Environment Archives

Squalicum Creek Estuary Restoration – Design Phase

Project Overview The Squalicum Creek Estuary Restoration Project builds on prior planning work to address three fish passage barriers and restore the degraded estuary at the mouth of Squalicum Creek. This multi-benefit project helps fulfill local, state, and federal priorities for species recovery, flood risk, water quality, and climate resilience. Once constructed, the project will ... Read more

Little Squalicum Creek Water Quality Improvements Phase 3

Construction work next to a street with an excavator digging a trench.

Project Overview This project is the third phase of a multi-phased approach to treat polluted runoff (stormwater) that enters Little Squalicum Creek from developed land in the Birchwood Neighborhood. The project will install stormwater treatment systems, such as bioretention or enhanced treatment Best Management Practice (BMP) systems, to treat approximately 145.5 acres of stormwater, improving ... Read more

Parking Reforms

Aerial view of the Bellis Fair Mall showing a mostly empty parking lot during the day.

The City is considering options for reforming rules that tell us how much land must be set aside for parking cars in Bellingham. If those rules were removed or relaxed, people would have the option of using land previously required for parking to support other uses, including community priorities such as housing, tree canopy, and critical areas.%

Lake Whatcom Vault Retrofits

Lake with hills in the background and a bright blue sky

Project Overview: Phase 1 This project aims to protect and improve water quality in Lake Whatcom by reducing pollution impacts from existing infrastructure and development. This will be done by retrofitting three existing stormwater treatment facilities to reduce the amount of phosphorus and bacteria entering Lake Whatcom, Bellingham’s drinking water source. Between the three facilities, ... Read more

Meridian-Birchwood Transportation Improvements

Project Overview The City of Bellingham has updated the scope of the Meridian–Birchwood Transportation Improvement Project (ES564) and is moving it forward to improve safety and traffic flow near two closely spaced intersections. These intersections currently experience major congestion and serve as key connections between the waterfront, the Port of Bellingham, and I-5. The upgrades ... Read more

Post Point Resource Recovery Plant Headworks Bypass

Project Overview EU195 This project will install a temporary bypass system around the Plant Headworks Facilities. The bypass system will divert up to 15 million gallons of sewer influent per day. The Headworks facilities remove floatable debris (rags, sticks, etc.) and sinkable debris (sand, gravel, grit) from the sewer influent. The temporary system installed will provide similar ... Read more