impaired) listings for temperature are on these seven rivers (Figure 2. Project Area Map). Table 1, 2012 EPA 303d Listed Waterbodies

Listing Waterbody 2012 Waterbody Parameter WRIA ID Type Category 21943 BIG QUILCENE RIVER Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 21944 BIG QUILCENE RIVER Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 7673 DONOVAN CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 21951 HOWE CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 7675 LELAND CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 21949 LELAND CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 48700 LELAND CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 48701 LELAND CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 48702 LELAND CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow LITTLE QUILCENE 7676 Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow RIVER 21950 RIPLEY CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 7682 TARBOO CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow 7683 TARBOO CREEK Temperature River 5 17 - Quilcene-Snow

The Wild Fish Conservancy Northwest conducted a habitat assessment for Pacific Ecological Institute in order to prioritize restoration in the Little Quilcene River Basin (Pacific Ecological Institute, 2008). They specifically looked at the Little Quilcene River, Ripley Creek, Howe Creek, and Leland Creek sub-basins. They found these sub-basins to be fish bearing for both threatened and endangered species of salmon attempting to spawn and rear in the area. The assessment found habitat conditions to be poor to fair on the mainstem of Little Quilcene River and its tributaries. Some recommendations this report outlined were removal of bank armaments, riparian preservation and restoration through plantings, addition of large woody debris, and replacing or removing anthropogenic structures (Pacific Ecological Institute, 2008). These recommendations, if implemented, could significantly increase and preserve the natural function of these watersheds and allow salmon spawning to increase and supply greater habitat for rearing. The removal of bank armaments would allow for a natural flow in these sub-basins which would allow stream meandering and channel migration zones which increase salmon spawning habitat. Establishing a natural riparian buffer would reduce water temperatures and decrease nitrogen inputs while allowing the system to restore natural functionality by slowing down the release of precipitation and reducing fine sediment build up. By adding large woody debris, the river channel would immediately have shelter for spawning and rearing salmon populations which would reduce loss from predation. Also, the removal or replacement of anthropogenic barriers such as undersized culverts would allow fish passage into further areas of the sub-basins. The report Patterns of Summer Stream Temperature Maxima in North Hood Canal, WA (Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, 2001) studied a total of eighteen independent stream systems emptying into north Hood Canal. The study employed the use of continuous temperature loggers in order to track stream

Page 2 Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 temperatures within the dry season. Results of this study showed both Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek exceeded the WA state standards for temperature by more than 2˚C. Throughout the study Donovan Creek continued to show excessively high temperature in excess of standards and in ranges that could kill rearing salmonids. The Little Quilcene River and Tarboo Creek also continued to show high temperature readings throughout the study in ranges of 1 to 3˚C in excess of the state standards (Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, 2001). This study looked at both the 7-day average daily maximum temperature (7-DADMT) and the 21-day average daily temperature (21-DADT). Throughout the study Leland, Howe, and Donovan Creeks all exceeded both criteria showing that temperatures in these three creeks remain high throughout the dry season and are good candidates for riparian restoration efforts. By restoring the riparian area of these creeks, the temperatures would begin to show historically low temperatures and would become better habitat for rearing salmon, over time as the riparian buffer matures. These two studies show the need for restoration in the proposed project site. The 2.5 miles of restoration planting conducted during this project should cause a positive impact to salmon spawning and rearing abilities. When the plantings start to produce significant shade in 10-15 years, a reduction in stream temperatures and invasive species development, and an increase in large woody debris should occur.

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Figure 2. Project Area Map

Page 4 Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 Water Quality Standards Water quality standards are described in Chapter 173-201A of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Surface waters are protected based on designated uses and recreation. Freshwater streams in the project area are all designated for the highest level of protection: Extraordinary Primary Contact Recreation. The Big Quilcene River is identified in Table 602 (WAC 173-201A). All tributaries to Hood Canal, an extraordinary quality marine water body identified in Table 612, must also meet the Extraordinary Primary Contact Recreation standards for fecal coliform bacteria. This is a two-part standard with a requirement that the geometric mean value not exceed 50 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters of water (Table 2, Water Quality Standards). The second requirement is that no more than ten percent of samples exceed 100 cfu/100 mL. Tributaries to Hood Canal, including Leland Creek, are designated as Core Summer Salmonid and Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration Habitat for Aquatic Life Use. Therefore, between June 15 and September 15, stream dissolved oxygen should not fall below 9.5 milligrams per liter. Between September 16 and June 14 dissolved oxygen should not fall below 8.0 milligrams per liter. Temperature standards are guided by the same use designations as dissolved oxygen, except that some streams have been designated as waters requiring supplemental spawning and incubation protection for salmonid species (Ecology, 2011). These streams include the lower portion of Tarboo Creek, Leland Creek, and the Little and Big Quilcene rivers. For more information on the geographic extent of these designations, consult the map of WRIA 17 in Waters Requiring Supplemental Spawning and Incubation Protection for Salmonid Species (Ecology, 2011). These areas are further divided by date according to the chart below (Table 2, Water Quality Standards). Stream monitoring results will be compared against these state criteria. Table 2, Water Quality Standards

