http://www.healthybay.org https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifier/Add?chamber=Senate&mId=32889&aId=164979&caId=26187&tId=3 SUPPORT TRANSPARENCY & CLEAN WATER IN WASHINGTON: SIGN IN PRO FOR SENATE BILL 5450 TODAY BEFORE 1:30PM Every year, hundreds of sewage overflows and spills across the state go unreported to the public. Communities often learn about these active public health threats when they find vital fishing areas or beaches abruptly closed. Right now, the public has no easy way to find out when sewage spills occur. While wastewater facilities are required to report spills to Ecology, that information can get buried in complex databases or require a public records request to access. SB 5450 would direct Ecology to create a sewage spill notification system and public records portal, helping residents make informed decisions about their safety. At least 10 other states—including South Carolina, Connecticut, and Massachusetts—already have this type of right-to-know law. It’s time for Washington to catch up! * SIGN IN PRO HERE (https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifier/Add?chamber=Senate&mId=32889&aId=164979&caId=26187&tId=3) before February 26 @1:30 PM * Watch the Live Hearing (https://tvw.org/video/senate-ways-means-2025021445/?eventID=2025021445) - February 26 @ 1:30 PM * Read the Full Bill Report (https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5450%20SBA%20WM%2025.pdf?q=20250225134423) How SB 5450 Improves Transparency * A Public Sewage Spill Database – Ecology will create an easy-to-use, public website listing all reported sewage spills, including details on location, severity, and response efforts. + Annual Reports – Starting in March 2026, an annual list of all reported sewage spills will be made publicly available to track pollution trends and accountability. + Timely Updates– By July 1, 2026, Washingtonians will no longer have to dig through complicated databases to find sewage spill information. Instead, Ecology will provide real-time updates on spills in a centralized, easy-to-access location. + A Statewide Notification System – By July 1, 2027, residents will be able to sign up for alerts when sewage spills happen nearby. https://www.healthybay.org/policy-update-shore-power/ NEW ARRIVAL IN PUGET SOUND BRINGS HOPE FOR ORCAS Exciting news for Puget Sound—J pod has a new baby girl! On February 8, researchers officially confirmed the birth of J-62, a female calf first spotted on New Year's Eve near the San Juan Islands. This little one is a member of the critically endangered Southern Resident orcas, making her arrival a beacon of hope for the struggling population. J-62 has been seen energetically rolling and playing alongside her mother, J41, and other members of the J19 family group. Unlike some recent high-profile orca births—such as those from Tahlequah, the mother known worldwide for her heartbreaking mourning display—this calf comes from a different lineage within the pod, adding diversity to the population’s future. If you notice her peachy-orange coloring, that’s due to her newborn blubber still developing. As she nurses and grows, her markings will darken to the familiar black-and-white patterns of her pod. Early observations suggest she’s thriving, staying close to her family in the safety of their social bonds. While each new birth is a cause for celebration, the challenges facing these orcas remain daunting—from dwindling salmon populations to pollution and boat disturbances. Protecting their future means taking action today to ensure they have the healthy waters and abundant food they need to survive. HELP KEEP US IN THE KNOW Stay Informed & Report Concerns You play a vital role in protecting our waterways. If you observe dirty or oily water or discharge from a vessel, report it to CHB. And remember, photos always help! Call: 253-383-2429 (ext. 0) Email: baypatrol@healthybay.org (mailto:baypatrol@healthybay.org?subject=Incident%20Report&body=) CHEERS TO A HEALTHY BAY TICKETS COMING SOON Get ready to dive into an unforgettable evening! Our annual Cheers to a Healthy Bay auction and fundraiser is coming up, and you won’t want to miss it. Early bird tickets go on sale March 14, so mark your calendars and grab your seats at a special discounted price before they’re gone! 