The Public Works Department applied for six grants and was awarded funds for all six. The two Lake Whatcom projects are listed with other Lake Whatcom projects below.
- Columbia/Roosevelt Main Replacement
In concert with necessary storm main replacements, connections to the mains will be upgraded to provide enhanced treatment for common pollutants before they enter the stormwater system. Treatment best management practices include rain gardens, bio-infiltration facilities, and sand filters for hydrocarbons and sediment and engineered media filters for nutrient and heavy metal removal. Funding: low-interest loan from Department of Ecology for $1,647,000. - Stormwater University (2011-2014)
A compilation of stormwater education resources for municipalities, detention pond managers, industrial businesses and more. Resources include training videos, presentations, Best Management Practices fact sheets. Funding: Department of Ecology. Partners: RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, Whatcom County, Skagit County, City of Ferndale, City of Burlington, City of Mount Vernon, City of Sedro-Woolley - Central Business District Raingarden Retrofits – EV- 0105 (2012-2015)
This project will retrofit existing paved areas on streets in the Bellingham Central Business District with rain gardens to improve water quality and provide flow reduction for five existing outfalls flowing directly to Whatcom Creek, a 303(d) listed water body. Neighboring businesses will be offered the opportunity to assist in ongoing maintenance through maintenance agreements. Funding: Department of Ecology, Total Project $600,000, Ecology Share $450,000 Partners: Downtown Business Partnership, Sustainable Connections - Water Quality for Padden Creek Estuary (2012-2015)
This project is for the design and construction of Low Impact Development (LID) and conventional water quality facilities to treat flows from a 30 inch diameter discharge pipe. This pipe conveys untreated stormwater from 90 acres directly into the Padden Creek Estuary. Funding: Department of Ecology, Total Project $1,125,000, Ecology Share $843,750
Lake Whatcom Projects
- Shepardson/Huntington Retrofits (2014-2015)
This project is designed to implement Low Impact Development (LID) retrofits to mitigate for, or eliminate sources of, nutrient and bacteria loading in stormwater runoff from untreated public rights-of-way into Lake Whatcom. The project involves water quality improvements to reduce phosphorus loading from an unpaved section of roadway and ditches along Huntington and Shepardson streets. Funding: Washington State Department of Ecology and City of Bellingham. Funding: Department of Ecology grant $432,560 - Lake Whatcom Right-of-Way Retrofits (2012-2015)
This project implements three Low Impact Development (LID) retrofits to mitigate for, or eliminate sources of, nutrient and bacteria loading in stormwater runoff from untreated public rights-of-way into Lake Whatcom. Project designs utilize reforestation and infiltration as Best Management Practices to mimic native forest conditions and sand media filtration to provide enhanced treatment. Funding: Department of Ecology. Total Project $500,000, Ecology Share $375,000 - Stormwater Retrofit-Bloedel Donovan Park (2012-2015)
This project implements Low Impact Development (LID) retrofits to mitigate for, or eliminate sources of, nutrient and bacteria loading in stormwater runoff from Bloedel-Donovan Park into Lake Whatcom. Project designs use reforestation and infiltration as Best Management Practices to mimic native forest conditions and sand media filtration to provide enhanced treatment. More information is available in the Bloedel Donovan Master Plan Amendment. Funding: Department of Ecology. Total Project $512,000, Ecology Share $384,000 Partners: City of Bellingham Parks Department, City of Bellingham Public Works Storm and Surface Water Utility - Homeowner Incentive Program for Lake Whatcom Residents (HIP) (2011-2014)
Residents of the Silver Beach Creek watershed can receive assistance and materials cost reimbursement for completed projects that reduce runoff. Funding: Department of Ecology Partners: Sustainable Connections, Whatcom County
Completed Projects
- Britton Pond Retrofit (completed 2011)
A treatment facility designed to remove phosphorus replaces a 1990 general stormwater treatment facility. Funding: City of Bellingham Public Works Storm and Surface Water Utility - Flynn Street Reforestation (completed 2011)
A roadside section undergoes transformation to better absorb water and high phosphorus concentrations. Funding: City of Bellingham Public Works Storm and Surface Water Utility - Lakeside Lane Phosphorus Filter Upgrade (completed 2011)
A new media system, including phosphorus-removing filters, has received conditional approval from the Department of Ecology as a best management practice (BMP). Funding: City of Bellingham Public Works Storm and Surface Water Utility - Residential Stormwater Retrofit Program (completed June 30, 2011)
Eligible homeowners in the Lake Whatcom watershed could receive free rain barrel systems to divert and reduce runoff. Funding: Department of Ecology
- Shared Street Sweeper (completed 2011)
A high-efficiency street sweeper was purchased to be shared by four NPDES Phase II permit holders. Funding: Department of Ecology, City of Bellingham Public Works Storm and Surface Water Utility Partners: Whatcom County, the Port of Bellingham, and the City of Ferndale
Other Stormwater Facilities and Activities in the Lake Whatcom Watershed
- Lake Whatcom Stormwater: Staff presentation to Lake Whatcom Policy Group Dec. 2010 (PDF)
- Stormwater Facilities: Map of Treated Areas (PDF)
For information on other stormwater facilities and activities, contact Bill Reilly (360)778-7800 or stormwater@cob.org