WA Freshwater Water Quality Criteria Project Area Use designation Parameter Criteria Date Waterbody Extraordinary Primary Contact Geomean ≤ 50 All Fecal coliform All year Recreation cfu/100 mL Extraordinary Primary Contact 90% samples ≤ 100 All Fecal coliform All year Recreation cfu/100 mL Dissolved 1-Day Min ≥ 9.5 6/15- All Core Summer Salmonid Habitat Oxygen mg/L 9/15 Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, Dissolved 1-Day Min ≥ 8.0 9/16- All and Migration Oxygen mg/L 6/14 Lower Tarboo, Leland, Supplemental Spawning and Temperature 7-DADMax 13°C 9/15-7/1 Little & Big Quilcene Incubation for Salmonids 6/15- All others Core Summer Salmonid Habitat Temperature 7-DADMax 16°C 9/15 Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, 9/16- All others Temperature 7-DADMax 17.5°C and Migration 6/14 All Core Summer Salmonid Habitat pH Range 6.5 – 8.5 All year Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, All pH Range 6.5 – 8.5 All year and Migration

Page 5 Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 Project Goals Grant funding was obtained from the Ecology Centennial Clean Water Fund under grant number G1400530 in January 2014 and work on the project began in early 2014. The primary goal of the project was to protect designated beneficial uses in the Hood Canal watershed from pollutants, in turn preventing further degradation of its shellfish and other natural resources. Project goals and desired outcomes listed in the grant agreement are: 1. Yearly reports demonstrating water quality trends (after project completion). 2. Correct documented sources of fecal contamination through a combination of enforcement of local on-site septic (OSS) and solid waste regulations and public education. 3. Plant 2.5 miles of stream bank with native vegetation. 4. Distribute a newsletter to landowners. 5. Develop a water quality database with a web-mapping portal. 6. Develop educational materials for workshops and informational meetings. Seventy-five percent of the total project cost was funded by Ecology through the Centennial Clean Water Fund. Matching funds of twenty-five percent were provided by JCPH through the Jefferson County Clean Water District. Project Location The Hood Canal watershed is the geographical area that drains the eastern Olympic Mountains and western Kitsap Peninsula into Hood Canal. The watershed lies within Jefferson, Mason and Kitsap counties. Seven catchments within the Hood Canal Watershed in the Quilcene vicinity form the project area for the Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative. The area contains the major river valleys of the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers and smaller streams such as Leland Creek, Ripley Creek, Howe Creek, Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek. The headwaters of the Big and Little Quilcene rivers lie in Olympic National Forest. The rest of the project area streams have headwaters in state and private lands. Residential and agricultural land use in the western half of the project area is concentrated around the town of Quilcene along the lower reaches of the Big and Little Quilcene rivers. The gentler topography of the eastern project area allows scattered residential land use to be present in uplands such as the areas around Tarboo Creek. However, the majority of the development in the east is still located along stream valleys such as Leland Creek, Donovan Creek and Tarboo Creek. Agriculture is limited to small livestock and vegetable farms of approximately 5 to 25 acres. Additional historic pasture lands are in various stages of cover from grass to shrubs and small trees. The total area of the project site is 33,000 acres. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) streams GIS layer indicates that 194 total river miles are located in the project area. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) streams layer identifies 78 river miles of Type F (fish habitat) and Type S (shoreline) streams in the project area. A total of 37 lakes and ponds are located in the area Figure 3. Map of Spawning Grounds

