Stormwater Management Program - COB Home Management Plan ... 2.0 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM...

2016

City of Bellingham

Public Works Department

Storm and Surface Water Utility

Bellingham, WA

March 31, 2016

City of Bellingham Stormwater Management Program

Attachment A to the NPDES Phase II Permit Annual Report

City of Bellingham 2016 Stormwater Management Plan

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FORWARD This document serves as an attachment to the City of Bellingham's annual report submittal to the Department of Ecology to meet the requirements of the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (WAR04-5550) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. This Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is prepared to demonstrate the City’s understanding of and commitment to fully meeting the regulatory requirements of this permit. The SWMP is a dynamic document that will be updated on an annual basis and will be integral to our permit compliance. It should be noted that our annual capital programing has been added to the document. This portion of the report is not a requirement of the current NPDES permit. The inclusion of this information is not to create a duty on the City to continue this program as a part of our required NPDES program. The information is to provide the citizens of Bellingham a more comprehensive view of stormwater programs that are funded through our rates and fees.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (S5.A and S5.B) .................................. 1

2.1 Permit Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 1

2.2 Notable Accomplishments .................................................................................................................... 2

2.3 City Organizational Responsibilities for the Stormwater Management Program ............................. 3

2.4 Plans for Program Activities in 2016 .................................................................................................... 3

3.0 PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH (S5.C.1) .............................................................................. 5

3.1 Permit Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 5

3.2 Program Overview ................................................................................................................................ 5

3.3 Accomplishments in 2015 ..................................................................................................................... 6

3.4 Plans for Program Activities in 2016 .................................................................................................... 9

4.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION (S5.C.2) ................................................................. 13

4.1 Permit Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 13

4.2 Program Overview .............................................................................................................................. 13

4.3 Accomplishments in 2015 ................................................................................................................... 13

4.4 Plans for Program Activities in 2016 .................................................................................................. 13

5.0 ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION (S5.C.3)........................................................ 14



5.3 Accomplishments for 2015 ................................................................................................................. 17


6.0 CONTROLLING RUNOFF FROM NEW DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION SITES (S5.C.4) .................................................................................................................................... 18





7.0 POLLUTION PREVENTION AND OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS (S5.C.5) .................................................................................................................................... 21



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8.0 MONITORING (S8.C.1.b and S8.C.2) ......................................................................................... 24




9.0 CAPITAL PROJECTS and RETROFITTING (Not Required by NPDES) ............................................... 26


9.2 Retrofit Projects .................................................................................................................................. 26

9.3 Fish Passage Improvements ............................................................................................................... 27

List of Tables

Table 1: City Organizational Responsibilities for the NPDES program ................................................ 4

Table 2: Education and Outreach Activities Undertaken In 2015 ..................................................... 10

Table 3: Public Involvement Opportunities Undertaken in 2015 ..................................................... 13


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Stormwater runoff from streets, parking lots, construction sites, industrial properties, and residential areas

is now recognized as one of the leading sources of pollution to our streams, lakes, wetlands, and Puget

Sound. Of heightened concern for the City of Bellingham is the quality of water in Lake Whatcom, the

source of drinking water for over 100,000 city and county residents. To address stormwater pollution, the

City of Bellingham (City) established a Storm and Surface Water Utility in 1990 and has since been

developing and refining its Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). While the City has been actively

managing stormwater for decades, the City was officially designated in 2007 by the Environmental

Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology as one of thousands of municipalities

in the United States requiring a stormwater permit: the Western Washington Phase II Municipal

Stormwater Permit (Permit) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The City

has expanded its stormwater program to meet the terms and conditions of this permit, including revised

requirements of the current 5-year permit extending through 2018.

The Phase II Permit allows municipalities to discharge stormwater from municipal systems into “waters of

the state” such as streams, lakes and Puget Sound, as long as there are programs in place to reduce

pollutants in stormwater to the “maximum extent practicable”. Stormwater runoff from the City of

Bellingham discharges to five urban streams, Lake Whatcom, Lake Padden, Bellingham Bay, and Chuckanut

Bay. Improving habitat and water quality in these streams and lakes was identified as one of the top

priorities in the City's Legacies and Strategic Commitments to its citizens and is a component of many other

City programs such as the Lake Whatcom Management Program, Bellingham Water Quality Improvement

Plans, Habitat Restoration Plans and the downtown renovation and waterfront restoration programs.

Requirements under the NPDES Phase II Permit provide the City additional opportunities to accomplish

cleaning up the City's streams and furthering protection of Lake Whatcom.

2.0 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (S5.A and S5.B)

2.1 Permit Requirements

Sections S5.A and S5.B of the Phase II Permit as reissued by Ecology on August, 2012 require the City to:

Develop and implement a Stormwater Management Program and submit annual compliance reports

Manage an ongoing program for gathering, tracking, maintaining and using information to evaluate the SWMP development, implementation and permit compliance and set priorities

Track the cost of the development and implementation of the SWMP

Track the number of inspections, official enforcement actions and types of public education

Coordinate with other NPDES permittees and partners in the region on stormwater related policies, programs, and projects

Coordinate internally among City Departments


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2.2 Notable Accomplishments

The City of Bellingham has been proactively managing the quality of stormwater for 25 years using a

variety of approaches designed to control runoff, treat runoff, reduce pollutant sources, and employ

adaptive management. Over the course of the first Phase II permit term (2007-2012), the reissuance

year (2012-2013), and the second Phase II permit (2013-2018), the City continued to build a strong

stormwater program adding depth to existing programs and increasing staff as needed. Through

education and the use of incentive programs, the City has engaged a variety of audiences in stormwater

issues; from classroom children and rain garden planting volunteers, to focus groups targeting

restoration options and survey respondents documenting behavioral changes. Stormwater control and

treatment has been accomplished through implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) and

development standards, designing and building capital projects for new treatment facilities and

retrofitting older public facilities. The City has worked with businesses on pollutant source control as

well as individual homeowners to reduce runoff and pollution from their properties. All of these

strategies work in unison to form a multifaceted program that addresses stormwater quality and meets

the six Phase II permit elements: education and outreach, public involvement, illicit discharge detection

and elimination, runoff control from new development and redevelopment, good housekeeping in all

facets of municipal operations, and water quality monitoring. The City's stormwater code has been

revised four times (1990, 1995, 2006, and 2009) to reflect new information on the water quality in Lake

Whatcom as well as to comply with the NPDES permit requirements.

The City works very closely with other local jurisdictions to coordinate stormwater efforts citywide and

in the Lake Whatcom Watershed. One example is the recent joint purchase of a high-efficiency street

sweeper that is being shared by four NPDES Phase II permit holders in Whatcom County.

The Lake Whatcom Management Program is a joint effort of the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County,

and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District (formerly Water District 10) to protect Lake Whatcom as a

source of drinking water. The main focus of efforts is on reducing the pollutant load and the amount of

stormwater entering the lake. While there are many constituents typically associated with urban

stormwater, including suspended solids, metals, and nutrients, phosphorus has become the foremost

pollutant of concern to Lake Whatcom’s health. For the past several years, the City has focused on

evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts, documenting increased removal rates for both phosphorus

and fecal coliform levels. In addition, the City is active in the land preservation program which aims to

reduce water quality impacts by preserving land within the Lake Whatcom Watershed that might

otherwise be made available for development.

The City's Storm and Surface Water Utility is constantly evaluating, retrofitting, and improving

Bellingham's stormwater system and has completed many projects to date. The City operates five

regional detention facilities and continues to be a leader in integrating low impact development (LID)

techniques into infrastructure. Priority retrofit projects begun or completed during the 2015 period

were specifically targeted toward areas in the Lake Whatcom watershed in order to address the few

remaining areas that drain to the lake without stormwater treatment. Along Huntington and

Shepardson Streets, water quality facilities were installed to reduce phosphorus in stormwater runoff

http://www.cob.org/services/environment/stormwater/images/new-sweeper.jpg

http://www.cob.org/services/environment/stormwater/images/new-sweeper.jpg


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including the replacement of a 200-foot long section of gravel roadway with pervious concrete.

Improvements along Northshore Drive, including the installation of a new pipe network to prevent

untreated runoff from entering the mouth of Silver Beach Creek, were the final steps to a multi-year

retrofit of more than one mile of the arterial roadway. The City also began the design of projects to

address untreated runoff on East North St., Britton Rd., and East Oregon St. The combination of these

projects, when completed, will put in place infrastructure that filters more than 90% of flows directed

to the Lake through the City's stormwater system.

Another noteworthy project in the Lake Whatcom watershed was the completion of the Academy

Street Water Quality Facility. A partnership between the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County, this

project created a large-scale regional stormwater treatment facility on a parcel adjacent to the Lake.

Over 75 acres of area drains into and through this facility, resulting in a reduction of more than 40

pounds of phosphorus each year.

Further highlights in 2015 include the launch of the Columbia Neighborhood Water Quality

Improvement project to replace stormwater mains and install bio-infiltration facilities and other

drainage improvements to remove common pollutants before they enter the stormwater system.

Construction began on the Water Quality for Padden Estuary project, which will treat runoff from over

90 acres of the Fairhaven and South Hill Neighborhoods. The Local Source Control Program provided

pollution prevention technical assistance to over 100 businesses and initiated the Wash Right campaign

to promote proper outdoor washing practices. A social marketing campaign, We Scoop Bellingham,

promoted proper pet waste disposal at home through audience engagement and incentives. The

Sharing our Watersheds program continued to bring interactive education to 5th grade classes in 15

elementary schools. City Stormwater Inspectors conducted over 11,000 construction site inspections

and 149 private facility inspections. In addition, two major restoration projects completed in 2015, the

Squalicum Creek Re-route and the Padden Creek Daylighting, will dramatically improve water quality

and salmon habitat in both creeks.

2.3 City Organizational Responsibilities for the Stormwater Management Program

The City's Storm and Surface Water Utility (SSWU) Section in the Natural Resources Division of the

Public Works Department holds the primary responsibility for developing and implementing the

stormwater program and tracking Phase II Permit requirements. Within the Public Works Department,

the Engineering and Operations divisions also hold integral roles in implementing the components of

the stormwater program. The program is also supported by Planning & Community Development, Fire,

Police, and Parks and Recreation (Table 1). Internal coordination between these city divisions occurs

regularly as issues arise (e.g. handoff between construction inspectors and the private facility inspector,

incident response and follow-up actions to stormwater violations) and more formally through

stormwater committee meetings and Operations and Engineering coordination meetings.

2.4 Plans for Program Activities in 2016

The City plans to continue work on stormwater issues at a level commensurate with 2015 efforts,

building on establish systems and procedures.


