File:Keller et al 2009 oakland bay septic and livestock social research.pdf

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Keller, H., N. Lee, 2009. Exploration of Barriers and Motivators to Adopting Recommended Practices for Septic and Livestock Management in the Oakland Bay Watershed. Prepared by Heidi Keller Consulting, for The Squaxin Island Tribe and EPA.

The Squaxin Island Tribe, in partnership with the Education Committee of the Oakland Bay Cleanwater District, retained Heidi Keller Consulting to conduct qualitative research on home and livestock owner practices that contribute to nonpoint pollution in Oakland Bay.

The purpose of this research is to provide a list of recommendations on what septic and livestock owners need to overcome barriers to adopting recommended practices, and what types of appeals, delivery methods and incentives will be most helpful.

The goal of the Education Committee is to devise a program that will increase levels of voluntary implementation of best management practices on private land and improve water quality in Oakland Bay.

Summary of Findings

While the majority of participants expressed interest in water quality in Oakland Bay, they did not readily make the connection between their practices at home and pollution in the Bay. In both groups, lack of concern is a greater issue than lack of knowledge or cost. The main reason that most people are not following the recommendations is that they don’t believe there is a problem, or that their personal behaviors are contributing to the problem.

• Among septic owners, half (51%) said they were either not concerned that it was a problem, or didn’t think their system needed to be inspected.
• Most livestock owners (61%) interviewed said they didn’t feel that they had enough animals or manure to pose a problem. More than a fourth (26%) said that they weren’t concerned that it was a problem for their family or for the environment.
• This is consistent with statewide poll conducted by Elway Research in November 2008. Nearly half the people who responded said they thought Puget Sound was in good or excellent condition.

In both groups, participants were most motivated to change their current practices by statements that made the problem personal and local. People were more motivated by the immediate health impact on their family, pets and livestock than by statements about the environment in general. Statements about the impact of pollution on the local economy, jobs and the possibility of closures for recreational use were also motivating – again, more people-focused than shellfish or environmentally concerned.

Septic owners responded most favorably to programs that offer discounts and do-it-yourself incentives, such as booklets or manuals, lists of licensed inspectors, low interest repair loans and free tank risers.

Livestock owners responded most favorably to services that provide printed instructions and concrete help, such as free covers for manure piles, volunteer labor and equipment loan, and contact information for haulers and composters.

Direct mail to their homes is the preferred method for receiving information and incentives.

Both groups seemed least interested in programs that involve government employees coming on their property or calling their home.