Page 6 Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 according to Ecology’s Waterbody layer. Of these, Lake Leland, Tarboo Lake, and Rice Lake have residential land use nearby or substantial recreational use. The City of Port Townsend draws its municipal water supply from the Quilcene River basin. The 2010 Census listed the population of the town of Quilcene at 596 and the Quilcene School District at 1,760. The project area is somewhat smaller than the Quilcene School District, but also includes a small portion of the Chimacum School District. Therefore, the project area population is estimated to be about 1,000. Commercial and recreational shellfish growing areas are located downstream of streams throughout the project area. The project area is home to threatened runs of salmon including chum and steelhead; species of concern include Coho. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife SalmonScape website (http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/salmonscape/) reports that 20 streams in the project area contain salmon runs listed as critical or depressed status. Outcome The scope of work for the project was organized into the following tasks: Task 1 – Project Administration/Management Task 2 – Water Quality Sampling and Analysis Task 3 – Riparian Restoration Task 4 – Public Outreach and Education The bulk of the project involved temperature monitoring and riparian restoration work with the goal of building on previous studies to develop riparian buffer strips to reduce temperatures within the project waterbodies and remove these waterbodies from Ecology’s 303d list. Results are summarized by task in the following pages. Task 1. Project Administration/Management JCPH was the grant administrator for this project. Financial management was done by JCPH financial department staff according to Administrative Requirements for Ecology Grants and Loans (Ecology publication 91-18, 2005). JCPH coordinated with other groups and agencies as needed. Task 2. Water Quality Sampling and Analysis Water quality monitoring consisted of stream monitoring by JCPH staff. Parameters monitored include temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and fecal coliform bacteria. JCPH also deployed continuous temperature data loggers in order to evaluate 7DAD-Max. Due to the record high temperatures of 2015, the temperature data collected cannot be used to remove any Ecology 303d listed streams. Statistical analysis of bacterial results typically show that they do not follow a normal distribution. Bacterial counts fluctuate by large amounts and concentrations can cover several orders of magnitude. For this reason, multiple samples are needed to get a clearer picture of conditions and results are analyzed by taking the geometric mean (geomean) of all the values obtained at a particular site. Geometric means are similar to arithmetic means but are on a logarithmic scale. Geometric mean value (GMV) is calculated by taking the nth root of the product of n sample results:

푛 Geometric Mean Value = √(푥1)(푥2) … (푥푛) Geomeans form the basis for part one of the state water quality standards Table 2. Water Quality Standards).

Page 7 Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 Stream Monitoring Stream Monitoring was completed by JCPH staff during water years 2014-2016. Samples were analyzed for fecal coliform during a wet and dry season. Sample locations were mostly within 2 miles of the mouth of the water body sampled; when access was available, a further upstream sample was taken. A total of 19 stations were monitored monthly throughout the project. HOBO Onset continuous temperature loggers were also used throughout this project to collect data during 2 dry seasons.

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Figure 4, Salmonid Supplemental Spawning Criteria Map, WRIA 17

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Water Year 2014-2015 During water year 2014-2015 a statewide drought was declared on May 15, 2015 due to high spring/summer temperatures and low precipitation. Due to these conditions stream flows were significantly reduced and stream temperatures were abnormally high. When comparing this year to an average year we can see low stream flows as seen in (Figure 5, Big Quilcene 2015 Stream Flows) below.

Figure 5, Big Quilcene 2015 Stream Flows

Table 3, 2015 Temperature

2015 Stream Station 7DADMax 9/15 – 7/1 6/15 – 9/15 Big Quilcene Fail Fail BQU/2.5 River Little Quilcene Fail Fail LQU/0.1 River Little Quilcene Fail Fail LQU/0.8 River

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Little Quilcene Fail Fail LQU/1.7 River Leland Creek LEL/0.7 Fail Fail Tarboo Creek TAR/0.9 Fail Fail Tarboo Creek TAR/2.0 Fail Fail Tarboo Creek TAR/4.2 Pass Fail

All temperature data loggers were deployed on 6/6.

BQU 2.5 Temp 7DADMax 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 6, BQU2.5 Temp 7DADMax 2015

The Big Quilcene River at mile 2.5 had a total of 61 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 36 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6/ to 7/11/. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 16.1°C to 18°C which is 5°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C. There were also exceedances from 7/15 to 7/21, 7/29 to 8/13, 8/16, and on 9/21.

