Project Overview
The City is beginning the process of updating the Comprehensive Sewer Plan. The Comprehensive Sewer Plan Project (EU203) aims to identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvements to support the City’s continued commitment to maintaining our sewer infrastructure. This plan will guide long‑term wastewater system planning and future capital investments. Throughout the planning process, community members will have several opportunities to learn more, provide feedback, and help shape key priorities.
Comprehensive Sewer Plan Update Email List
To keep community members informed as the plan moves forward, we’ve created a Comprehensive Sewer Plan Update email list. Once the process ramps up, subscribers will begin receiving periodic updates and be the first to hear about upcoming opportunities to get involved.
To sign up, visit our email signup page, enter your contact information, select “Comprehensive Sewer Plan Update” under the Infrastructure and Transportation header, and click Subscribe. We hope you’ll stay engaged throughout this process.
Project Background
The City of Bellingham began building its sewer system in 1892. Early development included a combined stormwater and sanitary sewer system that discharged to local waterways, including Bellingham Bay and Whatcom Creek. Over time, the City separated these systems and, in 1947, first began providing primary wastewater treatment to improve performance and better protect the environment.
The Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was built in 1974 to serve a growing population. Since then, the plant has undergone several major upgrades, most recently in 2014, to increase capacity and improve treatment efficiency. Today, Public Works operates and maintains about 318 miles of gravity sewer lines, 29 wastewater lift stations, and 6 miles of pressurized wastewater lines across roughly 40 square miles.
The City has completed several comprehensive evaluations of its wastewater system, including plans developed in 1998, 2009, and 2016, along with multiple technical studies focused on treatment processes at the WWTP.
The updated Comprehensive Sewer Plan will evaluate future wastewater system needs, including treatment requirements, solids management strategies, infrastructure condition, capital investments, and long-term financial needs. Community engagement opportunities will take place throughout the plan development to ensure that the plan reflects the community’s values. To support informed decision-making, a robust technical analysis will also be completed by experienced staff and industry experts.
When complete, the plan will meet the Washington State Department of Ecology requirements outlined in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173‑240‑050.
Project Status 2026
The City of Bellingham has begun the scoping process to initiate development of our updated Comprehensive Sewer Plan. A consultant has been selected to assist the city with this process.
Project Timeline
- Project start date: May 2026
- Expected plan completion date: 2028
- Selected Consultant: Carollo Engineers, Inc.
Funding
The City of Bellingham Sewer Fund is paying for project expenses. Revenue for this fund comes from City utility rates.
Contact
General project questions: AskPW@cob.org
Media inquiries: Email pwmedia@cob.org
Project Engineer
Jim Bergner, Utility Operations Engineer
Phone: (360) 778-7700
Email: jbergner@cob.org