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Table 1: City Organizational Responsibilities for the NPDES program

City Department Description of NPDES Stormwater Responsibilities

Public Works Natural Resources Storm & Surface Water Utility Section

Administers and develops the program and coordinates with other divisions within the City and other NPDES jurisdictions

Education and Outreach

Public Involvement

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program including local source control & dry weather monitoring

Stormwater incident response

Private facility inspections

Municipal staff training

Pollution prevention practices

Integrated Pest Management Plan

Annual Reporting

Public Works Engineering Capital projects -stormwater facilities and retrofits Construction stormwater inspections pre-, during and post -construction

Public Works Engineering Development Section

Site Plan Review for stormwater permits

Public Works Operations Surface and Stormwater Division

Maintenance of public stormwater facilities Stormwater incident response

Public Works Laboratory

Water quality sample analysis for illicit discharge characterization Urban Streams Monitoring Program

Public Works Advisory Committee Annual review of stormwater program

Planning & Community Development Permit Center provides first contact for new or redevelopment stormwater permits and distributes Notice of Intent

Police Department First responder to stormwater incident if called Code enforcement for stormwater violations

Parks and Recreation Integrated Pest Management Plan

Fire Department First responder to stormwater incident if called


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3.0 PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH (S5.C.1)


Section S5.C.1 of the Permit requires the City to address the following public education and outreach elements:

Develop a program that targets specific audiences including general public, businesses, homeowners, landscapers, property managers, engineers, contractors, developers, and City employees including review staff and land use planners

Develop a program that aims to reduce or eliminate behaviors and practices that cause or contribute to adverse stormwater impacts

Measure improvements in the target audience’s understanding of the problem and what they can do to solve it. Use this information to improve the education program

Track and maintain records of public education and outreach activities

3.2 Program Overview

The City of Bellingham has developed and

implemented a comprehensive stormwater

education and outreach program with the

goal of increasing awareness of stormwater

pollution issues. The program strives to

provide tools, assistance, and incentives to

reduce or eliminate behaviors and practices

that cause or contribute to adverse

stormwater impacts. City staff emphasize the

importance of environmental education and

technical assistance in daily interactions with the Bellingham community.

Through both broad-based educational efforts aimed at the general public and targeted resources for

specific businesses, contractors, stormwater facility owners, or municipal staff, the City has compiled a

library of resources ready for scheduled presentations or available on hand as educational

opportunities arise. Pollution prevention factsheets and brochures are routinely distributed to specific

audiences and many of the resources are available on the City’s website.

Examples of targeted handouts include "Wash Right" flyers for proper car and pressure washing

practices, pet waste fliers, car wash videos and car wash kits offered to charity groups, Medicine Return

program flyers, and Best Management Practices posters for the food service and auto repair industries.

Specific educational efforts that reach the youth in our community include the Sharing Our Watersheds

5th grade school program and the "Only Rain in the Drain" storm drain marking program in partnership

with RE Sources for Sustainable Communities.

City educators are active in STORM, the Stormwater Outreach for Regional Municipalities group,

participating in meetings, roundtable discussions, and giving presentations. The City’s education team

also works with local partners to provide workshops on LID techniques, and rain garden and


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stormwater facility /detention pond maintenance. Local stewards and restoration groups are also a

priority for City educators as they support groups such as NSEA, the People for Lake Padden, and the

Lake Whatcom Stewards.

Through the Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP), the City conducts low impact development outreach

by providing technical and financial assistance to City residents living in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.

Educational services provided through HIP include site assessments, project design, and permitting

assistance. HIP-eligible projects protect water quality by reducing sources of phosphorus, improving

stormwater treatment, encouraging infiltration, or a combination of best management practices for

phosphorus control. Project examples include native planting areas, phosphorus-limiting rain gardens,

infiltration trenches and permeable paving.

Through experiences, lessons learned, and public feedback the City continues to improve the education

program. In particular, the use of customer surveys, both pre and post-education contact, have helped

measure improvements in the target audience’s understanding of the problem and document

behavioral changes.

3.3 Accomplishments in 2015

The City of Bellingham undertook many educational activities that brought stormwater information to a

variety of audiences. Highlights include the Homeowner Incentive Program, the "We Scoop at Home"

pet waste project, the "Wash Right" campaign, neighborhood meeting presentations, and the Sharing

our Watersheds school program. In addition, the City has partnered with RE Sources, Whatcom

County, and Washington State Extension to carry out joint public education and outreach activities.

Table 2 summarizes City education and outreach activities during 2015 and the following paragraphs

highlight a few of the efforts.

Homeowner Incentive Program

The program is undergoing a wholesale update as

part of the effort to evolve from a small-scale pilot

program to a full-scale, watershed-wide, offering.

During 2015, the program continued on its previous

trajectory while simultaneously engaging the

community to provide feedback on the next version

of HIP. In 2015, a total of 25 HIP projects were

completed, resulting in 61 new phosphorus-limiting

BMPs in the residential areas around the Lake.

While the new program is under development, the education and outreach tasks for HIP focused on

engaging past, and potential future, participants in various surveys and focus groups designed to

improve the program experience. In addition, thought leaders in a number of related fields were

engaged through advisory roles to address the most common barriers to program success. Experts in

communication, project design, permitting, construction, and technical assistance were assembled for

robust and productive discussions. The combination of citizen input and professional consultation has

Homeowner Incentive

Program (HIP) 2015 efforts

resulted in 25 projects to

reduce stormwater runoff in

the Lake Whatcom Watershed.


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led to a path forward that involves a pilot-level launch of

the new and improved program in 2016 and a full roll-out

in early 2017. While the first version of HIP was

considered a success, future versions are primed to build

upon those outcomes to develop a more effective and

sustainable long-term offering that reaches and engages a

larger number of residents.

Pet Waste Management

City staff promoted messages of proper pet waste

disposal on residential properties through a grant from

Puget Sound Partnership. Using social marketing

strategies, staff developed a program to incentivize dog

owners to scoop at home at least once a week and

dispose of dog waste in the trash. Using audience

research from pre-program surveys and focus groups, City

staff focused on reducing the barriers to scooping at night

and in inclement weather, and reinforcing the message

that the trash is the best place to dispose of dog waste.

Displays and activities at local pet events, including the

Dog Days of Summer and the Paws & Claws Expo were

adapted to fit our "We Scoop at Home" program messages.

School Programs City educators offer a water education program, "Sharing our Watersheds", centered on watersheds,

the Lake Whatcom Watershed, the drinking water and wastewater treatment processes, water

conservation and stormwater pollution prevention. The curriculum is designed for 5th grade students

and was conducted at 15 local schools in 2015

reaching 880 students. The program involves tours

of water treatment facilities, a visit to Lake

Whatcom, as well as in-class education sessions.

Student groups watch the video "Lost in Puget

Sound" and prepare small group presentations

about local stormwater pollutants such as oil and

gas, fertilizer, pesticides, pet waste, phosphorus,

sediment, litter, and soap. At a follow-up visit,

students present their stormwater pollution

information to City educators. When finished,

they receive a Drain Ranger certificate to remind

them of their pledge to keep our waterways clean.

http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=5917

http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=5917


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Wash Right Campaign

City staff implemented the Wash Right public

outreach campaign to promote proper

outdoor washing practices, specifically

targeting car washing and pressure washing.

Positive messaging and designs were

developed and placed in print and online

newspapers and bus ads. Rack cards were

printed and distributed to local businesses

that rent pressure washing equipment. The

designs were made available to jurisdictions

throughout Puget Sound for their own use.

In addition, staff created a Pressure Wash Kit

with equipment to collect wash water for

proper disposal. This kit was made available to lend to residents and small businesses to help them

properly dispose of wash water. Local Source Control staff also provide technical assistance to help

pressure washers determine the best way to divert wash water away from the stormwater system.

Neighborhood Association Meetings

City staff presented at six neighborhood association meetings to provide details on the work of the City

stormwater division, water quality monitoring data, practices residents can implement to protect water

quality, and forthcoming capital projects that will treat stormwater. Two additional meetings were held

with the Columbia neighborhood to garner interest in rain garden projects that will accompany storm

main improvements in this neighborhood.

City staff, in partnership with the Lake Whatcom Management Program, held the first-of-its-kind "Lake

Whatcom Capital Projects Open House" in 2015 to provide direct education and engagement to

residents near ongoing and future water quality projects around Lake Whatcom. The intention of the

event was to provide access to project plans, engineers, and staff in order to directly address residents'

questions about the upcoming and ongoing projects. Approximately 80 residents attended the Open

House, including residents of the City of Bellingham and unincorporated Whatcom County. This

cooperative event reinforced the message that Lake Whatcom protection is an issue that crosses

jurisdictional boundaries. As part of the interjurisdictional Lake Whatcom Work Plan, significant public

investments are being made in the County's areas of the Lake, with the City's support in technical

assistance and grant writing.

Not only did the Open House address projects in public areas, the event put a special focus on the

potential for residents to do similar projects on their private property through the Homeowner

Incentive Program. Approximately 50 residents received materials related to private property

improvements and discussed the potential for their own projects with HIP staff at the event.

Business Sector Education

City staff conducted 106 site visits to local businesses providing technical assistance on pollution

prevention practices. Business owners receive one-on-one education on good housekeeping practices


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specific to activities they are conducting such as proper storage and disposal of chemicals, cleaning

products, paint, cooking grease, and other hazardous materials. In addition, owners are assisted with

locating and maintaining their storm drains and informed about the impacts of illicit discharges, how to

report them, and how to prevent them. In 2015, the food industry, restaurants, gas stations, pressure

washers, and property managers were the primary target sectors.


The City plans to continue work on stormwater education and outreach at a level commensurate with

2015 efforts building on established systems and procedures.

The City is partnering with Whatcom County to complete a detailed assessment of the pilot phase of

HIP. This assessment will serve as the basis for formative research needed to create targeted outreach

for the next version of the residential program. This research will include interviews, surveys, and focus

groups and will be integrated into 2016 (and beyond) offerings for residential incentive programs in the

Lake Whatcom Watershed.


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Table 2: Education and Outreach Activities Undertaken In 2015

Education/ Outreach Activity Description Targeted Audiences

We Scoop Bellingham campaign

5 city buses with alternating routes carried ads for We Scoop Bellingham campaign

Ads began December 2015 and will run through March 2016

248 kits of bag dispenser, leash flashlights, and/or collar lights distributed

356 dog owners pledged to scoop the poop at home at least weekly, bag it and put it in the trash

General public

Wash Right campaign

Developed messaging and images to promote proper water disposal related to car and pressure washing.

Print & online newspaper ads and 24 bus ads ran for 4 weeks in June 2015

Pressure Wash Kit made available to assist residents and small businesses in proper wash water management

General public

Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP)

One-on-one homeowner education:

114 personalized site visits

38 New HIP Project Assessments

25 HIP Final Inspection visits - including maintenance education Group Education:

HIP presentations delivered to City and County Councils, Lake Whatcom groups, other jurisdictions, and the public ~ 120 attendees

Homeowners in City portion of the Lake Whatcom Watershed

General public interested in Lake Whatcom Restoration Programs

Padden Creek Daylighting

Post-construction video about the status and purpose of the project created and shared on the City's website and Facebook page

Over 60 community members attended an open house to give feedback on the project before design and construction were finalized, invitations mailed to over 400 residents in the adjacent project area

Postcards mailed to over 400 residents adjacent to the project to notify them of up-coming construction

Two presentations provided to the nearby neighborhood association (Happy Valley)

Four presentations and 8 tours provided to various community groups

Quarterly email updates sent to interested community members

General Public

Residents and businesses adjacent to project

Interested community groups


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Squalicum Creek Re-route

Open house to garner community feedback prior to construction, invitations mailed to residents adjacent to the area

Postcards mailed to over 1,000 residents about construction impacts and key project information

Community work party with site tours on October 24th in partnership with the City's Parks Department and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) o Invitations mailed to 1,000 residents and businesses adjacent to the

project area and NSEA members o Over 270 volunteers in attendance o Planting and mulching over 1,400 trees covering 2.3 acres o Site tours provided to over 270 members of the public o 171 watershed-friendly give-aways (including dog bad dispensers and

native plant coupons) distributed to volunteers

Post-construction video about the status and purpose of the project created and shared on the City's website and Facebook page

General Public

Residents and businesses adjacent to project

Interested community groups

Educational Events

World Water Day - 60 attendees, ~350 passive audience read trail signs

Pet waste display and activity at Paws and Claws Expo & Dog Days of Summer - 100 contacts

5th Grade School Programs - 15 elementary schools- 880 students

General public Elementary school students Pet owners

Local Source Control 106 businesses visited and provided pollution prevention technical

assistance, including gas stations, restaurants, property managers, and pressure washers, among others

Businesses, industries

Neighborhood Meetings

Six neighborhood meetings for general stormwater information

Two additional meetings with the Colombia neighborhood regarding the rain garden project: 31 interested residents.

