Humboldt Baykeeper - Humboldt Baykeeper

Earth Day Paddle & Cleanup with the Wiyot Tribe, Sat. April 20, 2019

In celebration of Earth Day 2019, Humboldt Baykeeper will host the biannual Indian Island kayak paddle and cleanup on Saturday, April 20. Thanks to the California Coastal Conservancy, it’s FREE – kayaks, gear, and guides provided – but RSVP is required, and space is limited.

Humboldt Baykeeper Statement Regarding Nordic AquaFarms’ Samoa Project

The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, & Conservation District voted unanimously to approve a $20,000/year, 3-year “Option Period” for the company to secure all the necessary permits, and a 30-year lease agreement with two 10-year options for its former pulp mill site in Samoa, giving Nordic AquaFarms / California Marine Investments, LLC site control while it develops plans and pursues permits for a land-based fish farm. A signing ceremony was scheduled immediately following the public hearing at 1:30 pm.

Despite assurances that their goal is "full disclosure," the Harbor District did not provide the lease agreement in advance of Monday's public hearing, which was announced Friday afternoon, unnecessarily creating a climate of distrust rather than an opportunity for meaningful public input.

Photo of the site by Jennifer Savage, 2014

Renewed Threat from Contaminated Former Lumber Mill near Mad River

In December, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control issued a stunning announcement: the concrete cap at the former McNamara & Peepe lumber mill in Glendale has failed to contain groundwater contaminated with the highly toxic wood preservative pentachlorophenol. The 1998 Remedial Action Plan has been rescinded, and the agency will now develop a new plan to remediate and/or control the contamination.

Upcoming Meetings to discuss the Countywide Rezoning & Community Planning

Humboldt County is considering rezoning hundreds of thousands of acres outside the Coastal Zone to implement the 2017 General Plan.

A series of public workshops to discuss these proposed changes will be held in the coming weeks. Read on for dates and locations:

Baykeeper Appeals Permit for Big Lagoon Asphalt Plant

In November, Humboldt Baykeeper filed an appeal to the California Coastal Commission of Mercer Fraser's asphalt plant at Big Lagoon. Mercer-Fraser Co. has waived the deadline for the appeal hearing. We will keep you informed of next steps.

Photo: Asphalt plant east of Big Lagoon operating under a temporary permit in 2017.

State Issues Humboldt Bay Fish Advisory using Baykeeper's Mercury Data

In October, the State of California issued an official fish advisory for Humboldt Bay using data from Humboldt Baykeeper's recent study of mercury in fish and shellfish. The advisory addresses eight species of fish, some of which are safe to eat up to seven times a week.

Only leopard shark is listed as unsafe to consume in any amount.

Mercury Levels in Humboldt Bay Fish and Shellfish

UPDATED! Humboldt Baykeeper has been testing mercury levels in local fish since July 2016 with funding from the California Environmental Protection Agency. We’ve found that most local fish are safe to eat in moderation—with a few exceptions.