South Sound Patrol
Clean Water Advocacy
At CHB, we believe that a healthy bay starts with vigilance. Pollution, industrial runoff, and legacy contamination continue to threaten Commencement Bay and South Puget Sound, and without active oversight, these issues go unchecked.
That’s why CHB’s South Sound Patrol Program is the only one of its kind in the region—a boat-based initiative that monitors water quality, investigates pollution threats, and ensures industrial compliance. Our patrols bridge the gap between regulatory agencies and real-time environmental enforcement, keeping a watchful eye on our waters and advocating for stronger protections.
Why We Patrol
For over a century, Commencement Bay has been an industrial hub, leading to significant pollution. While cleanup efforts have made progress, ongoing threats from industrial runoff, oil spills, and stormwater pollution continue to harm water quality, marine life, and public health.
Our South Sound Patrol Program serves as the region’s frontline defense, ensuring that pollution is:
- Identified and documented
- Reported to regulatory agencies
- Tracked for enforcement action
Each year, we conduct over 100 patrols, covering the waters from North Vashon Island to Nisqually Reach. Our Public Patrol Program brings community members, students, and stakeholders onto the water, providing a first-hand look at the challenges facing Commencement Bay. This outreach inspires action and fosters environmental stewardship, empowering the public to advocate for stronger protections.
Our Goals and Impact
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One of our primary goals is to detect and prevent pollution by conducting regular waterway patrols and tracking sources of contamination. During each patrol, CHB documents water conditions, records pollution observations, and collects debris when possible. We work closely with the Department of Ecology, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local regulators to ensure that environmental violations are reported and addressed. By providing real-time monitoring and reporting, we hold polluters accountable and advocate for stronger water quality protections.
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Many industrial facilities discharge polluted stormwater and toxic chemicals into Puget Sound. CHB actively monitors these facilities, reviewing their Clean Water Act permits and tracking violations. When necessary, we work with agencies to push for stronger permit conditions, infrastructure upgrades, and penalties for repeat offenders. By reviewing new permit applications and monitoring permit renewals, we advocate for policies that prevent future pollution and hold industries to higher environmental standards.
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Public involvement is at the heart of our patrol program. Through our Public Patrols, we offer ride-along opportunities for community members, students, and local organizations. These patrols provide a first-hand education on legacy pollution, ongoing industrial activities, and environmental stewardship practices. By engaging the public, we inspire long-term community advocacy for clean water and equip residents with the tools to identify and report pollution themselves.
Want to experience environmental protection in action? Join CHB on a South Sound Patrol and learn how we monitor pollution, document violations, and advocate for clean water.
Request to Join a Patrol -
When regulatory agencies fail to act, CHB is prepared to pursue legal avenues to enforce clean water laws. We utilize Clean Water Act citizen lawsuits and other legal strategies to hold industries accountable for ongoing pollution. By advocating for meaningful enforcement and policy changes, we work to strengthen environmental laws and ensure clean water protections for future generations.
Learn more about our Legal Actions
Report Pollution
If you see something, let us know! We can’t be everywhere at once so if you see oil slicks, chemical spills, or pollution in Commencement Bay or South Puget Sound, report it to us as quickly as you can. And remember, photos always help!