Lake Whatcom Capital Projects Open House provided engagement to residents near ongoing and future water quality projects

General public Lake Whatcom Residents


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Surveys

Scoop the Poop Promise: online pledge for picking up pet waste at home

356 pledgers

248 received kits of bag dispensers, leash flashlights, and/or collar lights

20,000 residents received utility bill insert with pet waste educational materials

Clean Water Pledge: online pledge for behaviors that help improve pet waste, car wash, and pesticide pollution problems. Chinook Book apps, car wash and native plant coupons distributed to pledgers, volunteers, and local business employees and patrons.

329 pledges

1,753 Chinook Book apps distributed (210 apps activated, 2583 sessions, 223 coupon redemptions, 8 water quality-related coupons redeemed)

67 car wash coupons distributed

43 native plant coupons distributed

Residents Pet owners

Water Use Efficiency Outreach

2 rainwater harvesting system demonstration workshops and installations, totaling 5,000-gallon capacity o ~15 adults in one workshop/installation o ~75 6th graders in second workshop/installation

One rainwater harvest tour, 10 participants

Water & Money Saving Guide distributed to ~5,00 utility customers

Walk for Water 2015 - 60 active participants, 300-400 passive participants

General public 6th grade students

Online Outreach www.cob.org/stormwater City website includes stormwater resources and videos, including What's the Scoop About Healthy Streams video and Stormwater University videos

General public Business owners

BTV10 aired programs Lake Whatcom Challenge Puget Sound Starts Here public service announcements

General public

Car Wash Kits Car wash kits were loaned to 3 charities General public Charities

4.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION (S5.C.2)


Section S5.C.2 of the Permit requires the City to address the following public involvement and participation elements:

Provide ongoing opportunities for public involvement in the SWMP process through committees/commissions and updating the SWMP

Make the SWMP and Annual Compliance Report available to the public, including posting on the City’s website


The Bellingham public is invited to participate in stormwater decision-making. Opportunities include the

City’s Public Works Advisory Board, City Council meetings, Community meetings, public hearings,

neighborhood association meetings, focus groups, community surveys, and webpage communications.

The City also solicits public comment through press releases specific to projects and code updates, and

leisure guide advertisements. Status reports on the Stormwater Management Program were presented

at the monthly Public Works Committee meetings. In addition, the current SWMP and Annual

Compliance Report were made available to the public by posting downloadable versions on the City’s

website and a copy is available for public review at City Hall.


Public involvement opportunities to comment on the stormwater program in 2015 are summarized in

Table 3.

Table 3: Public Involvement Opportunities Undertaken in 2015

Public Involvement Opportunity Description of Opportunity

City Council Meetings City Council holds weekly meetings that are open to the public

Public Works Advisory Board Annual review of Stormwater Management Program

Website posting of SWMP and Annual Report

Downloadable versions of the current stormwater management documents are on the City website


The City plans to offer public involvement opportunities similar to those offered in 2015.

5.0 ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION (S5.C.3)


Section S5.C.3 of the Permit requires the City to address and/or maintain the following illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) elements:

Develop an ongoing program to detect and remove illicit discharges, connections, and improper disposal, including any spills into the municipal separate storm sewers owned or operated by the City

Develop a map of the municipal storm sewer system

Implement an ordinance that prohibits illicit discharges, and create a program to detect and address illicit discharges

Publicize a hotline or other local telephone number for public reporting of spills and other illicit discharges

Train staff on proper IDDE response procedures

Track all spills, illicit discharges and connections reported to the City and response actions taken, including enforcement actions


The City has developed and implemented an ongoing program to detect and remove illicit discharges

and connections into the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). A comprehensive GIS

mapping system of its MS4 has been in place for many years. The map contains all known municipal

storm sewer outfalls and receiving waters, and structural stormwater BMP’s owned or operated by the

City. All known private stormwater facilities are mapped as well. The City tracks and locates all outfalls,

retains development records, and continually updates the map as new facilities come online. Records

are also refined as new information becomes available. All City staff and the public as well have access

to the stormwater system attributes through the CityIQ Online Map Viewer which allows searches for

Bellingham-area information. While many features are available in the GIS system, the City also has a

Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan that developed a customized application of the Western

Washington Hydrology Model version 3 (WWHM3) to evaluate the hydrology and hydraulics of the

City's stormwater system components.

Through Bellingham Municipal Code 15.42.050.C, the City prohibits non-stormwater illegal discharges,

and/or dumping into the City's MS4. The enforcement of all stormwater code provisions including illicit

discharges is provided for in BMC 15.42 subsections 070-110. Illicit discharges were prohibited in the

1995 adopted code; however, the language was refined in the 2009 ordinance to fully reflect the NPDES

permit language. The City is active in the enforcement of illicit discharges.

The City has established interdepartmental coordination to report and respond to illicit discharges. City

staff utilize many methods to discover and trace illicit discharges and IDDE problems including visual

observation and chemical analysis, internal pipe scanning, stormwater outfall monitoring/dry weather

monitoring, and source control inspections. The city also uses customer information to identify and

resolve stormwater issues.

A stormwater hotline number (360-778-7979) is posted

on the City's website and also publicized on the newer

storm drain markers throughout the City. SSWU staff are

ready to record and respond to all calls regarding illicit

discharges or illegal spills that are received on the

hotline. All valid inquiries are followed up as necessary

to resolve the issue. Follow-up actions are tracked and

feedback is given to the initiators as well as Ecology as

necessary. The City has also both received and sent

information thru the Ecology ERTS system and responds

similarly providing closure information back to Ecology.

SSWU staff respond to most stormwater incidents to

assess the situation and plan follow-up actions to resolve them. For incidences that reach the MS4,

SSWU staff work with the Storm Operations crew and a vacuum truck is used if needed. Fire and Police

are often the first responder; however, if it is not a hazardous materials situation, they are trained to

call SSWU responders and the Storm Operations crew. All Public Works Operations vehicles have spill

kits for containment and cleanup of small spills. The Storm Operations crew receives training on spill

response and addresses any additional questions or concerns through the stormwater committee. The

COB Emergency Response Plan for Public Works Operations: Water, Wastewater, Stormwater Chapter

8 Water Quality Contamination, and Checklists 10 and 11 Hazardous Materials Spill to Streets or Storm

Water System cover procedures for spill response.

In addition to responding to illicit discharge incidents, the City is proactive in tracing the source of illicit

discharges. The City has been utilizing system scanning since 2003 to both discover illicit discharges and

trace the sources as well as to detect maintenance issues. The crew has been trained to look for signs

of non-stormwater discharges from private piping entering our system. Signs of staining, foam,

discolored discharges are all indications that would be part of the condition report of the piping system.

This information is provided to the supervisor and is also logged into system reports for future referral.

The City has reviewed 100% of our total 28 square miles of stormwater network and is beginning to

review the system a second time, with approximately 10% completed at this time. The initial effort

captured older infrastructure in the Central Business District and known problem areas. Crews have

since proceeded by ¼ sections starting in the northwest moving east and then south. This system

review has resulted in locating many problems including misconnections and suspicious flows.

The City also identifies illicit connections through its dry weather outfall inspection program which was

initiated in 2004. Information from the dry weather studies has been useful in identifying stormwater

problems ranging from sewer/stormwater service line cross connections, leaking water valves, pet

waste mismanagement, yard waste mismanagement, and other non-point source pollution. When

samples from flowing outfalls indicates a problem, GIS information is used to track the pathways up the

stormwater system.

The priority of field assessment on City streams is based on the level of water quality impairment and

303d listing parameters. Outfall inspections are conducted during dry weather in accordance with the

Center for Watershed Protection’s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Guidance Manual. To

date, outfall inspections have been conducted on:

Lake Whatcom and Silver Beach Creek in 2004

Whatcom Creek and tributaries in 2004

Padden Creek and tributaries in 2005

Squalicum Creek and tributaries in 2006

Whatcom Creek and tributaries in 2007, repeated to support TMDL efforts

Lake Whatcom and Silver Beach Creek in 2008 repeated to support TMDL efforts

Bellingham Bay in 2012 in conjunction with the Port of Bellingham

Whatcom Creek wet weather sampling in 2011 and 2012 to support TMDL efforts

Connelly and Fever Creeks wet weather sampling in 2014 to support TMDL efforts

Chuckanut and Bear Creeks and tributaries in 2015

The City, through our Local Source Control (LSC) Partnership with Ecology, provides technical assistance

and pollution prevention education to businesses. The City evaluates priority businesses and industrial

activities likely to have illicit discharges and provides technical assistance to these entities on ways to

reduce sources of pollution. Site visits with businesses include in-depth surveys of current practices.

The focus is to examine hazardous material storage and disposal, outdoor storage, catch basin

maintenance, and the potential for stormwater contamination. Good housekeeping practices are

commended and corrective actions are discussed. Follow-up letters are sent to establishments

highlighting existing good practices and itemizing practices that need to be corrected along with

recommendations on how to remedy them. Certain high

priority environmental issues trigger an automatic follow-

up visit. During these visits the City is able to note business

practice changes or continue with education to correct

persistent problems. Program staff also deal directly with

these businesses on illicit discharges either reported or

imminent. Dye testing is used in cases where questions

arise about the storm/sewer network.

Since the program's inception in 2008, the LSC program has focused technical assistance visits on

sectors including boat repair, printers, photo processors, dry cleaners, landscapers, nurseries, dentists,

veterinary clinics, gas stations, painters, pharmacies, auto body, auto repair shops, wood workers,

metal workers, gas stations, property managers, grocery stores, restaurants, and scrap recyclers. The

visits have resulted in significant reductions in stormwater pollution along with reduction in hazardous

waste materials sent to our wastewater treatment plant.

The City requires biannual IDDE training for all municipal field staff, including the Surface and Storm,

Street, Water, Wastewater, and Traffic crews, and the Police and Fire Departments. Public Works

inspectors and supervisors have also been trained on illicit discharge identification and procedures.

The City has 65 Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) trained personnel on staff.

City staff responded to 110 stormwater incident reports, including 53

Stormwater Hotline calls

5.3 Accomplishments for 2015

The City has taken many steps to identify and eliminate illicit discharges in 2015. Knowledge of City

infrastructure improves as the City's comprehensive map of its MS4 continues to be updated. In 2015,

the City responded to 53 hotline calls and online submittals, as well as an additional 57 notifications

from direct calls, emails, staff complaints, and ERTS referrals. All incidents reported were responded to

in some manner. Some inquiries were discussed with the caller and did not require further action while

others were forwarded on to a different department as appropriate. Most inquiries were addressed by

SSWU staff and follow-up responses were tracked in the stormwater incident response database.

