Public Works

City to invest $40 million in air quality upgrades at Post Point Wastewater Treatment plant 

industrial looking indoor setting with large pipes and worker
The City of Bellingham is moving forward with a $40 million investment to upgrade the sewage sludge incinerators at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant with enhanced air emission control equipment. This project is vital to meet increasingly stringent air quality regulations and fulfills the City’s commitment to maintain the incinerators’ long-term operation, following a strategic decision in 2022. 

City to buy 750 acres in Lake Whatcom watershed

Property with trees on it with Lake Whatcom in the background
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 

Person adding food scraps to a green bin with yellow lid
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.

Bloedel Donovan beach temporarily closed due to sewage spill

road closed sign posted in roadway near bridge with several construction workers in high visibility clothing in the background talking
Bloedel Donovan beach is temporarily closed due to sewage spill near the Electric Avenue bridge. Water quality testing is underway and the public is advised to avoid contact with the water until further notice.

City Council approves emergency landmark tree protections 

Looking up the side of a large evergreen tree.
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. 
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