Boaters and businesses can learn this October how to prevent stormwater pollution while cleaning or repairing boats.

The free sessions are provided through Stormwater University, which is a project of RE Sources for Sustainable Communities in partnership with the city of Bellingham and the state Department of Ecology.

The workshops are the first for Stormwater University. They are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays in a number of locations:

• Oct. 10 - Anacortes Public Library.

• Oct. 17 - Blaine Marina Conference Room.

• Oct. 24 - Squalicum Marina.

Cleaning hulls and washing boats usually puts soft toxic paint and soap into the water, according to organizers.

Paint often contains copper, which is toxic to salmon and other aquatic life.

Soap could add nutrients that promote algae and plant growth, which could decrease oxygen for fish and other aquatic animals.

Registration is requested. Do so by contacting Lee First at leef@re-sources.org or 360-733-8307.

Lunch is provided for registered participants.

More information is online at re-sources.org.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.