Dry weather monitoring of outfalls was conducted in the Chuckanut Creek and Bear Creek basins in

2015. All of the outfalls in both creek basins were dry at the time of monitoring. Both creeks were very

low and there was only enough flow to obtain three samples in Bear Creek and its tributaries and four

samples from Chuckanut Creek and its tributaries. None of the results showed evidence of cross

connection or illicit discharges.

Local source control staff completed 106 technical assistance

visits in 2015. The food industry, gas stations, restaurants,

pressure washers and property managers were the primary

target sectors.

The Stormwater Committee met every two months in 2015

and served as a forum for training staff and inspecting City Operations facilities. An IDDE training was

completed by all new field staff. This training is renewed every two years by all field staff in the Police,

Fire, Parks and Public Works departments. SSWU Staff also participated in:

Webinars on stormwater BMPs, pesticides and human health, safer cleaning products,

pharmaceutical waste, Integrated Pest Management, etc.

Monthly conference call presentations and quarterly in-person trainings with regional Local Source

Control Specialists on topics such as L&I safety, stormwater management and toxicology, low

impact development, chemicals of emerging concern, and waste designation.

Annual Regional and National North American Hazardous Materials Management Association

(NAHMMA) conferences; one staff member serves as the Vice President of NAHMMA

40 hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response certification and renewal

Workshop on the Puget Sound Safe Yard Products Toolkit created by Seattle Tilth.


The City plans to continue responding to illicit discharges at a commensurate level of effort as in 2015.

106 business received

pollution prevention

technical assistance

6.0 CONTROLLING RUNOFF FROM NEW DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION SITES (S5.C.4)


Section S5.C.4 of the Permit requires the City to address the following elements regarding controlling runoff from new development, redevelopment and construction sites:

Develop, implement, and enforce a program to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff discharging to the municipal separate storm sewer system from new development, redevelopment, and construction site activities

Adopt an ordinance to address runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction activities from both public and private sites using Appendix 1 as the standard.

Retain existing local requirements to apply stormwater controls at smaller sites or at lower thresholds than required pursuant to S5.C.4

Develop and implement a planning process for development that includes plan review, inspection, and enforcement capability

Provide copies of the Notice of Intent for construction or industrial activities to representatives of the proposed new development and redevelopment

Provide training to staff on the new codes, standards, and standard operating procedures

Develop a process to record and maintain all inspections and enforcement actions by staff


The City has developed, implemented, and enforced a program to control runoff from new

development, redevelopment, and construction site activities. In 2006 and 2009, the City updated its

stormwater code to address construction runoff control from both public and private sites using

language consistent with the "Technical Thresholds" in Appendix 1 of the Phase II Permit. However,

since the adoption of the City's initial stormwater ordinance in 1995, a permitting, inspection, and

enforcement program has been in place that is more restrictive than the Appendix 1 thresholds. The

City requires some form of erosion control on all projects that exceed 120 square feet of impervious

surfaces or disturb more than 500 square feet of soil. These local requirements have been retained as

the City continues to regulate stormwater from smaller sites or at lower thresholds than required

pursuant to S5.C.4. Sites that trigger the Appendix 1 thresholds receive more detailed reporting,

increased inspection frequencies, and additional compliance items as necessary to meet the Phase II

Permit requirements.

The City previously followed the planning process and BMP selection and design criteria outlined in the

2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington. The new 2012 Manual was adopted

by the City automatically at the time it was adopted by Ecology. Our permitting process includes site

plan review, inspection, and enforcement capability. Copies of the Notice of Intent for construction or

industrial activities are provided to project proponents. City databases are used to record permit

activity and maintain a record of all inspections and enforcement actions taken by staff.

The use of Low Impact Development

techniques is promoted and encouraged

through the stormwater permit review process,

educational outreach programs, and financial

incentives. The City adopted financial

incentives for the use of LID techniques in the

form of reduced stormwater development fees

in 2006 for any prospective project. In

addition, residents in the Lake Whatcom

Watershed taking part in the Homeowner

Incentive Program (HIP) receive a free

stormwater permit, design assistance, and

material reimbursement for completing an LID

project.

All permitted development sites are inspected by qualified Public Works Department Inspectors for

proper erosion and sediment controls and appropriate enforcement actions are taken as necessary to

ensure compliance. The City's inspection program includes site visits prior to the onset of construction,

during construction and post-construction. Verbal warnings are often given during inspections and

corrections are made when the inspector is present. When necessary stormwater permit correction

notices are issued listing the items that do not comply with City codes along with required corrective

actions. Stop work orders are issued in cases where non-compliance persists and they remain in effect

until additional inspections show compliance. All permitted developments sites are inspected upon

completion and prior to final approval or occupancy to ensure proper installation of permanent

stormwater controls and to verify that a maintenance plan is in place. The City uses an escalating

enforcement strategy of corrective warnings, monetary ticketing, and if necessary the case is

transferred to the City's legal staff.

The City's Private Stormwater Facility Inspection Program has two major components. The first priority

is the scheduling and inspecting of private facilities that trigger the NPDES annual inspection

requirement to ensure maintenance standards are met on post-construction private facilities.

Secondarily, the City inspects and provides

technical assistance to owners of smaller or

older private facilities within the City’s

jurisdiction. Private facilities built after 2007

that trigger the Appendix 1 thresholds are

inspected annually unless inspection records

support a different frequency. Inspection

reports document conditions and itemize

specific maintenance corrective actions.

Notification letters are sent to the property

owners along with the inspection report and a

timeline for action. Typically, maintenance is required prior to the next annual inspection however

there are circumstances that call for more frequent follow-up inspection and the City continues to work

with owners until maintenance issues have been resolved.

Site plan reviewers, inspectors, city engineers and SSWU staff have had stormwater code training, DOE

manual training, and have attended permit overview workshops. Permit Center staff are trained

quarterly on the new codes, standards, and standard operating procedures. The City has 65 Certified

Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) trained personnel on staff.


The Public Works Development Section reviewed 501 site plans in 2015. These plans were distributed

as follows into the four permit levels:

225 level 1 permits for projects containing more than 300 square feet and less than or equal to

1,000 square feet of new or replaced impervious surface or containing more than 500 square feet

and less than or equal to 5,000 square feet or clearing or grading.

219 level 2 permits for projects containing more than 1,000 square feet and less than or equal to

5,000 square feet of new or replaced impervious surface or containing more than 5,000 square feet

and less than or equal to 30,000 square feet or clearing or grading.

42 level 3 permits for projects containing more than 5,000 square feet and less than or equal to one

acre of new or replaced impervious surface or containing more than 30,000 square feet of clearing

or grading.

14 level 4 permits for projects containing more than one acre of impervious surface.

1 permit below the level 1 threshold was issued as required to approve of work occurring during

the seasonal restriction period in the Lake Whatcom watershed.

The City continued to regulate stormwater from smaller sites or at lower thresholds than required

pursuant to S5.C.4 using local ordinances that were in place prior to the NPDES Phase II Permit.

City Stormwater Inspectors made 11,119 stormwater inspections

during 2015. Stormwater permit correction notices were issued to

document 186 construction activities that were not in compliance

with City stormwater code. These sites were re-inspected until

corrective actions were taken. Twenty-one stop work orders were

issued and 2 cases were referred for enforcement; one to Code

Enforcement and one to the Planning Department.

The City continued its Private Stormwater Facility Inspection Program,

providing a total of 149 inspections. Of these, 68 inspections were for facilities which meet the NPDES

requirements for inspection, and 81 inspections were performed on systems that did not meet the

NPDES requirements. Inspection records and subsequent maintenance activities have demonstrated

that a few of the required private inspections sites can be moved to a biannual schedule. Further

technical assistance was provided through an additional 68 return site visits, 25 of which were for

149 private facility

inspections and

68 follow-up visits

were provided

facilities that met NPDES requirements, and 43 were for facilities that did not meet NPDES

requirements.

The Public Works Department staff viewed various webcasts on design of stormwater facilities,

implementing best management practices, and pollution prevention. The Development Department

holds quarterly trainings for permit center staff on code changes and to help with outreach questions.

Additional staff training included:

State LID Training Courses:

Intermediate LID Design: Bioretention Intermediate LID Design: Permeable Pavement Intermediate LID Design: Hydrologic Modeling Advanced Long-Term LID Operations: Bioretention Advanced Long-Term LID Operations: Permeable Pavement Advanced Bioretention Design (16 hrs.) Advanced Permeable Pavement Design (16 hours) Advanced Site Assessment, Layout, and Planning (16 hrs.) Advanced Rainwater Collection and Green Roof Design (16 hours) Advanced Topics, Bioretention Media (8 hours) Advanced Hydrologic Modeling (8 hrs.) LID in Bellingham, Training and Tours (16 hrs.)

Other Trainings:

Washington Stormwater Center Webcast - Grant and Loan Training Filterra/Contech Stormwater Systems Construction Seminar ROADMAP Bioretention Training and Seminar

Committees:

Participation in W. Washington APWA Stormwater Managers Committee Participation in N. Sound Stormwater Managers Committee


The city plans to continue to control runoff at a commensurate level of effort as in 2015.

7.0 POLLUTION PREVENTION AND OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS (S5.C.5)


Section S5.C.5 of the Permit requires the City to address the following pollution prevention and operation and maintenance elements:

Develop and implement an operations and maintenance program, with the ultimate goal of preventing or reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations.

Adopt maintenance standards for the municipal separate stormwater system that are at least as protective as those specified in Ecology’s 2012 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington

Perform annual inspections of stormwater flow control and treatment facilities and catch basins

Develop Standard Operating Procedures to reduce stormwater impacts associated with runoff from municipal O&M activities

Train staff to implement new procedures

Prepare Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) for all heavy equipment maintenance or storage yards identified for year-round facilities or yards, and material storage facilities owned or operated by the City


The City of Bellingham has developed and implemented an operations and maintenance program with

the goal of preventing or reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations. One focus of the

program is training municipal staff on good housekeeping pollution prevention practices that are

applicable to daily City operations and activities. Other components include, maintaining public

stormwater facilities, updating stormwater pollution prevention plans for city facilities, and

constructing capital improvement projects that reduce pollution.

The City has a comprehensive program for maintaining

city-owned or operated permanent stormwater

treatment and flow control facilities. Maintenance

standards from Ecology’s 2012 Stormwater

Management Manual for Western Washington were

adopted by the City and are used to evaluate facilities

for both private and public inspections. The City

maintains over 469 facilities including 5 regional

detention ponds, 129 detention/water quality ponds,

vaults or pipes, 102 water quality swales, 78 rain

gardens, 119 storm filter vaults, 9 dispersion trenches,

10 infiltration facilities, 12 sand filters, 1 stormwater treatment wetland, and 4 oil-water separators.

Inspection and maintenance of facilities is scheduled and tracked through a maintenance management

system. Inspections occur at a minimum annually

with most facilities inspected several times

throughout the year. Filters are inspected even more

frequently; typically on a 3 month circuit.

Maintenance is scheduled when a facility exceeds the

applicable maintenance standards and corrective

actions are executed as soon as practical. All known

catch basins and inlets owned or operated by the City

of Bellingham are inspected and cleaned as necessary

to comply with the maintenance standards. In

addition, City Storm Operations staff have identified

potentially vulnerable stormwater facilities that are

monitored during and after major storm events.