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LQU0.1 Temp 7DADMax, °C 25

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 7, LQU0.1 Temp 7DADMax 2015

The Little Quilcene River at mile 0.1 had a total of 101 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 48 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 7/23. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 17.5°C to 19.6°C which is 6.6°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C. There were also exceedances from 7/26 to 8/29, 9/15 to 9/27, 10/9 to 10/12, and on 10/17.

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LQU0.8 Temp 7DADMax, °C 25

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 8, LQU0.8 Temp 7DADMax 2015

The Little Quilcene River at mile 0.8 had a total of 88 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 47 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 7/22. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 19.8°C to 21.2°C which is 8.2°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C. There were also exceedances from 7/28 to 8/27, 9/15 to 9/23, and on 10/17.

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LQU1.7 Temp 7DADMax, °C 20

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 9, LQU1.7 Temp 7DADMax 2015

The Little Quilcene River at mile 1.7 had a total of 39 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 34 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 7/9. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 15.6°C to 17.6°C which is 4.6°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C. There were also exceedances from 7/16 to 7/18, 7/31, and 8/1.

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TAR0.9 Temp 7DADMax, °C 25

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 10, TAR0.9 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Tarboo Creek at mile 0.9 had a total of 93 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 78 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 8/22. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 17.5°C to 19.7°C which is 6.7°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C. There were also exceedances from 8/29, 8/30, 9/16 to 9/24, 10/10 to 10/12, and 10/17.

TAR2.0 Temp 7DADMax, °C 25

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 11, TAR2.0 Temp 7DADMax 2015

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Tarboo Creek at mile 2.0 had a total of 82 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 48 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 7/23. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 17.2°C to 19.3°C which is 6.3°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C. There were also exceedances from 7/29 to 8/19, 9/15 to 9/23, 10/10, 10/11, and 10/17.

TAR4.2 Temp 7DADMax, °C 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 12, TAR4.2 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Tarboo Creek at mile 4.2 had a total of 26 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 26 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 7/1. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 13.8°C to 14.6°C which is 1.6°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C.

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LEL0.7 Temp 7DADMax, °C 25

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 13, LEL0.7 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Leland Creek at mile 0.7 had a total of 101 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 87 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 8/31. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 18.9°C to 20.8°C which is 7.8°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C. There were also exceedances from 9/15 to 9/24, 10/10 to 10/12, and on 10/17.

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Don 0.2 Temp 7DadMax 35

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 14, DON0.2 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Donovan Creek at mile 0.2 had a total of 109 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 106 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 9/19. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/30 to 7/6, when temperatures ranged from 29.1°C to 31°C which is 15°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C. There were also exceedances from 9/27 to 9/29.

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DON 1.8 Temp 7DADMax 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 6/6/2015 7/6/2015 8/6/2015 9/6/2015 10/6/2015

7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 15, DON1.8 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Donovan Creek at mile 1.8 had a total of 46 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 28 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/26 to 7/23. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/30 to 7/6, when temperatures ranged from 18.1°C to 18.5°C which is 2.5°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C. There were also exceedances from 7/31 to 8/17. The data logger at this sampling location was deployed in a shaded pool which did not dry up over the sampling period. However, Donovan creek at this sampling location was found dry during our monthly sampling on 9/3 and 10/6.

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HOW 0.5 Temp 7DADMax 35

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 16, HOW0.5 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Howe Creek at mile 0.5 had a total of 78 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 18 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/24 to 7/11. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/28 to 7/4, when temperatures ranged from 27.9°C to 30.8°C which is 14.8°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C. There were also exceedances from 7/28 to 8/26.

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HOW1.9 Temp 7DADMax 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 17, HOW1.9 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Howe Creek at mile 1.9 had a total of 39 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 48 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/6 to 7/23. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/30 to 7/6, when temperatures ranged from 18.2°C to 18.6°C which is 2.6°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C. There were also exceedances from 7/16 to7/20, 7/29 to 8/5, and 8/9 to 8/16.

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RIP0.1 Temp 7DADMax, °C 25

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7DADMax, °C Criteria

Figure 18, RIP0.1 Temp 7DADMax 2015

Ripley Creek at mile 0.1 had a total of 68 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 34 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 7/27 to 8/29. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/29 to 7/5, when temperatures ranged from 20.5°C to 21.3°C which is 5.3°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C. There were also exceedances from 6/16 to 6/18, 6/22 to 7/22. This sample location was found dry during our monthly sampling on 7/7, 8/4, 9/3, and 10/6.

