Little Squalicum Creek Water Quality Improvements Phase 3

The Little Squalicum Creek watershed straddles the boundary between the City of Bellingham (City), its urban growth area, and unincorporated portions of Whatcom County. The vast majority of runoff generated within the watershed’s basin is not currently treated for pollutants of concern, which enter the creek and discharge into Bellingham Bay.

The City has been engaged in a long-term effort to improve estuary habitat near the outlet of the creek to provide protection for native salmon and trout listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Little Squalicum Estuary improvements, which were completed by the City in 2024, will be most beneficial for fish and wildlife if the amount of pollution entering the stream is reduced.

This project will use stormwater treatment systems to treat polluted runoff that discharges to Little Squalicum Creek, the estuary, and nearshore portions of Bellingham Bay. The first phase of the project will be constructed in 2025.

This project is proposed in the 2020 Surface and Storm Water Comprehensive Plan and can be referenced as project D-09, D-10, and D-11.