Through stormwater facility

retrofits and source control

activities, the City has

markedly decreased fecal

coliform levels in our creeks

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) have been developed for the Public Works Operations

Complex and the Parks & Recreation Operations Center. Stormwater Committee members perform

regular site inspections of operations facilities to ensure that proper good housekeeping practices are

being followed and provide training for municipal employees. The City has 65 Certified Erosion and

Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) trained personnel on staff.

The City’s street sweeper program aims to

clean all City streets on a 2 to 3 month circuit.

More frequent street sweeping occurs in the

downtown Central Business District where

streets are serviced twice a week and in the

Lake Whatcom Watershed where streets are

cleaned twice a month. In addition, the City led

a joint venture to purchase a street sweeper for

Whatcom County NPDES partners to

proactively prevent pollutants from entering

TMDL water bodies. This state of the art high

efficiency street sweeper has a higher rate of

fine particulate capture and is used around the city and particularly in the Lake Whatcom Watershed to

improve removal of particulate phosphorus from roadways. It is also currently being used by the Port

of Bellingham and is available to both Whatcom County and the City of Ferndale.

Capital improvement projects have been a major component of the City’s effort to reduce stormwater

impacts associated with runoff from streets and parking lots. Over the past decade, numerous

stormwater quality retrofit projects have been completed citywide and many more are scheduled with

funding secured. Projects have used LID techniques, conventional water quality facilities, and in-line

treatment options. Recent projects include the Broadway Park sand filter that treats stormwater from

the Sunset Drive and I-5 junction and the water quality vault in Maritime Heritage Park that treats 40

acres of the downtown area.

For the Lake Whatcom Watershed in particular, a key component to the City’s stormwater treatment

strategy is implementing controls that reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the Lake. A notable

accomplishment in this regard is that all public stormwater facilities in the City's portion of the Lake

Whatcom Watershed are now utilizing phosphorus-specific filtration media, improving phosphorus

removal efficiency to approximately 67%, up more than 12% when compared to efficiencies achieved

through 2014. The City has 52 main treatment systems in the Lake Whatcom Watershed and other

smaller ones associated with our HIP program.


The City of Bellingham inspected and maintained all publicly-owned stormwater facilities in 2015 and

responded promptly to reported maintenance issues. While each facility was inspected at least once,

the majority of the facilities were visited or serviced 3 to 4 times. In addition, crews inspected and

maintained an estimated 3,400 structures of the 13,619 known publicly-owned structures in the City.

Publicly-owned structures include 11,361 catch basins and 2,258 manholes. Furthermore, crews

inspected 16 miles of storm main lines.

The Stormwater Committee continued to meet as a forum for interdepartmental discussions on

municipal stormwater issues. Each bimonthly meeting contained a training component on stormwater

protocol and pollution prevention practices. Other municipal activities undertaken in 2015 include

continuation of the street sweeping program, source control inspections on City-owned facilities and

the review of the stormwater pollution prevention plans for the Public Works Operations Complex and

the Parks & Recreation Operations Center.


The city plans to continue to implement pollution prevention and maintenance for municipal operations

at a commensurate level of effort as in 2015.

8.0 MONITORING (S8.C.1.b and S8.C.2)


The City of Bellingham has conducted water quality

monitoring for over 25 years through our Urban Streams

Monitoring Program. This program was initiated in 1990

with the purpose of collecting data and maintaining a

record of stream conditions at up to 19 separate stream

sites on the 5 major creeks within Bellingham. In

addition, the City sponsors an in-depth water quality

program focused on the Lake Wh atcom Watershed. The

program began over 50 years ago due primarily to our

requirements as a purveyor of water to test the quality of

incoming water to our water treatment system but has

continued to grow and expand in scope as additional

parameters and studies have been deemed necessary. In

recent years, the City has focused not only on the Lake

quality but also on the nature of the water entering the

Lake through creeks and large storm drains. Western Washington University (WWU) over this time

period has been commissioned by the City to provide ambient Lake monitoring and stormwater input

monitoring from the various creeks.

A third facet of the City’s program involves stormwater monitoring. For over 15 years, the City has

tested inflows to creeks primarily in the Lake Whatcom Watershed following storm events. Monitoring

started with the inclusion of the Park Place stormwater wet pond in the WWU Lake Monitoring study.

Our stormwater monitoring program has expanded to test a variety of BMP’s for effectiveness in

removing standard pollutants and phosphorus. To date we have performed testing on rain gardens,

wet ponds, sand filters, and media filtration. Three different types of systems have been analyzed to

date with the following results:

Phosphorus specific filtration media - 50-85% phosphorus removal efficiency based on water quality sampling

Rain gardens – 81% fecal coliform removal based on quarterly sampling

Sand filters – 50% phosphorus removal and 80 to 99.9% fecal coliform removal based on quarterly sampling

Analysis of systems in Lake Whatcom is being used to typify phosphorus removal rates for TMDL

compliance. This program is of regional significance because it provides credible information on new

stormwater treatment and infiltration techniques that is specific to Western Washington. The new

media in the facility, including phosphorus-removing filter cartridges, has been given conditional

approval from the Department of Ecology as a phosphorus-limiting best management practice (BMP).

Bellingham has also engaged in short-term monitoring as a part of our illicit discharge program. During

field investigations, flowing outfalls have been tested for basic water quality parameters including fecal

coliform, turbidity, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature. In addition, testing for total

phosphorus is included where applicable.


The City’s Urban Stream Monitoring Program and Lake Whatcom Monitoring programs continued. In

August, dry weather monitoring of Chuckanut and Bear Creeks was completed for the portions of each

basin within City limits. All of the outfalls in both creek basins were dry at the time of monitoring. Both

creeks were very low and there was only enough flow to obtain three samples in Bear Creek and its

tributaries and four samples from Chuckanut Creek and its tributaries. None of the results showed

evidence of cross connection or illicit discharges.

The City continued evaluating specialized filter

medias for dissolved phosphorous removal around

Lake Whatcom. In addition to the filter medias,

Bellingham has been implementing use of the

recent Department of Transportation/Ecology

Media Filter Drain Best Management Practice

(BMP) within the Lake Whatcom Watershed. This

BMP uses a mixture of gypsum, perlite, dolomite

and aggregate to treat water for phosphorus and

other pollutants. This BMP has undergone testing

and is rated to remove about 85% of total

phosphorus. This BMP has been used for our Northshore and Bloedel Donovan stormwater retrofit

projects to date. Field testing of this BMP will be accomplished to further verify its viability.


The City plans to continue its monitoring at a commensurate level of effort as in 2015.

9.0 CAPITAL PROJECTS and RETROFITTING (Not Required by NPDES)


The City of Bellingham has an active Capital

Program associated with the Storm and

Surface Water Utility (SSWU). A part of the

SSWU funding has been used for the

replacement of capital assets to maintain the

infrastructure and retrofitting stormwater

systems and areas for water quality and

environmental benefit.

Since the 1980's Bellingham has been active in

providing system retrofits and managing

stormwater. The retrofits were first primarily

related to the prevention of flooding. In 1992 Bellingham received a grant from Ecology and

constructed our first water quality facility retrofit for the protection of Lake Whatcom. Since Lake

Whatcom is the drinking water source for about 120,000 people it has remained high on our needs list.

For this basin alone the City has constructed and maintains an oil water separator and 50 facilities that

reduce phosphorus and other pollutants.

Retrofitting is also of importance to areas outside of Lake Whatcom. In addition to required water

quality improvements related to transportation improvements, the City considers including water

quality retrofits in water and sewer replacements as well, whenever possible.

9.2 Retrofit Projects

Bellingham's stormwater capital program has included a substantial number of retrofits over the years.

SSWU policy has been that street projects that create new stormwater impacts and trigger code

compliance are responsible for those mitigations. SSWU funding has been used to augment those

mitigations or to provide funding in total to retrofit project areas that are not responsible for

mitigation. Primary examples of this are street projects that are overlaying existing roadways with new

asphalt or replacing existing curb/gutter systems. If the improvements do not trigger any code

requirements, we look at retrofitting as an opportunity to improve our systems. In such cases decisions

are based on average daily traffic for the street, the degree of opportunity, and available funding.

Where street projects are only responsible to mitigate for new impervious surfaces, retrofitting is

incorporated to aid providing total mitigation for the project area. This is to avoid having streets that

are only partially mitigated that may present problems in the future if comprehensive retrofitting is

desired or required. Recent projects are described below.

Water Quality for Padden Estuary

This project treats semi-urban runoff from more than 90 acres of the Fairhaven and South Hill

Neighborhoods that drain directly into lower Padden Creek and its Estuary and previously received no

stormwater treatment. The project began construction in 2015, and should be completed in late spring

2016. A 4,250 ft2 Filterra Bio-Scape® system, consisting of engineered soil mixes and planted with

native plants, provides best-available treatment for nutrients, bacteria, sediment, hydrocarbons, and

metals in runoff generated from the mixed-use development within the drainage basin. In order to

maximize the performance of the Filterra®, accessory infiltration and flow control systems will manage

and treat low-volume and first-flush storm events.

Columbia Neighborhood Water Quality Improvement - Main Replacements and Rain Gardens

This project, currently in design, will provide stormwater treatment for runoff from a large portion of

the Columbia Neighborhood and will upgrade and repair existing storm drainage infrastructure. Exact

project boundaries and parameters are still under development and should be finalized sometime in

the summer of 2016. Activities completed in 2015 involved engaging the neighborhood in the initial

design strategy to identify known issues and apply site-specific solutions when possible. Public outreach

included participation in the Neighborhood Association's annual meeting as well as a separate public

meeting that drew attendees from throughout the proposed project area. Preparatory engineering

tasks, mainly consisting of geotechnical investigations of soils and topographic surveying, also occurred

during 2015.

9.3 Fish Passage Improvements

A component of the SSWU capital program funds the improvement of culverts that are impediments to

fish. An attempt has been made to identify fish passage issues within Bellingham and to provide a level

of funding to deal with those issues over time. Projects occur based on both a prioritization ranking

and on existing system condition. During 2015, the SSWU funded the replacement of a deteriorating

culvert at McLeod Rd. The culvert was replaced with a bottomless fish passable culvert on Baker Creek

that better manages flow velocity and facilitates stream cooling through the culvert. In addition, two

large creek modification projects were completed in 2015.

Padden Creek Daylighting

This project moved the creek out

of an underground tunnel into a

newly constructed channel,

restoring 2,300 feet of Padden

Creek to improve fish habitat and

reduce flooding risks to 159 homes

in the Happy Valley neighborhood.

Daylighting Padden Creek not only

opened up over a mile of upstream

habitat and reduced flooding risks,

it helped address water quality

issues as well. Restoration of this

section of the creek adds shade to

help cool high temperatures,

provides bank stability via large woody debris structures and native plantings for clearer water, and

creates natural turbulence from gravel and large woody debris that will foster increased oxygen levels.

This project was funded by the SSWU with support from the Washington State Department of Ecology

and the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Squalicum Creek Re-route

This project involved re-routing large sections of Squalicum Creek around Sunset Pond into a new

channel, reactivating remnant channels and reconnecting the stream with its floodplain. Sunset Pond

and Bug Lake were created when gravel was excavated to build the embankments for Interstate-5,

leaving two shallow holes behind. As the area developed, the creek was diverted into the holes,

forming what we now know as Sunset Pond and Bug Lake. As water flows through the ponds, it slows,

heats, and loses oxygen, creating water quality problems. The re-route project also eliminated an

existing fish passage blockage under I-5, thus opening up over 22 miles of salmon habitat upstream of I-

5. The re-route will dramatically decrease water temperatures, and improve dissolved oxygen levels,

biotic integrity, and beneficial habitat in Squalicum Creek by routing water flow away from Sunset

Pond. This project was funded in part by the Washington State Department of Ecology in partnership

with the City of Bellingham.

