Progress Report on Activities

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A number of stormwateation management actions have been implemented over recent years. Many are associated with the tasks included in the Jointly adopted Work Plans but others may be implemented by one or more jurisdictions. This section provides an overview of some of the actions undertaken, with in some cases, links to other sites for additional information.

2005 - 2009 Work Plan Actions:

Three activities are identified and progress on them can be viewed at "2005 Stormwater Management Progress Report".

2000 - 2004 Work Plan Actions:

  • Stormwater system inventories were conducted within the Lake Whatcom watershed detailing the locations of all catch basins and culverts within the watershed.
  • Continued coordination and participation in the development of pollutant loading and lake response models for the Lake Whatcom watershed through the WRIA 1 Project and Department of Ecology TMDL Process.
  • Completed data gaps evaluations through the Lake Whatcom Stormwater Program (2000), the Water Source Protection Plan (2000), and the WRIA 1 Project.
  • Prioritized activities that may have adverse impacts on the lake’s water quality through the Water Source Protection Plan (2000). High priorities included residential development (new development and existing homes), municipal/commercial functions (power transmission and wastewater conveyance systems), and transportation (impervious surfaces, automobile impacts).
  • The City completed their stormwater utility update in 2001 that identified the compliance of existing laws, regulations, and policies within their stormwater programs.
  • Summarized stormwater funding mechanisms that have been implemented in similar communities.
  • Continued work to implement Lake Whatcom Stormwater Progam Early Action Projects such as:
    • County Roadside Maintenance Practices- The Lake Whatcom watershed continues (since 1991) to be a no spray zone for herbicides (WCC 12.48).
    • Erosion Control Best Management Practices- The County installs erosion and sediment control best management practices at all road maintenance projects in the watershed.
    • Stormwater Retrofits- The City installed stormwater treatment vault systems and rain gardens at Silver Shores neighborhood, Bloedel Donovan Park, Electric Avenue and Alabama Street.
    • The County is adapting ditch maintenance practices to focus these activities in the dry season.
    • The City sweeps arterials and side streets in the City’s portion of the watershed three to four times a month.
    • The County will begin sweeping arterials and residential roads in the County’s portion of the watershed two times per month in spring 2004.
    • The City mows roadside vegetation three times per year to assist with ditch maintenance.
    • The City is earmarking $250,000 per year for stormwater retrofits. In 2004, retrofits will occur at East Connecticut and Park Place.
    • The City uses First Down for ice control. Sand is swept from the roads within one week of the end of icy conditions.
  • Whatcom County hired a staff member to review project proposals for compliance with zoning, land-use, and stormwater regulations. The position also inspects permitted sites for ongoing compliance, performs community outreach, and functions as a representative for the Planning Division for Lake Whatcom related issues.
  • The City dedicated staff to provide technical assistance and compliance of stormwater regulations.
  • The City obtained Geographic Information System (GIS) data from the National Soil Conservation Service that is used to identify ground water recharge areas, and in development reviews for stormwater management.

Other Activities

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