Similar construction work on a previous stormwater project in the Columbia Neighborhood.

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 water quality in Little Squalicum Creek.

Map showing that this project will be on Alderwood Avenue, Cottonwood Avenue, and Cedarwood Avenue
Map showing approximate locations of stormwater treatment systems in the Birchwood Neighborhood.

Project Status – 2026

The project is currently in the middle stages of design. Design will continue through summer 2026, at which point we anticipate applying for grant funding. Construction is expected in spring/summer 2028, although this timeline is dependent on funding.

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More Information

Underground stormwater treatment infrastructure will be installed in the Birchwood Neighborhood at:

  • Alderwood Avenue and Cherrywood Avenue
  • Cottonwood Avenue and Pinewood Avenue
  • Cottonwood Avenue and Laurelwood Avenue
  • 600 feet east of the Laurelwood Avenue and Cedarwood Avenue intersection

There will likely be partial road closures during construction.

The Little Squalicum Creek watershed straddles the boundary between the City of Bellingham (City), its urban growth area, and unincorporated portions of Whatcom County. The vast majority of runoff generated within the watershed’s basin is not currently treated for pollutants of concern, which enter the creek and discharge into Bellingham Bay.

The City has been engaged in a long-term effort to improve estuary habitat near the outlet of the creek to provide protection for native salmon and trout listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Little Squalicum Estuary improvements, which were completed by the City in 2024, will be most beneficial for fish and wildlife if the amount of pollution entering the stream is reduced.

This project will use stormwater treatment systems to treat polluted runoff that discharges to Little Squalicum Creek, the estuary, and nearshore portions of Bellingham Bay. The first phase of the project will be constructed in 2025.

This project is proposed in the 2020 Surface and Storm Water Comprehensive Plan and can be referenced as project D-09, D-10, and D-11.

This project will be funded by a Department of Ecology Water Quality Combined Financial Assistance Agreement and the City’s stormwater fund.

Learn more about the other phases of this project:

  • Phase 1
  • Phase 2
  • Phase 4 (more information will be available in future)

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

Participating Departments

Affected Neighborhoods

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