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:
- Nome and Illinois Streets
- Pinewood and Cedarwood Avenues
- Pinewood and Birchwood Avenues
These underground vaults hold material that filters pollution out of stormwater flowing off roofs, streets, and other surfaces, cleaning the stormwater before it enters the creek, estuary, and Bellingham Bay.
Shallow above-ground, landscaped ditches (called bioswales) will also be installed along the Pinewood corridor. Bioswales are designed to slow down, collect, and filter stormwater runoff using plants, soil, and sometimes gravel.
Prior to this project, stormwater entered Little Squalicum Creek mostly untreated. After the completion of all four phases, stormwater will be treated from more than 300 acres of land, supporting salmon and other species that rely on the creek, estuary, and Bellingham Bay.
Watermain Replacement
While adding stormwater improvements in the area, we also plan to replace a 100-year-old watermain located under West Illinois from just west of the northern entrance to Bellingham Technical College to Lafayette Street. Replacing the watermain will allow the City to continue to carry clean water to the surrounding homes and businesses.
See below for close-up maps of the proposed stormwater treatment vaults and bioswales:
Project Status – June 2026
Construction begins the week of June 22 with prep for the watermain replacement under West Illinois. There may be short disruptions to water supply for neighbors along West Illinois during the watermain replacement work. Crews will notify affected neighbors before these disruptions occur.
In July, bioswale construction and storm main work is expected to begin. The underground pollution treatment vaults must be delivered from offsite, which can take up to a few months. Our goal is to construct as much of the project during the summer as possible to minimize disruptions to local schools, but it’s likely that vault installation will continue into the fall due to vault delivery timing.
During project construction, residents and visitors may experience traffic impacts such as one-lane closures with flaggers and some short detours in the construction area. Access to homes will be maintained. Please travel carefully and follow all signs and flaggers for your safety.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during construction!
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More Information
Contact
General project questions: AskPW@cob.org
Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org
Project Engineer
Kyle Carlson, P.E.
Phone: (360) 778-7946
Email: kmcarlson@cob.org
