Maple Beach new site for water testing

For the first time, Maple Beach in Point Roberts has been selected for water quality tests; specifically, for fecal coliform pollution. In a collaboration with the county health department, the state department of ecology and the Surfrider Foundation, testing will take place every two weeks through Labor Day. Above, Western Washington University environmental science student Miles Mayer receives instruction from Eleanor Hines of the NW Straits chapter of the Surfrider Foundation on sampling methods. The form asks for information as to sampling location, approximate human, bird and dog counts, water depth and time. Right, Hines notates the samples which will be placed on ice and immediately taken to Bellingham for testing.

Photos by Pat Grubb