Edgemoor Sewer Improvements

Project Overview

This project (EU202) will make needed repairs to the wastewater (sewer) lines that currently serve the Edgemoor Neighborhood. Most of the wastewater lines run through the backyards of homes, making access for maintenance and repairs difficult. Most of these wastewater lines were installed in the 1950s and are deteriorating and/or partially blocked. This project will improve the condition of the wastewater mains using trenchless repair methods to limit the impacts to properties. Delay of this project could cause major sewer failures and more impactful emergency work. The work is planned to take place in summer 2027.

Map showing impacted areas for wastewater line improvements — Map of wastewater (sewer) lines to be repaired.

Construction Impacts

Pipe improvements will be made using pipelining, which is a trenchless repair method. The City is making the utmost effort to limit impacts on homeowners with these improvements. Small sections of pipe will be exposed for spot repairs, and some digging will be required for manhole installation in select locations. Any impacts to property will be restored to its previous or better condition.

Project Status – Summer 2026

Survey Work – Summer 2026

Survey work will be taking place in mid-July, during the weeks of July 6 and 13 by Wilson Engineering. Survey crews may need to access sewer infrastructure through private property. Crews will be easily identifiable as either Wilson Engineering staff, RH2 staff, or City of Bellingham staff. Survey work typically takes about 15 minutes and are non-disruptive.

Temporary Construction Easements – Summer/ Fall 2026

Once we have identified which properties will need construction access, we will reach out to property owners to establish Temporary Construction Easements. There are approximately 220 properties impacted by this project, and we anticipate needing construction access through approximately 65 properties. All work will be done to minimize impacts as much as possible, and any impacts to property will be restored to its previous or better condition.

Construction – Summer 2027

We anticipate construction taking place in summer, 2027.

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The sewer system in the Edgemoor neighborhood is aging and difficult to access for maintenance or emergency repairs. Public Works staff regularly evaluate the condition of City utilities, and these pipes are showing significant deterioration. If not repaired soon, they could fail and require emergency work—which would be especially challenging in this area because of the limited access. This project allows the City to plan and complete needed improvements proactively, before an emergency occurs.

Summer-Fall 2026: Survey work and establish temporary construction easements with property owners
Late 2026: Bid Opening
Summer 2027: Project Construction

The project is still in its initial design phase, but we anticipate needing to access 65 of the approximately 220 properties identified for improvements. City staff and its contractors will work closely and cooperatively with property owners to identify the best access pathways to locate our wastewater pipes. Temporary Construction Easements will be signed between the City and Property Owners before any construction access will be granted.

On-site construction will generally take 1-2 days at each site, once all agreements are in place.

The estimated total cost of the project is $2,367,000, from the Sewer and Stormwater funds.

Contact

General project questions: askpw@cob.org
Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org

Project Engineer
Ian Hinton, P.E.
(360) 778-7700
idhinton@cob.org