Water Year 2015-2016 During the 2015-2016 water year JCPH staff deployed HOBO Onset continuous temperature loggers. This was due to the determination that the continuous temperature data from water year 2014-2015 was inconclusive due to having a drought year. The data collected during water year 2015-2016 depicts an average year of stream temperatures and shows a good representation of the streams monitored. This data was collected above the grant deliverables to obtain quantifiable data that does not depict drought conditions. Table 4, 2016 Temperature

2016 Stream Station 7DADMax 9/15 – 7/1 6/15 – 9/15 Little Quilcene Fail Fail LQU/0.1 River

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Little Quilcene Fail Fail LQU/0.8 River Little Quilcene Fail Fail LQU/1.7 River Leland Creek LEL/0.7 Fail Fail Tarboo Creek TAR/0.9 Fail Fail Tarboo Creek TAR/2.0 Fail Fail Tarboo Creek TAR/4.2 Pass Fail

LQU0.1 Temp 7DADMax 2016 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 19, LQU0.1 Temp 7DADMax 2016

The Little Quilcene River at mile 0.1 had a total of 60 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 20 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 8/10 to 8/29. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 8/14 to 8/18, when temperatures ranged from 18°C to 18.5°C which is 2.5°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C.

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LQU0.8 Temp 7DADMax 2016 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 20, LQU0.8 Temp 7DADMax 2016

The Little Quilcene River at mile 0.8 had a total of 40 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 17 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/25 to 7/11. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/28 to 6/30, when temperatures were around 1°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C.

LQU1.7 Temp 7DADMax 2016 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 21, LQU1.7 Temp 7DADMax 2016

The Little Quilcene River at mile 1.7 had a total of 10 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 5 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded

Page 24 Hood Canal Clean Streams Initiative Final Report G1400530 December 2016 the state criteria from 8/14 to 8/18. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 8/14 to 8/18, when temperatures were around .3°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C.

TAR0.9 Temp 7DADMax 2016 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 22, TAR0.9 Temp 7DADMax 2016

Tarboo Creek at mile 0.9 had a total of 75 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 45 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 7/14 to 8/27. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/26 to 7/1, when temperatures ranged from 15.9°C to 16.5°C which is 3.5°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C.

TAR2.0 Temp 7DADMax 2016 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 23, TAR2.0 Temp 7DADMax 2016

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Tarboo Creek at mile 2.0 had a total of 79 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 73 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/16 to 8/27. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/11, when temperatures ranged from 16°C to 16.5°C which is 3.5°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C.

TAR4.2 Temp 7DADMax 2016 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 24, TAR4.2 Temp 7DADMax 2016

Tarboo Creek at mile 4.2 had a total of 23 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 20 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/22 to 7/11. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 6/30, when temperatures ranged from 13.9°C to 14.2°C which is 1.2°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C.

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LEL0.7 Temp 7DADMax, 2016 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 25, LEL0.7 Temp 7DADMax 2016

Leland Creek at mile 0.7 had a total of 84 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMAX. A consecutive of 77 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 6/16 to 8/31. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 6/25 to 7/11, when temperatures ranged from 16°C to 17.3°C which is 4.3°C higher than the state criteria of 13°C.

DON1.8 7DADMax Temp 2016 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 26, DON1.8 Temp 7DADMax 2016

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Donovan Creek at mile 1.8 had a total of 28 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 17 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 8/11 to 8/27. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 8/14 to 8/19, when temperatures were around 1.3°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C.

HOW 0.5 Temp 7DADMax 2016 25

20

15

10

5

0

7DADMax, °C Exceedance, °C

Figure 27, HOW0.5 Temp 7DADMax 2016

Howe Creek at mile 0.5 had a total of 48 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 48 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 7/16 to 9/1. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 8/14 to 8/18, when temperatures ranged from 19.2°C to 19.6°C which is 3.6°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C.

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HOW 1.9 Temp 7DADMA 2016 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

(7-DADMax) °C Exceedance level; °C

Figure 28, HOW1.9 Temp 7DADMax 2016

Howe Creek at mile 1.9 had a total of 3 days which exceeded the state criteria for the 7DADMax. A consecutive of 3 days in a row was the longest amount of time this sample site exceeded the state criteria from 8/16 to 8/18. The highest temperature exceedances were recorded from 8/16 to 8/18, when temperatures were around 0.05°C higher than the state criteria of 16°C.