Water Quality Program

Permit Submittal Electronic Certification

Permit Number:

Permittee:

Site Address:

Version:

WAR045550

MS4 Annual Report Phase II Western

BELLINGHAM CITY

210 LOTTIE STBellingham, WA 98225

Submittal Name:

1 Due Date: 3/31/2016

Questionnaire

Number Permit Section Question Answer

1 S5.A.2 Attach updated annual Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP Plan). (S5.A.2)

2016 City of Bellingham SWMP_1_03292016030603

2 S9.D.5 Attach a copy of any annexations, incorporations or boundary changes resulting in an increase or decrease in the Permittee’s geographic area of permit coverage during the reporting period per S9.D.5.

Not Applicable

3 S5.A.3 Implemented an ongoing program to gather, track, and maintain information per S5.A.3, including costs or estimated costs of implementing the SWMP.

Yes

4 S5.A.5.b Coordinated among departments within the jurisdiction to eliminate barriers to permit compliance. (S5.A.5.b)

Yes

5 S5.C.1.a.i and ii Attach description of public education and outreach efforts conducted per S5.C.1.a.i and ii.

2015 Outreach Monthly Work Pla_5_03292016094202

6 S5.C.1.b Created stewardship opportunities (or partnered with others) to encourage resident participation in activities such as those described in S5.C.1.b.

Yes

7 S5.C.1.b Used results of measuring the understanding and adoption of targeted behaviors among at least one audience in at least one subject area to direct education and outreach resources and evaluate changes in adoption of targeted behaviors. (Required no later than February 2, 2016, S5.C.1.b)

Yes

7b S5.C.1.b Attach description of how this requirement was met.

Dog Waste Project Summary_7b_03292016094500

8 S5.C.2.a Describe the opportunities created for the public to participate in the decision making processes involving the development, implementation and updates of the Permittee’s SWMP. (S5.C.2.a)

Input on SWMP's is requested at the end of each annual reporting process. The input received is to be considered in the formulation of the next SWMP. In addition, the SSWU has met with neighborhood associations to explain our stormwater programs and solicit comments from these associations.

9 S5.C.2.b Posted the updated SWMP Plan and latest annual report on your website no later than May 31. (S5.C.2.b)

Yes

9b S5.C.2.b List the website address. https://www.cob.org/services/planning/environmental/pages/stormwater-program.aspx

10 S5.C.3.a.i - vi Maintained a map of the MS4 including the requirements listed in S5.C.3.a.i.-vi.

Yes

11 S5.C.3.b.v Implemented a compliance strategy, including informal compliance actions as well as enforcement provisions of the regulatory mechanism described in S5.C.3.b. (S5.C.3.b.v)

Yes

12 S5.C.3.b.vi Updated, if necessary, the regulatory mechanism to effectively prohibit illicit discharges into the MS4 per S5.C.3.b.vi. (Required no later than February 2, 2018)

Not Applicable

12b Cite the Prohibited Discharges code reference

13 S5.C.3.c.i Implemented procedures for conducting illicit discharge investigations in accordance with S5.C.3.c.i.

Yes

13b S5.C.3.c.i Cite methodology Outfall monitoring, internal camera investigation, employee training, citizen information, stream monitoring, and source tracking.

14 S5.C.3.c.i Percentage of MS4 coverage area screened in reporting year per S5.C.3.c.i. (Required to screen 40% of MS4 no later than December 31, 2017 (except no later than June 30, 2018 for the City of Aberdeen) and 12% on average each year thereafter. (S5.C.3)

15

15 S5.C.3.c.ii List the hotline telephone number for public reporting of spills and other illicit discharges. (S5.C.3.c.ii)

360-778-7979

15b S5.C.3.c.ii Number of hotline calls received. 53

16 S5.C.3.c.iii Implemented an ongoing illicit discharge training program for all municipal field staff per S5.C.3.c.iii.

Yes

17 S5.C.3.c.iv Informed public employees, businesses, and the general public of hazards associated with illicit discharges and improper disposal of waste. (S5.C.3.c.iv)

Yes

17b S5.C.3.c.iv Describe the information sharing actions. (S5.C.3.c.iv)

Participate in the DOE Local Source Control Program, providing pollution prevention technical assistance to businesses. Promote and manage the Medicine Return Program for proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, including a public information campaign (bus, paper, and radio ads, and a utility bill insert). Ongoing pet waste outreach, including a social marketing program to incentivize pet waste pick-up at home, and ongoing dog bag stations throughout the city. Informational meetings with many neighborhoods in the city. The Wash Right campaign to promote proper disposal of outdoor wash water, including bus and paper ads.

18 S5.C.3.d Implemented an ongoing program to characterize, trace, and eliminate illicit discharges into the MS4 per S5.C.3.d.

Yes

19 S5.C.3.d.iv Number of illicit discharges, including illicit connections, eliminated during the reporting year. (S5.C.3.d.iv)

32

20 S5.C.3.d.iv Attach a summary of actions taken to characterize, trace and eliminate each illicit discharge found by or reported to the permittee. For each illicit discharge, include a description of actions according to required timeline per S5.C.3.d.iv

Incident Response Data_20_03292016095602

21 S5.C.3.e Municipal illicit discharge detection staff are trained to conduct illicit discharge detection and elimination activities as described in S5.C.3.e.

Yes

22 S5.C.4.a Implemented an ordinance or other enforceable mechanism to address runoff from new development, redevelopment and construction sites per the requirements of S5.C.4.a.

Yes

24 S5.C.4.a.i Number of exceptions granted to the minimum requirements in Appendix 1. (S5.C.4.a.i., and Section 6 of Appendix 1)

0

25 S5.C.4.a.i Number of variances granted to the minimum requirements in Appendix 1. (S5.C.4.a.i., and Section 6 of Appendix 1)

0

26 S5.C.4.b.i Reviewed Stormwater Site Plans for all proposed development activities that meet the thresholds adopted pursuant to S5.C.4.a.i. (S5.C.4.b.i)

Yes

26b S5.C.4.b.i Number of site plans reviewed during the reporting period.

501

27 S5.C.4.b.ii Inspected, prior to clearing and construction, permitted development sites that have a high potential for sediment transport as determined through plan review based on definitions and requirements in Appendix 7 Determining Construction Site Sediment Damage Potential, or alternatively, inspected all construction sites meeting the minimum thresholds adopted pursuant to S5.C.4.a.i. (S5.C.4.b.ii)

Yes

27b S5.C.4.b.ii Number of construction sites inspected per S5.C.4.b.ii.

501

28 S5.C.4.b.iii Inspected permitted development sites during construction to verify proper installation and maintenance of required erosion and sediment controls. (S5.C.4.b.iii)

Yes

28b S5.C.4.b.iii Number of construction sites inspected per S5.C.4.b.iii.

11119

29 S5.C.4.b.ii, iii and Number of enforcement actions taken during the reporting period (based on construction phase inspections at new development and redevelopment projects). (S5.C.4.b.ii, iii and v)

23

30 S5.C.4.b.iv Inspected all permitted development sites that meet the thresholds in S5.C.4.a.i upon completion of construction and prior to final approval or occupancy to ensure proper installation of permanent stormwater facilities. (S5.C.4.b.iv)

Yes

31 S5.C.4.b.ii-iv Achieved at least 80% of scheduled construction-related inspections. (S5.C.4.b.ii-iv)

Yes

32 S5.C.4.b.iv Verified a maintenance plan is completed and responsibility for maintenance is assigned for projects. (S5.C.4.b.iv)

Yes

33 S5.C.4.c Implemented provisions to verify adequate long-term operation and maintenance (O&M) of stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs/facilities that are permitted and constructed pursuant to S5.C.4. a and b. (S5.C.4.c)

Yes

35 S5.C.4.c.iii Annually inspected stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs/facilities per S5.C.4.c.iii.

Yes

35b S5.C.4.c.iii If using reduced inspection frequency for the first time during this permit cycle, attach documentation per S5.C.4.c.iii

Not Applicable

36 S5.C.4.c.iv Inspected new residential stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs/facilities and catch basins every 6 months per S5.C.4.c.iv to identify maintenance needs and enforce compliance with maintenance standards.

Yes

37 S5.C.4.c.v Achieved at least 80% of scheduled inspections to verify adequate long-term O&M. (S5.C4.c.v)

Yes

38 S4.C.4.c.vi Verified that maintenance was performed per the schedule in S5.C.4.c.vi when an inspection identified an exceedance of the maintenance standard.

Yes

38b S5.C.4.c.vi Attach documentation of any maintenance delays. (S5.C.4.c.vi)

Not Applicable

39 S5.C.4.d Provided copies of the Notice of Intent for Construction Activity and Notice of Intent for Industrial Activity to representatives of proposed new development and redevelopment. (S5.C.4.d)

Yes

40 S5.C.4.e All staff responsible for implementing the program to control stormwater runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction sites, including permitting, plan review, construction site inspections, and enforcement are trained to conduct these activities. (S5.C.4.e)

Yes

42 S5.C.4.g Participated and cooperated with the watershed-scale stormwater planning process led by a Phase I county. (S5.C.4.g)

Not Applicable

43 S5.C.5.a Implemented maintenance standards as protective, or more protective, of facility function as those specified in Chapter 4 of Volume V of the 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.

Yes

44 S5.C.5.a Applied a maintenance standard that is not specified in the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.

No

44b S5.C.5.a Please note what kinds of facilities are covered by this alternative maintenance standard. (S5.C.5.a)

45 S5.C.5.a.ii Performed timely maintenance per S5.C.5.a.ii. Yes

46 S5.C.5.b Annually inspected all municipally owned or operated permanent stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs/facilities. (S5.C.5.b)

Yes

46b S5.C.5.b Number of known municipally owned or operated stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs/facilities. (S5.C.5.b)

469

46c S5.C.5.b Number of facilities inspected during the reporting period. (S5.C.5.b)

469

46d S5.C.5.b Number of facilities for which maintenance was performed during the reporting period. (S5.C.5.b)

469

47 S5.C.5.b If using reduced inspection frequency for the first time during this permit cycle, attach documentation per S5.C.5.b.

Not Applicable

48 S5.C.5.c Conducted spot checks and inspections (if necessary) of potentially damaged stormwater facilities after major storms as per S5.C.5.c.

Yes

49 S5.C.5.d Inspected all municipally owned or operated catch basins and inlets as per S5.C.5.d, or used an alternative approach. (Required once no later than August 1, 2017 and every two years thereafter, except once no later than June 30, 2018 and every two years thereafter for the City of Aberdeen)

Not Applicable

49b S5.C.5.d Number of known catch basins. 11361

49c S5.C.5.d Number of catch basins inspected during the reporting period.

3400

49d S5.C.5.d Number of catch basins cleaned during the reporting period.

