City receives $1.7 million grant for community solar array
The array will produce energy revenues that will fund community climate projects.
Environment
Annual Lake Whatcom meeting scheduled for April 2
The Lake Whatcom Management Program partners invite the community to attend their annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m.
City to buy 750 acres in Lake Whatcom watershed
The City of Bellingham is acquiring 754 acres of forestland in the Lake Whatcom watershed, marking the largest purchase ever made to protect Bellingham’s drinking water source.
Organic waste collection coming to all Bellingham single-family households in 2025
Starting in early 2025, all single-family homes in Bellingham will begin receiving organic waste collection as part of their standard waste service. Adding this service allows Bellingham to reduce waste, lower climate emissions and meet future statewide requirements. Through this service, organic waste such as food scraps, food-soiled papers, yard waste and approved compostable packaging is collected by Sanitary Service Company (SSC) and composted locally into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Customers already receiving this service year-round will not be affected by the change.
City investigating sources of stormwater contaminants entering Bellingham Bay
We are investigating high bacteria levels detected in stormwater near South Boulevard Park. While sources are unknown, and it may end up being many small sources, we're committed to clean water. Help us out: dispose of pet waste properly and report any pollution concerns to 360-778-7979 or cob.org/fix. Help keep our bay healthy!
City Council approves emergency landmark tree protections
To prevent the removal of exceptional trees in anticipation of new regulations, the Bellingham City Council enacted an Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance on May 20, 2024. It took effect immediately upon approval. This ordinance protects trees that are considered "landmark trees" - the largest, most significant trees in Bellingham - establishes a landmark tree inventory and a permitting process for removal, and establishes a larger fine for illegal removal.