Discussion During the Hood Canal Clean Streams project JCPH staff deployed Onset HOBO temperature data loggers to conduct continuous temperature monitoring during the dry season. Throughout 2015 and 2016 a total of 14 data loggers were deployed. In 2015 one data logger was lost and in 2016 four data loggers were lost due to flood events. In 2015 extremely high stream temperatures were observed; every site with a data logger exceeded the state standard. The 2016 data shows stream temperature improvement; however, all sites still had exceedances throughout the summer. We are able to compare data from 10 sites (LQU0.1, LQU0.8, LQU1.7, TAR0.9, TAR2.0, TAR4.2, LEL0.7, DON1.8, HOW0.5, and HOW1.9). In 2015 the greatest number of consecutive day exceedance, total number of exceedance days, and highest temperature was recorded at DON0.2. In 2016 the greatest number of consecutive days exceedance and total number of exceedance days was at TAR2.0. The highest temperature was at HOW0.5. In 2015 high temperatures were generally in the 18°C and 19°C range with some sites spiking at 30°C. In 2016 high temperatures were generally around 16°C. Overall, 2015 temperature data was inconclusive due to the record high temperatures and drought throughout the year. The 2016 temperature data likely depicts an average water year, which still shows signs of temperatures above the state standard. This can be seen by comparing sites such as LQU1.7. In 2015 LQU1.7 had 39 days of exceeding the state standard, 34 of these were consecutive, with a high temp of 17.6°C. Compare this with 2016 data showing only 10 days of exceeding the state standard, 5 of these consecutive, with a high temp of 13.3°C.

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When comparing fecal bacteria levels from 2015 and 2016 we see a large spike in the levels from 2015 from June to August. This is likely due to the low precipitation and high temperatures which caused a drought year. In 2016 we see a spike in fecal bacteria levels in August. Overall we see 10 sites exceeding the 90th percentile state standard, however, we only see three sites exceeding the geomean state standard. Of these three sites CDR0.6 had the highest geomean result of 156 CFU/100mL. During the Hood Canal Watershed project JCPH partnered with Jefferson County Conservation District to implement best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural land in order to reduce bacterial levels. We will continue to monitor this location for bacteria in future projects.

Data Submission Freshwater data was submitted to Ecology’s Environmental Information Management System (EIM) and, once reviewed, will be publically available at www.ecy.wa.gov/eim. Task 3. Riparian Restoration

Leland Creek Restoration Project

Figure 29. Aerial photo of Leland Creek restoration area

In the 2008 Clean Water Act Section 303d list, sections of Leland Creek were listed due to high stream temperatures and low dissolved oxygen. The goal was to remove invasive weeds such as canary grass and install native trees in the degraded riparian area to begin the process of correcting low dissolved oxygen levels. Between 2014 and 2016, approximately 25,000 live stakes and 2,000 bare root trees and shrubs were planted at designated restoration sites. These riparian buffers were planted in order to develop habitat, reduce stream temperatures, and create a buffer associated with livestock areas.

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Riparian buffer will reduce stream temperatures over time and should reduce fecal bacteria by creating a buffer between livestock runoff and stream channels.

