The Lower Padden Creek subbasin covers about 1,200 acres and includes a mix of land uses—multi-family housing near I-5 and Western Washington University (WWU), and single-family homes in the Happy Valley neighborhood. Currently, stormwater from this area flows through City-owned outfalls into Padden Creek, which eventually drains into Bellingham Bay. One of the largest drainage areas in the subbasin is nearly 500 acres and discharges to a single outfall. Most of the stormwater runoff from roads, rooftops, and other hard surfaces in this area is not treated before entering the creek. This runoff contains pollutants like metals and tire wear particles, which are harmful to fish species such as salmon and steelhead. Padden Creek is listed on Washington State’s 303(d) list of impaired waters due to issues with fecal coliform bacteria, low dissolved oxygen, and high temperatures. It also has a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirement for temperature, meaning steps must be taken to reduce heat pollution in the water.

This project is currently only funded through 90% Design. For the 90% Design phase, the total funding available is $223,989 between an Ecology grant ($190,391) and a 15% City match from the stormwater fund. The contract for RH2 Engineering is $141,628.

Environment Archives

Lower Padden Creek Water Quality Improvements

Project Overview The City has received a design grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology to help improve water quality in the lower Padden Creek watershed. This project will redirect stormwater runoff from a 1,000-foot section of Bill McDonald Parkway, which currently flows untreated into Padden Creek. Instead, the runoff will be routed to ... Read more

Post Point Resource Recovery Plant Emergency Generator Replacement

This project will replace the existing emergency power generator units at the Post Point Treatment Plant to provide backup power to the facility during power outages or other electricity service disruptions. This project ensures that this important facility can reliably continue to function in treating wastewater and protecting the environment without interruption.

Little Squalicum Creek Water Quality Improvements Phase 2

Project Overview This project is part of a multi-phased approach to improve water quality in Little Squalicum Creek and the new Little Squalicum Estuary by reducing pollution in rainwater runoff (stormwater) from the Birchwood neighborhood. This second phase is expected to add underground stormwater treatment vaults at the following intersections: These underground vaults hold material ... Read more

Post Point Sludge Tank Replacement Project

This project will renew existing infrastructure at Post Point, strengthening the treatment plant’s ability to protect the environment and remove contaminants from the community’s wastewater. Every day, we process and treat wastewater to safeguard local waterways, marine ecosystems, and public health. Our plant exists solely to reduce pollution in wastewater generated by the community, and ... Read more

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

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