The state Department of Natural resources will begin an ambitious plan to remove a large number of creosote logs and pilings from Bainbridge beaches this week.

DNR plans to pull out 111 creosote-covered pilings at the Strawberry Plant property on Eagle Harbor, possibly on late Thursday or Friday. An additional 60 pilings are planned for removal on private tidelands in other parts of Eagle Harbor and Port Madison.

Other locations slated for creosote log removal in the coming weeks include: Hawley Cove (12.8 tons), Wing Point (17.6 tons), Tolo Lagoon (10 tons), Battle Point (18.2 tons), Murden Cove (46.8 tons) and Fay Bainbridge State Park (7.4 tons).

Here’s what DNR has to say about creosote-treated wood:

There are hundreds of thousands of derelict creosote pilings throughout Puget Sound, many of which have broken off and distributed tons of debris onto beaches. Creosote is a toxic chemical and a known carcinogen. Recent studies have shown that chemicals in treated wood materials can be harmful, and even lethal to many marine species. Herring eggs exposed to creosote have a high mortality rate, and English sole develop liver lesions when exposed to the chemicals. Impacts on salmon health also have been observed in recent studies. These and other negatively affected species are an important part of the food chain for salmon, orca whales, and birds such as the western grebe. The health of Puget Sound is also intimately connected with the health of our economy.

The above photo was taken during a DNR-led removal of creosote logs at Fay Bainbridge park last March.

Sun environmental reporter Chris Dunagan will have an expanded story about the removal project on Bainbridge and other parts of Kitsap County soon.