Big Quilcene Sanitation A public complaint in September 2011 drew attention to a human sanitation problem on the Big Quilcene River. Large numbers of recreational and commercial tribal fishermen had flocked to the banks of the river to fish for salmon, and the large concentration of people and a lack of sanitary facilities and trash containers in the area led to both sanitation and solid waste concerns. Washington State Department of Health concluded that a portion of the commercial shellfish growing area near the mouth of the river in Quilcene Bay should be closed until clean-up measures had been accomplished. Volunteers and county staff pitched in to do the clean-up, and subsequent water samples did not show elevated levels of E. coli. The state reopened the growing area soon after. From 2012 -2014 JCPH provided two sani-cans and a dumpster at Riverside Park. This work was continued in 2015, with funding provided by JCPH. With these units available at the main fishing area, there was a reduction in the number of complaints received and shellfish beds remained open. Water samples were taken weekly for E. coli. In 2016, one sani-can was provided at Riverside Park with a dumpster, and an additional sani-can was provided on the opposite side of the river at the end of Rodgers Street. JCPH staff monitored the fishing area weekly talking with fishermen regarding the previous sanitation issues and why keeping the area and water clean was important. A suggestion was made to install a permanent vault toilet at Riverside Park; however due to lack of resources for maintenance and upkeep of the vault toilet, along with its would-be location in a flood plain area of the Big Quilcene River, it was decided that less permanent, seasonal use sani-cans would be best. Task 4. Public Outreach and Education Public meetings were advertised and held at the Quilcene Community Center at project initiation and at project close to inform the public about the proposed project and results. These meetings included a slideshow, handouts, and question and answer sessions. JCPH sent newsletters to area homeowners with project information, data results and information about best management practices. Evaluation The effort of the Hood Canal Clean Streams Project in planting riparian buffers was successful. However, monitoring of these riparian buffers will be necessary in order for planting survival and identification of stream temperature reduction. Water quality monitoring established baseline data for streams that previously had not been monitored, and continued the compilation of data for other streams. Monitoring also identified areas of concern to help focus corrective action. Corrective actions took place on several residential properties via riparian plantings, while many more received assistance through outreach activities. Stream temperature data obtained throughout this project does not indicate improvements which would provide a basis for removal of any of the streams from the 303d listings described in this project. In 2015 we experienced record high temperatures and drought conditions which resulted in reduced stream flows and increased stream temperatures. This project will be followed up with continued stream monitoring to determine whether reductions in stream temperature are achieved as riparian plantings continue to grow. We predict that over 10 to 15 years, as these riparian plantings mature, we will see stream temperature reductions which will result in removal of some stream reaches from the

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303d list for high temperatures. These plantings should also reduce fecal bacteria by creating a buffer from agricultural runoff to the stream channels. Improvements for different water quality parameters can be measured in short-term and long-term gains. Bacterial contamination levels typically have large fluctuations due to weather and seasonal conditions. Warm temperatures aid bacteria survival and foster reproduction, while rain events cause levels to spike when accumulated loads are flushed into waterways. The spatial variability of these factors over the geographic extent of the watershed also adds complexity to the situation. In the short term, improvements in fecal coliform levels can be masked by variability due to these climatic factors. Reductions in non-point source pollution can be difficult to quantify at the level of individual land parcels, which is how grant tasks are generally performed. Corrections made to an individual septic system or livestock pen on one land parcel may or may not affect the closest available stream monitoring station. In general, a cumulative effect at the watershed level over the long-term will be the best test of pollution correction measures, and continued monitoring will need to be performed to assess performance on environmental outcomes. For continuation of improvement in water quality, the requirements for septic operations and monitoring inspections were explained to residents in classes and in surveys. JCPH will continue to enforce these requirements and assist homeowners in meeting them. Homeowner inspections are now an option in many cases, following work by a JCPH task force to design and implement the homeowner inspection program. Commercial and recreational uses and esthetic enjoyment of Hood Canal have been enhanced by this project. Residents have expressed how they appreciate this work and for some, their awareness of human and livestock effects on water quality has been raised another notch. Follow-Up Funding from the Clean Water District is used to support continuing work throughout the county. The long-term capacity for local organizations to monitor water quality still needs to be better established by a stable funding-source. Currently a regional multi-county pollution identification and correction program is working in the Hood Canal action area which is helping to focus and fund work in this area. Septic issues will continue to be monitored through regular functions of the JCPH septic team through permitting and enforcement activities. JCPH will maintain communication with DOH and Ecology on Hood Canal water quality issues and concerns. Much works remains to be done in the project area. Monthly stream monitoring in the Hood Canal area needs to be followed up with several years of additional monitoring to begin to be able to analyze whether stream water quality is improving or worsening. Funding was secured to perform monitoring in the Quilcene area through the Quilcene Dabob Pollution Identification and Control project (WQC-2016- JeCoPH-00039). However, additional funding will be needed to continue to monitor the area for stream temperature and bacterial pollution. Several potential sources of livestock manure near waterbodies still exist throughout the project area. The Jefferson county Conservation District (JCCD) will need to periodically update the agricultural survey to assess these potential sources and continue to offer services to landowners. Follow-up assessment of the planting on the stream re-meander site of Cemetery Drain in Quilcene will be performed by JCCD under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Leland Creek restoration sites will continue to be monitored for riparian planting success, as will portions of the Tarboo Creek valley. A proposal has been made for the coordinated planning of a large-scale floodplain restoration project on the Big Quilcene River, but the funding source is undetermined.

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