Background
The site at 210 McKenzie Street, next to the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, is reserved for the facility’s long-term future expansion. Existing buildings on the site currently support maintenance and operations for the treatment plant.
This property has a long history of soil and groundwater contamination. Since purchasing the site in 2006, the City has conducted several environmental assessments, investigations, and taken interim actions to address immediate concerns. We monitor groundwater contamination levels annually.
Project Overview
Originally, we planned to conduct this cleanup project as part of the now-cancelled Post Point Resource Recovery Project. With that project no longer moving forward, the City developed this cleanup project to support environmental goals and prepare the site for future use.
The Contaminated Site Cleanup Project (EU198) will:
- Remove contaminated soil
- Replace excavated materials with clean fill
- Return the site to approximate conditions that currently exist
- Support natural groundwater cleanup through monitored attenuation
Public Works will continue to use the site for storage and support of the treatment plant until it is needed for future expansion. Cleanup activities will follow soil, groundwater, and air quality standards established by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Construction Impacts
All construction activity will take place within the project site. We will remove and dispose of contaminated materials in accordance with all applicable environmental regulations. During construction, stormwater controls will be in place to minimize off-site runoff.
This site previously hosted Unity Village, a temporary tiny home community operated by HomesNOW. In 2025, the City supported the relocation of Unity Village to North Haven, establishing a new permanent location.
The Post Point area has a long history of human use and is considered highly likely to contain cultural or archaeological resources. As a result, the City will consult with affected Tribes and conduct archaeological investigations throughout the design, permitting, and construction phases of the project.
The City shared initial notifications with Tribal representatives ahead of recent site investigation work. We are committed to respectful coordination and compliance with all cultural resource protection requirements.
Vicinity Map
Project Status Fall 2025
In late November and early December 2025, the City completed additional field investigations at the site. This work included monitoring wells, conducting soil borings, and performing cultural resource assessments.
Design and permitting for the cleanup project will continue through 2026.
Project Timeline
- Project start date: February 2025
- Expected construction start date: Early 2027
- Expected construction end date: Late 2027
- Construction contract: Not yet awarded
- Design consultant: Integral Consulting Inc.
Funding
The project is funded by the City of Bellingham Sewer Fund. The estimated cost is $5,115,000.
Additional Resources
- 210 McKenzie Avenue Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study
- 210 McKenzie Cleanup Impacted Areas
Contact
General project questions: AskPW@cob.org
Media inquiries: Email pwmedia@cob.org
Project Engineer
Stephen Day, Plants Engineer
Phone: (360) 778-7944
Email: smday@cob.org
