Building a Sustainable Business Network

in the San Juans

San Juan County’s economy and quality of life depends on keeping the environment healthy and beautiful.  Business owners and contractors are in key positions to protect this investment by running their businesses in a way that preserves the natural, cultural and economic resources on which we depend. 

The Marine Resources Committee is helping to jump start a sustainable business program in the San Juan Islands over the next 18 months.  A Department of Ecology grant enabled San Juan County to hire Brian Rader, a Pollution Prevention Specialist who will educate business owners about how to reduce pollution and runoff. Because of its rocky terrain and thin soils, much of San Juan County is moderately or highly susceptible to groundwater pollution.  Simple housekeeping practices can do much to protect drinking water supplies from becoming polluted.

Brian will also provide technical assistance to contractors to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion from construction sites.  Stormwater runoff is one of the largest threats to Puget Sound.  Better management of runoff helps protect wetlands, streams, eelgrass beds and other valuable habitat from harm.

The grant also allows the MRC to hire a contractor to import and adapt EnviroStars, a program in the Puget Sound region which certifies and showcases businesses that meet high standards for pollution prevention.  Marinas, boatyards, landscapers, nurseries, golf courses and building contractors will be eligible for certification.  The program will build consumer demand by educating residents and tourists about sustainable goods and services available in the San Juans. The Surfrider Foundation is also donating funds to build the business program.

To green up construction practices, the Puget Sound Partnership will pay for a consultant to help San Juan County Community Development and Planning add low impact development (LID) into its stormwater and development regulations.  LID is a set of development methods which uses native plants and good soils to help stormwater evaporate or soak into the ground rather than run off the surface.  The Ecology grant will fund LID training for building professionals and county staff.  LID recharges groundwater supplies, which is an added bonus in the San Juans where maintaining sustainable drinking water supplies for the future is becoming challenging in some areas.

For more information about these programs, contact Mary Knackstedt at maryk@co.san-juan.wa.us, 360-370-7592.