PORT TOWNSEND — Mats Mats Bay, listed as “threatened” by fecal coliform pollution, will be the subject of a three-year study to determine the sources of that pollution.

Jefferson County commissioners on Monday approved $56,314 from the county general fund as a 25 percent match to a $225,255 state Department of Ecology grant.

The study project has two goals:

•âÇThe first is to prevent the further downgrade of a threatened commercial shellfish growing area caused by non-point pollution, meaning pollution from an unknown source.

It will include drainage and marine water quality studies and a survey of about 150 property owners with septic systems within the Mats Mats watershed.

The effects of animal waste and other sources also will be studied.

•âÇThe second goal is to improve water quality by implementing management for on-site sewage systems and agricultural practices.

The project is expected to start in early 2009.

“I like to be ahead of the curve on these things and be more preventative than reactive,” Neil Harrington, county water quality manager with county Environmental Health, told the county commissioners before they unanimously agreed to approve the funding agreement.

In fall 2007, the commissioners established a clean water district, but did so without creating a funding mechanism after many residents voiced opposition against raising taxes.

The district, which encompasses all of East Jefferson County, is intended to protect water quality and tideland resources.

“This project is consistent with the clean water district,” Harrington said.

Mats Mats Bay has “consistently less than quality water,” he said.

The project will take steps to assure that septic systems and agricultural properties are not adversely affecting the marine resources of Mats Mats Bay, he said.

Failing on-site septic systems degrade marine water quality, and have the potential of negatively affecting commercial shellfish harvesting in Mats Mats Bay, Harrington said.

The ongoing effects also potential human health risks and adverse effects on recreational enjoyment, such as swimming, fishing, shellfish harvesting and enjoyment of the bay and surrounding waters.

As the result of extensive county study, state Department of Health officials in September upgraded the water quality status of the south end of Discovery Bay for commercial shellfish growing.

The southern foot of the shellfish-rich bay had for more than a year been classified as restricted because of elevated fecal coliform bacteria levels.

The county fenced off cattle-grazing pastures from Salmon and Snow creeks south of U.S. Highway 101, which led to improved water quality at the southern head of Discovery Bay.

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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.