b'verted to plug-in electric-hybrid propulsion with chargingheavy metals, and other toxic substances and often flows connections at terminals. These vessels are scheduled foruntreated into waterways, posing a severe threat to aquatic completion in 2025 and there are plans to build new Hy- life. Stormwater runoff is of particular concern to the region brid Electric Olympic Class vessels. WSF is also actively ex- where WSF operates as it has been linked to salmon mor-ploring the use of biofuels, particularly renewable diesel, astality, which in turn affects orcas, and has a huge negative a steppingstone to zero emissions. Beyond the vessels in theimpact on the culture and economy of the state.water, there are plans to create an electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the WSF system.Some of the measures that WSF is implementing to address this issue can be seen in recent work done at the Seattle and WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE Mukilteoterminals.Theselocationsnowhavepervious While the focus is often on greenhouse gas emissions andpavement, vegetated filter strips, and proprietary bioreten-other air pollution, pollutants in the water are also a majortion units, all of which help water to flow through natural concern. Rain that falls on impervious surfaces such as park- filters of soils and plants before entering waterways.ing lots, roadways, sidewalks, or rooftops and flows into nat-ural bodies of water is referred to as stormwater runoff. ThisA large number of personnel at WSF are tasked with storm-watercarrieschemicals,petroleumproducts,pathogens,water inspections at terminals to ensure that all the best According to theWashington StateDepartment of Ecology, close to $2 billion inrevenue and approximately 45,000 direct and indirect jobs are generated annually by these industries.With such high stakes for the region, drasticallyreducing greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions PHOTO: WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES is extremely important.23 APRIL 2024'