3400

50 S5.C.5.d.i-ii Attach documentation of alternative catch basin cleaning approach, if used. (S5.C.5.d.i or ii)

Not Applicable

51 S5.C.5.f Implemented practices, policies and procedures to reduce stormwater impacts associated with runoff from all lands owned or maintained by the Permittee, and road maintenance activities under the functional control of the Permittee. (S5.C.5.f)

Yes

52 S5.C.5.g Implemented an ongoing training program for Permittee employees whose primary construction, operations or maintenance job functions may impact stormwater quality. (S5.C.5.g.)

Yes

53 S5.C.5.h Implemented a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for all heavy equipment maintenance or storage yards, and material storage facilities owned or operated by the Permittee in areas subject to this Permit that are not required to have coverage under an NPDES permit that covers stormwater discharges associated with the activity. (S5.C.5.h)

Yes

54 S7.A Complied with the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)-specific requirements identified in Appendix 2. (S7.A)

Not Applicable

55 S7.A For TMDLs listed in Appendix 2: Attach a summary of relevant SWMP and Appendix 2 activities to address the applicable TMDL parameter(s). (S7.A)

Not Applicable

56 S8.A Attach a description of any stormwater monitoring or stormwater-related studies as described in S8.A.

2015 Monitoring Data Synopsis_56_03292016030336

57 S8.B.1 Participated in cost-sharing for the regional stormwater monitoring program (RSMP) for status and trends monitoring. (S8.B.1)

Yes

57B S8.B.2 If choosing to conduct individual status and trends monitoring, attach an annual stormwater monitoring report in accordance with S8.B.2. (Required to submit reports beginning March 31, 2016)

58 S8.C.1 Participated in cost-sharing for the regional stormwater monitoring program (RSMP) for effectiveness studies. (S8.C.1) (Required to begin no later than August 15, 2014)

Yes

I certify under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.

Renee LaCroix

Signature Date

3/30/2016 3:36:58 PM

58b S8.C.2 If choosing to conduct discharge monitoring, attach an annual stormwater monitoring report in accordance with S8.C.2 and Appendix 9. (Required to submit reports beginning March 31, 2016)

59 S8.D.1 Contributed to the RSMP for source identification and diagnostic monitoring information repository in accordance with S8.D.1. (Required to begin no later than August 15, 2014)

Yes

60 G3 Notified Ecology in accordance with G3 of any discharge into or from the Permittees MS4 which could constitute a threat to human health, welfare or the environment. (G3)

Yes

61 G3 Number of G3 notifications provided to Ecology.

11

62 G3.A Took appropriate action to correct or minimize the threat to human health, welfare, and/or the environment per G3.A.

Yes

63 S4.F.1 Notified Ecology within 30 days of becoming aware that a discharge from the Permittee’s MS4 caused or contributed to a known or likely violation of water quality standards in the receiving water. (S4.F.1)

Yes

64 S4.F.3.a If requested, submitted an Adaptive Management Response report in accordance with S4.F.3.a.

Not Applicable

65 S4.F.3.d Attach a summary of the status of implementation of any actions taken pursuant to S4.F.3 and the status of any monitoring, assessment, or evaluation efforts conducted during the reporting period. (S4.F.3.d)

Not Applicable

66 G20 Notified Ecology of the failure to comply with the permit terms and conditions within 30 days of becoming aware of the non-compliance. (G20)

Not Applicable

67 G20 Number of non-compliance notifications (G20) provided in reporting year.

0

67b G20 List the permit conditions described in non-compliance notification(s).

Not Applicable

City of Bellingham 2015 Stormwater Monitoring Synopsis

1. Annual Urban Stream Monitoring Program (report in progress). Monthly evaluation of stream health for Chuckanut, Padden, Whatcom and Squalicum Creeks. Copy to Ecology each year

2. Lake Whatcom Watershed monitoring, including streams, selected stormwater systems, and facilities. This monitoring is provided to Ecology upon request. Sources include Western Washington University, Brown and Caldwell contract, USGS, and City of Bellingham.

3. Miscellaneous monitoring of stormwater systems associated with potential illicit discharges. Various locations.

4. Dry weather monitoring in the Chuckanut Creek and Bear Creek drainages. 5. Water quality, macroinvertebrate, fish, avian, and amphibian monitoring on Cemetery Creek

and West Cemetery Creek. 6. Water temperature, macroinvertebrate, and shade monitoring on Squalicum Creek. 7. Stream flow data available for Chuckanut, Padden, Whatcom and Squalicum Creeks. Lake data

available for Lake Whatcom and Lake Padden.

All data available upon request.

Dog Waste Project Summary

Barriers and benefits to pet waste disposal in the Squalicum Creek Watershed were identified in a 2013 survey conducted by Applied Research Northwest, LLC (ARN). The findings informed a social marketing campaign (called "We Scoop Bellingham") that used educational messaging and an online pledge to reach two target audiences:

1) Dog owners who pick up after their dog frequently at home but are deterred by bad weather and darkness; and

2) Dog owners who pick up after their dog regularly but do not dispose of the waste properly.

Elements of the social marketing campaign included: • A mailing from the City of Bellingham • Scooping Stars Photo Contest • Posters in local businesses and offices • We Scoop Bellingham Facebook Page • Scoop the Poop Promise • Trash can sticker • Poop Scooping Toolkit: dog collar light, leash flashlight, and poop bag dispenser • Toss the Turd game at community or humane society events • Pet photo booth at community or humane society events

ARN conducted a follow-up survey in May 2015 to monitor changes in behavior associated with picking up after dogs at home and assess familiarity with pet waste risks and the We Scoop Bellingham outreach campaign.

Key highlights include:

• Less dog owners reported the belief that "the natural environment can take care of any waste that's left on the ground."

• More dog owners have heard more about fecal coliform bacteria in Squalicum Creek. • A larger portion of people were picking up their dogs' waste at home (99% compared to 93%

previously) though with less frequency than the baseline sample. • About 49% of the survey respondents remembered receiving a mailing about the We Scoop

Bellingham campaign. 35% of respondents recalled seeing something about the Scooping Stars Photo Contest and the same percentage remembered seeing posters in local businesses and offices.

• Roughly half of the survey participants had heard of the "Scoop the Poop Promise" and of those, 37% had taken the online pledge.

• 87% of respondents who received a poop scooping toolkit used the bag dispenser and 65% reported they affixed the "We Scoop" stickers on their trash cans.

Next steps:

Further evaluation is needed to determine whether longer-term campaign exposure is able to influence more change in behavior. The City of Bellingham plans to continue this program and expand its reach in a phased approach throughout the city neighborhood by neighborhood. Next steps include featuring photo contest winners in a mass media campaign and trash can stickers will be distributed as a garbage bill insert.

Stormwater Incident Response Data

ID Incident Date Incident Street # Incident Street Incident Illicit Discharge Notification Method Property Type Response ERTS #

301 12/15/2015 500 Kentucky stPet Waste;#Work Without Permit;#Exposed Soils;#Track Out FALSE City Staff Industrial Verbal warning;#Red tag

298 11/17/2015 809 E Chestnut plugged Storm CB FALSE Hotline Reffered to Scott Brown Davis293 11/9/2015 718 N Garden st FALSE Hotline Reffered to Sco Brown Davis292 11/7/2015 Lakeway Dr, East bound at Grant St Standing water on Lakeway DR FALSE Hotline ROW Refferd to Scott Brown Davis290 10/28/2015 600 E Holly st Request for CB cleaning FALSE Hotline ROW referred to Scott Brown Davis289 10/14/2015 722 13th ST FALSE Hotline Referred to Scott Brown Davis285 9/23/2015 663 Clark Rd Natural water seepage FALSE Hotline Residential Referred to water crew277 8/21/2015 2230 Cornwall Mop Water being dumped into Storm FALSE Hotline Commercial Verbal warning;#will talk to manager266 8/4/2015 1716 Fairhaven Ave ditches, culverts full of sediment FALSE Hotline Residential referred to Scott Brown Davis

259 7/13/2015

Whatcom Creek Trail between Wilson Motor and Haskell business center SEWAGE ODOR FALSE Hotline Public Property Crew Dispatched

256 7/1/2015 7620 Euclid Ave Pet Waste FALSE ERTS Public Property 657864

254 6/26/2015 200 block s garden stSpill;#Potential spill on a private site. Maybe working without a permit. FALSE Hotline Residential

249 6/16/2015 3926, 3924 Irongate Rd. Work Without Permit;#Exposed Soils;#Asphalt FALSE Found by chance Industrial Verbal warning;#Refer to permit center for permit

250 6/16/2015 528 Bayside Rd.Work Without Permit;#Exposed Soils;#Clearing/Grading;#Lawn remodel/terracing FALSE Hotline Residential Verbal warning;#Referred to permit center for permit

253 6/4/2015 4715 Meridian Spill;#Hazard Exposed to Rain;#Dumping of cleaners FALSE email from Disposal of Toxics Commercial Verbal warning;#ERTS filed;#Cleanup still to be done 657624248 5/26/2015 2111 Iowa St Pressure Washing TRUE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning;#Written warning;#ERTS filed 675001243 5/4/2015 Pressure Washing FALSE Complaint Residential240 4/27/2015 Sunset Gasoline/Oil leak FALSE Hotline ROW226 2/24/2015 N Garden ST Spill FALSE Hotline ROW224 2/18/2015 4549 Meridain Car Washing TRUE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning222 2/12/2015 1400 12th Street Pressure Washing FALSE Hotline ROW Written warning220 2/6/2015 2501 vallette st Exposed Soils TRUE Hotline Residential Written warning218 2/5/2015 1401 12th St leaky car TRUE ERTS Commercial 654534219 2/5/2015 2428 Ontario ST Water pooling in ROW FALSE Hotline Residential208 1/23/2015 2801 Alabama St Pesticide FALSE City Staff Residential Written warning209 1/23/2015 leaky car TRUE Hotline WWU Written warning204 1/21/2015 2711 wildrose ct FALSE Hotline202 1/15/2015 1717 Texas Garbage built up on site, potential illicit discharge FALSE Hotline Residential

199 1/8/2015 612 20thWork Without Permit;#Exposed Soils;#Filling in conveyance ditch FALSE Hotline Residential

194 1/5/2015 Alice FALSE Hotline195 1/5/2015 Flooding at Orchard&Birchwood FALSE Hotline302 12/30/2015 240 Prince RV dumping waste out of cab FALSE ERTS ROW No contact made 661839

300 12/10/2015 2215 Midway Ln

Spill;#A bag of powder coating waste material was inadvertantly fell off of a garbage truck onto the ground were some materials were released and FALSE Hotline Industrial Other 661438

297 11/17/2015 809 E Chestnut Plugged Storm CB FALSE Hotline ROW Reffered to Scott Brown Davis299 11/17/2015 4174 Pacific Hwy turbid discharge TRUE ERTS Commercial correction notice 660848294 11/13/2015 Old Fairhaven Pkwy Flooding FALSE Hotline ROW Crew Dispatched295 11/13/2015 800 N Garden Spill FALSE ERTS ROW Already cleaned up 660639296 11/13/2015 June turbid runoff TRUE Hotline Referred to Rick Nolan291 11/1/2015 1213 Dupont washing equipment TRUE ERTS Commercial Written warning 660466288 10/12/2015 215 N Samish Spill TRUE City Staff Commercial Written warning

