Water Pollution - Threats to Indian Island Water

Historical land uses of Indian Island have produced conditions that currently pose significant potential risks to the Tribe’s water resources on the Island.

Following the massacre of 1860, the subsequent owner of the Island was determined to expand the acreage of his property, which he used to raise vegetables and prime dairy cattle, by building a series of dikes. By the end of the 19^th century, the installation of dikes and channels had changed much of the appearance and hydrology of Indian Island. The result has been an overall increase in the size of the Island, compromised by incidental tidal erosion effects that have significantly damaged the shell mound, the historic site of Tuluwat Village. Between 1913 and 1985, it is estimated that 100 feet of shell mound, amounting to 2,000 cubic yards, had eroded. Temporary control measures have been installed and maintained since 1999 to slow the erosion process; the Tribe plans on installing permanent erosion control measures by 2006.

In 1870, a marine ways and dry dock were built on the site now owned by the Tribe, and remained in use until 1990. With over a century of industrial history use, the Tribe’s land on Indian Island lends itself to several potential environmental concerns. Hazardous materials, consisting of paints, solvents, metals, petroleum products, pesticides, and various other chemicals used in ship maintenance and repair, were used on the site. An initial environmental cleanup of the Tribe’s land on Indian Island removed approximately 1,300 pounds of identifiable hazardous wastes. Groundwater and soil contamination due to historical industrial uses of the Tribe’s land on Indian Island may contribute to surface water contamination via runoff or groundwater discharges into the bay.

There are also off-site stressors that threaten water quality at the Island. Humboldt Bay is on the “Watch List” of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) for potential impairment due to sediment and PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls).

Watersheds that drain into the bay can contribute surface water pollution. There are three watersheds that flow into Humboldt Bay that have CWA 303(d) listed segments: Jacoby Creek, for sedimentation, and Elk River and Freshwater Creek, for sedimentation and siltation.

Agricultural uses in the Humboldt Bay watershed include permanent pasture, confined animal facilities, commercial-scale flower and bulb farms, and grazing. These activities may result in erosion and runoff, producing discharges of sediment, nutrients, bacteria, and pesticides. Bacteria-laden runoff has been identified as the primary agriculturally related discharge in the Humboldt Bay watershed.

Additionally, forestry activities in the watershed include timber harvesting, road construction, and herbicide application. Urban runoff is affected by past and current land uses which range from thousands of individual households and small businesses to several wood-product factories, each with actual or potential discharges of pollutants via stormwater runoff. In addition, there are several sites around the bay where past spills and leaks have contaminated groundwater which discharges to the bay.

View of Tribe’s lot on Indian Island, from Hwy 255 looking northeast.

Water pollution Control Program

Background Tribe's Water Resources The Old Reservation

Threats to the Old Reservation Table Bluff Reservation Treats to TBR Water

Indian Island Threats to Indian Island Water Water Monitoring

Indian Island Cultural & Environmental Project

Environmental Department | Social Services