What are the health risks associated with failing on-site sewage systems in the marine environment; after all, it is not like I am drinking the water?
When poorly treated sewage from failing septic systems is discharged into marine water shellfish may become contaminated and be unsafe to eat. As you may be aware, shellfish harvesting is not allowed in the “prohibited” portions of Quartermaster Harbor and “unclassified” portions of the East Passage on Vashon-Maury Island. Fecal coliform bacteria contamination is the primary concern in the “prohibited” and “unclassified” shellfish harvest areas. An OSS that is not working properly can be a major contributor of fecal coliform bacteria and other infectious bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals. Untreated sewage from failed septic systems or sewage discharged directly into the environment can also percolate into groundwater, not only contaminating drinking-water wells with pathogens but indirectly contaminating streams and marine water. The discharge of untreated sewage to streams and marine waters can spread disease through direct contact, making such waters unfit for forms of
