Local governments also play a key role in controlling nonpoint 
source pollution. Some of these nonpoint sources of bacterial 
contamination include onsite septic systems, stormwater, marinas, animal 
keeping practices, and various other land use activities. 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
FDA provides technical shellfish protection assistance to the 
state. This includes consultation and technical assistance, an annual 
review of the state's shellfish program, training on shellfish-related 
issues and occasional help with shellfish sample collection. FDA also 
publishes monthly a list of all certified shellfish dealers (those whose 
growing areas and facilities meet bacterial standards and who are 
authorized to make interstate shipments) in the country. In addition, 
FDA occasionally samples commercial growing areas for toxic chemicals 
and/or fecal coliform bacteria. 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
As part of its Status and Trends Program, NOAA has initiated the 
sampling of toxic chemicals in blue mussels ( Myti1 us edulis ) from seven 
locations in Puget Sound. 
U.S. Coast Guard 
The Coast Guard is responsible for regulating the discharge of 
sewage from boats. However, due to limited staff, there are essentially 
no Coast Guard checks of Puget Sound boaters to ensure that boats are 
equipped with approved marine sanitations devices. 
Proposed Changes in Existing Shellfish Programs 
The Puget Sound Water Quality Authority (PSWQA), a recently formed 
(1985) Washington State agency, adopted a water quality management plan 
for the Sound in December, 1986, which will change the way several state 
agencies are carrying out their water quality and shellfish 
responsibilities. The PSWQA plan, goals, and agency program changes 
which involve shellfish, are discussed below. 
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