📅 Event Date: Friday, May 16 📍 Location: Foss Waterway Seaport 🎟 Early Bird Tickets: Available starting March 14 This year’s event will make a splash with a fun underwater theme and an incredible selection of auction items, from one-of-a-kind experiences to must-have local treasures. Come celebrate with us, connect with fellow supporters, and raise a glass to protecting the South Sound’s waters! Want to take your impact even further? We’re looking for sponsors to help make this event a success! For sponsorship opportunities, contact Katy Stone at . Don’t let this early bird deal swim away—secure your spot starting March 14! Stay tuned for ticket details on our website. https://www.healthybay.org JOIN US IN CELEBRATION OF CLEAN WATER & GREAT BEER We’re excited to continue our partnership with Silver City Brewery to bring you "Gose with the Flow," a special collaboration beer celebrating the importance of clean water. Clean water is essential for our health, environment, and, of course, brewing great beer! Join us at these upcoming events to raise a glass, increase awareness, and support conservation efforts: Saturday, March 1 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Les Davis Pier BEACH CLEANUP Help keep our shores clean! Grab a bucket, some gloves, and a group of friends to protect our waterways from pollution. Supplies provided in this partnership with South Sound Surfrider! Tuesday, March 4 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Pint Defiance SAVE THE BAY BINGO Bingo, beers, and a better Bay—what’s not to love? Join us at Pint Defiance for Save the Bay Bingo, where every sip and every score helps protect our waterways. Saturday, March 1 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Peaks and Pints BEER RELEASE PARTY Join us for the first official pours of our collaboration beer! Enjoy a pint, meet the CHB team, and learn how you can support clean water initiatives—all while celebrating with great company. Wednesday, March 5 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Red Hot TAP INTO TRIVIA Test your knowledge at a special trivia night all about marine life, local waterways, and clean water. Grab a team, sip our collaboration beer, and put your skills to the test! Monday, March 3 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM Fish Peddler SHUCK & SIP Fresh oysters + cold beer = the perfect way to support local waters! Come out for a relaxed, extended happy hour event in support of clean water projects in our community. Thursday, March 6 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Caskcades PINBALL FOR THE BAY Flip, tilt, and drain for a cause! Whether you're a pinball wizard or just here for the beer, don’t miss this electrifying tournament in support of clean water in the South Sound. La Resistencia is a grassroots organization leading the fight to end immigrant detention and deportations in Washington State. Rooted in the experiences of undocumented immigrants and people of color, they are at the forefront of challenging the injustices of detention centers—which disproportionately harm Black and brown communities. Their work highlights not only the human rights violations within the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma but also the environmental racism and inequities that make these facilities dangerous for both detainees and the surrounding communities. For years, NWDC has faced scrutiny for its toxic environmental impact, located in Tacoma’s industrial corridor near already overburdened communities. From air and water pollution to hazardous waste concerns, this for-profit detention center exemplifies how marginalized communities—particularly immigrants and communities of color—are forced to bear the brunt of environmental harm. Learn More: Visit La Resistencia’s website (https://laresistencianw.org/) to explore their ongoing campaigns and the connections between immigrant justice and environmental equity. Support the Cause: Donate or volunteer to help sustain La Resistencia’s critical work. By standing with La Resistencia, you’re not just fighting for immigrant rights, you’re fighting for environmental justice, racial equity, and a future free from harmful practices. Let’s work together to build a healthier, more just community for all. Our work to protect the South Sound’s waterways, wildlife, and communities is only possible with supporters like you. Whether it’s advocating for stronger protections, taking legal actions, or advancing awareness, your donation helps fuel real change. HELP PROECT THE PLACE WE CALL HOME. DONATE NOW. (https://www.healthybay.org/donate) Copyright (C) 2024 Communities for a Healthy Bay. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in the Communities for a Healthy Bay mailing list. Communities for a Healthy Bay 535 Dock Street, Suite 213 update your preferences (https://healthybay.us6.list-manage.com/profile?u=3d9cdf2578d5256cea2179daf&id=d04c273c40&e=cd6b87b856&c=d7cc37fd7d) or unsubscribe (https://healthybay.us6.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=3d9cdf2578d5256cea2179daf&id=d04c273c40&t=b&e=cd6b87b856&c=d7cc37fd7d) https://www.healthybay.org View email in browser (https://mailchi.mp/healthybay/sound-status-update-june-edition-9beoszqsk8-1405326?e=cd6b87b856)