BLAINE - The city's wastewater treatment plant will release a reddish dye into Semiahmoo Bay the week of Sunday, Nov. 4, to study how well the facility's systems protect shellfish beds.

The dye test is part of a 10-day study in waters near the Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility that begins Thursday, Nov. 1. In addition to the harmless dye, the public can expect to see two boats in Drayton Harbor plotting the dye's spread, and crews working day or night according to the best tidal conditions.

State and federal agencies are participating in the study to come up with regulations for the discharge from similar treatment plants.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2289. Read the Politics Blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/politics.