Healthy Bay.
Healthy Community.
Healthy Future.
Community Alert
The Darling International rendering plant in the Tacoma Tideflats, infamous for odor issues and safety concerns, plans to reopen after closure due to a fire in September 2022. We fear the detrimental impact on air quality and well-being particularly for those closest to the plant who are already facing health inequities. This facility’s proximity to the Northwest Detention Center presents an additional concern for health impacts to detainees.
With a history of environmental violations and safety risks, urgent community action is crucial to oppose the plant’s reopening including staying informed, spreading awareness, and actively participating in the upcoming lease renewal hearing. The community aims to send a powerful message that such practices are no longer acceptable in Tacoma, prioritizing health, environment, and safety.
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What We Do
Bay Patrol
As the only environmental organization with a patrol vessel in the South Sound, Communities for a Healthy Bay has a unique ability to quickly identify and tackle pollution that would otherwise go unnoticed or unchecked. Bay Patrol is supported by contracts with the City of Tacoma and works closely with the Department of Ecology, the United States Coast Guard, and other state & local agencies.
Superfund Cleanups
The very core of our work is mobilizing the community to push for the effective cleanup of toxic contamination in and around Commencement Bay. While there is no doubt the bay is cleaner today than ever before, there is still much work to be done.
Climate Change
Climate change isn’t just a fact, it’s the reality we are facing today. To stop it, we need to drastically reduce the amount of pollution we create. That’s why we’re working to place a temporary freeze on future fossil fuel facilities and expansions in the Tacoma Tideflats.
Education
To achieve a cleaner future, we’re working closely with local classrooms to empower the next generation of environmental stewards through youth education efforts like our Student Stewards Conservation Program.
News Updates
October 24, 2023
Rising Paralytic Shellfish Poison Levels Prompt Beach Closures in Pierce County
On September 21, 2023, the Washington State Department of Health issued the first beach closure in Pierce County due to high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP). PSP, a toxin produced by certain algae, can be harmful when consumed. Beach closures due...
October 24, 2023
‘We see this happen over and over:’ Burning of fishing boat on Commencement Bay raises concerns
TACOMA, Wash. — The burning of the Kodiak Enterprise has sparked concerns across Commencement Bay in Tacoma. The massive fishing vessel is owned by Trident Seafoods. Back in February of 2021, another Trident Seafoods-owned ship called the Aleutian Falcon caught fire while...
October 24, 2023
Community complaints grow over problematic fishing vessel in Tacoma’s Foss Waterway
TACOMA, Wash. — The Foss Waterway is a favorite location for Tacoma native Phyllis McElroy, who also works with the environmental watchdog Communities for a Healthy Bay. “I’ve seen the Foss Waterway go from a place where barnacles did not grow on boats...