286 9/29/2015 2418 Alabama DUmping garbage can waste into storm drain FALSE Hotline Commercial Verbal warning284 9/22/2015 1919 Humboldt Car Washing FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning282 9/9/2015 3405 Consolidation discharge of paint water TRUE Online Residential Written warning281 9/8/2015 414 Bayside Rd clogged ditch line FALSE Hotline Residential Crew Dispatched280 9/3/2015 1250 Iowa St Spill FALSE Commercial Verbal warning;#Written warning287 8/31/2015 1900 Fraser Street Dumpster Lechate FALSE ERTS Appartment Complex Other 659834278 8/27/2015 2418 Alabama Pressure Washing FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning275 8/20/2015 2050 Fraiser Irrigation head FALSE City Staff Residential Verbal warning276 8/20/2015 3451 Woburn St Work in or near Critical Area;#Detemtion Pond Cleaning FALSE Hotline Residential No warning

271 8/17/2015 4299 Meridian

Spill;#A trailer dumped their black water tank (did not make it to the City's MS4) at the old Billy McHales parking area. Property actually belongs to Costco 4299 Meridian FALSE Complaint Commercial Kyla Walters on site will handle "litering" violation

272 8/15/2015 Lakeway & Bonanza water line break TRUE City Staff Crew Dispatched 658882270 8/13/2015 2814 Meridian fire supressin unit flush FALSE City Staff Commercial No Repsonse needed268 8/5/2015 1207 18th st protencial illicit discharge FALSE Hotline ROW269 8/5/2015 910 Harris ave Pressure Washing TRUE Hotline 658598279 8/5/2015 Central Ave Spill FALSE ERTS BNSF Verbal warning 659097267 8/4/2015 6th and Harris main break TRUE City Staff ROW ERTS filed 658580265 8/2/2015 409 York washing rugs FALSE Complaint Residential education264 7/28/2015 1547 Fairview St Spill FALSE Hotline Residential ERTS filed;#referred to County263 7/27/2015 111 E Magnolia Hazard Exposed to Rain FALSE Hotline Commercial273 7/27/2015 815 17th St leaky water valve TRUE City Staff ROW Crew Dispatched 658413262 7/24/2015 2909 Elm St Spill FALSE Hotline Residential Verbal warning261 7/23/2015 pond maintenance FALSE Hotline Commercial education260 7/22/2015 300 W Champion Pressure Washing TRUE City Staff Commercial Written warning274 7/15/2015 2630 Franklin St water main break TRUE City Staff Crew Dispatched 658181255 6/25/2015 200 S Garden St Pressure Washing FALSE Hotline Residential education257 6/25/2015 409 York St flowing outfall during dry spell FALSE City Staff Residential Education258 6/24/2015 2900 Woburn broken irrigation FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning252 6/23/2015 4000 Irongate Rd Pesticide FALSE City Staff Industrial Written warning251 6/22/2015 2400 Donovan sewer overflow FALSE Complaint Residential none247 5/21/2015 2136 Pacific St Car Washing FALSE City Staff Commercial No Action245 5/13/2015 2438 Nevada st Work Without Permit;#Exposed Soils;#Clearing/Grading FALSE City Staff Residential Verbal warning246 5/13/2015 1904 Humbolt St Pressure Washing TRUE City Staff Verbal warning 656765244 5/9/2015 1020 W Bakerview Pressure Washing FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning242 4/30/2015 2000 N State St Pressure Washing FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning;#Written warning241 4/29/2015 1602 12th Pressure Washing FALSE Hotline Commercial Verbal warning239 4/23/2015 Dupont pouring waste onto pavement FALSE Complaint Commercial Referred to Paul Reed237 4/15/2015 FALSE Hotline KMnO4 treatment238 4/15/2015 707 Astor St Boat washing FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning236 4/13/2015 2100 Electric Ave possible illicit discharge FALSE Hotline Residential None. False alarm234 4/9/2015 4451 Meridian sewer overflow TRUE Complaint Commercial Violation 656090235 4/9/2015 2300 Michigan St Pressure Washing FALSE Saw driving by after work Condo multiple units Verbal warning;#Written warning232 4/6/2015 2000 James Pressure Washing FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning233 4/6/2015 3729 Meridian St Pesticide FALSE City Staff ROW Written warning231 4/3/2015 1000 Hilton Ave Spill FALSE Call to Fire Dept Water Body ERTS filed;#Fire crews dispatched 655975230 3/30/2015 E ST & Logan ST Possible contamination FALSE Hotline Other229 3/26/2015 pumping ground water to storm FALSE Hotline Residential228 3/25/2015 Seaview and Roeder Exposed Soils TRUE City Staff BNSF ERTS filed 655773227 2/27/2015 leaky car FALSE Hotline Commercial Written warning225 2/23/2015 C st RV waste FALSE City Staff Public Property

223 2/13/2015 3538 Northwest Ave iron bacteria FALSE City Staff Residential221 2/9/2015 Cordata Park material in stream FALSE Complaint Public Property Crew Dispatched215 2/5/2015 2481 Donovan leaky car TRUE Complaint Verbal warning213 2/3/2015 Girard St From A ST to I st Oil leaking from vehicle TRUE Hotline Residential214 2/3/2015 1937 Lake Crest Dr Car Washing TRUE City Staff Residential Written warning216 2/3/2015 1030 Lakeway Dr Spill TRUE City Staff Commercial 654513217 1/29/2015 1800 Texas St sewer backup TRUE Complaint Residential Written warning 654389211 1/27/2015 300 Ohio St Spill FALSE City Staff Commercial Verbal warning

212 1/27/2015 1806 Samish WaySoils;#Clearing/Grading;#Work in or near Critical Area;#Critical area was "Steep Slope" FALSE Hotline Residential Red tag

210 1/26/2015 1602 valhalla st Car Washing FALSE Hotline Verbal warning205 1/22/2015 1210 Bay ST Spill;#Hazard Exposed to Rain FALSE Hotline Commercial Work with Propety management to slove problem206 1/22/2015 1120 Barkley Boulevard Pressure Washing TRUE Hotline Commercial Verbal warning;#Stop work207 1/22/2015 Broadway and Meridian Oil sheen on road FALSE Hotline Commercial Other;#looked at the slick but no way to clean or respond203 1/16/2015 Elm Hazard Exposed to Rain FALSE Complaint Commercial Referred to Rick Nolan

201 1/15/2015 2000 Huron sump pump into drain FALSE City Staff ResidentialVerbal warning;#Sump pump installed 4 years ago. she will be sure to properly plumb it

192 1/5/2015 2704 S Park Dr Drainage issue FALSE Hotline Residential193 1/5/2015 2701 Xenia st Stormwater system plugged FALSE Hotline196 1/5/2015 2706 Ellis ST Water Pooling on street FALSE Hotline197 1/5/2015 2604 Meridian St Spill TRUE ERTS Commercial Written warning 653889198 1/5/2015 Northshore & Britton flooding FALSE Hotline Residential Crew Dispatched200 1/5/2015 1339 Undine ground water FALSE City Staff Residential referred to Rick

2015 Outreach Work Plan

January February March April May June July August September October November DecemberLake WhatcomCapital Projects Begin outreach plans for

finalized contractsPlan Lake Whatcom Capital projects Open House for May (Huntington/Shepherdson, Academy, Northshore Dr., and County capital project "Cedar Hills/Euclid")

Lake Whatcom Open House outreach: begin design of postcard, press release, sandwich board signage

Help staff prep Open-House presentations and outreach materials (KME)

Lk. Whatcom Capital projects Open House

Publish press releases, put up on-site signage, and send postcards to nearby affected areas for all

Northshore Dr. Construction begins/continues from last summerBloedelNew sidewalks being installed June 1-10

Construction

Bloedel Park: Post interp. Signage

Construction

Huntington/Shep construction anticipated

Construction ends Develop interp. Signage for Bloedel

Finalize interp. Signage for Bloedel

Finalize Northshore Dr. facility signage

Residential Program Task 1 survey implemention

Task 2 survey design

Task 2 survey implementation

Task 1 results synthesized

Task 2 complete and results synthesized

Task 3 Focus Groups planning and implementation

Advisory Team: Findings overview of Tasks 1 &2, focus group planning

Task 3 focus groups continue, results are synthesized

Research findings report and program design recommendations

Advisory Team: Findings overview of focus group, refine program strategy

Fill in new HH on new program strategy

Draft focus group facilitation guide and finalize recruitment characteristics

Aquatic Invasive Species

Print 2016 permits2016 permit and inspection outreach

Signage updates Inspection prep New signage at Bloedel, Padden, Samish due

Press release as any AIS are discovered




2016 outreach materials design (permit updates)

Regulatory changes from council

Policy Prep for Policy Group Work plan work session

Policy Group Work Plan work session

Prep for Joint Council meeting

Joint Council meeting Prep for reporting on progress of LWMP work plan

Report out on progress of LWMP work plan

Property Acquisition new property signage (timing?)

StormwaterResidential Neighborhood Mtgs:

Columbia, Puget, Fairhaven done

Neighborhood Mtgs: Birchwood

Neighborhood Mtgs: Roosevelt, Lettered Sts

Neighborhood Mtgs: York, Happy Valley

Neighborhood Mtgs: Cordata

schedule neighborhood mtgs for fall

Neighborhood Mtgs: Neighborhood Mtgs: Neighborhood Mtgs:

..Animal Waste Home/ECO Net Grant:design materials

Public Program:

Home/ECO Net Grant:design & print materials

Public Prog:RR Trail marking

Home/ECO Net Grant:send mailer, distribute posters, maintain pledge website

Public:RR Trail marking

Home/ECO Net Grant:send kits, evaluation, draft final report, pledge site

Public: coordinate new possible neighborhood stations

Home/ECO Net Grant:final report, pledge site

Public:

Home Prog: pledge site, photo contest winneres

Public Prog: meet with Parks re: public areas plan, check in with station volunteers

Home: pledge site

Public:

Home: pledge site

Public:

Event: Paws & Claws Expo

Home: pledge site

Public:

Event: Dog Days of Summer

Home: seasonal radio PSAs

Public: check in with volunteers

Home: pledge site

Public:

Home: pledge site

Public:

..Vehicle Leaks review Don't Drip & Drive final report and plan engagment for 2015

Don't Drip & Drive event? Don't Drip & Drive event?

..Vehicle Washing check in with watershed-friendly locations: still participating this year?

letters & video link out to potential sites & fundraisers

coordinate with LSC on outdoor washing funding from ECY

lend car wash kits lend car wash kits

Outdoor wash ads (LSC)

lend car wash kits


lend car wash kits


lend car wash kits check in with watershed-friendly locations: counts from this year?

..Landscaping phosphorus ordinance reminder letters to retailers - DS

training for working with pesticide retailers

plan pesticide retailer outreach program (with LSC)

plan pesticide retailer outreach program (with LSC)

Commercial (Local Source Control)

regular trainings for businesses by LSC, coordinate with E&O


January February March April May June July August September October November DecemberGeneral Stormwater (NPDES) Outreach

STORM Quarterly Meeting

NPDES Annual Report STORM Quarterly MeetingEvent: PSSH Month

design SW coupon bill insert

design SW coupon pledge websitebill insert: SW coupons

STORM Quarterly Meeting

bill insert: SW coupons STORM Quarterly Meeting

Capital Projects/Grant Support

Padden WQ retrofit Utility construction

Padden Daylighting: co nstruction of phase 2Construction SignagePhoto and video document

McLeod retrofit: construction anticipated

Columbia SW Retrofits:draft public involvement plan

Padden WQ construction anticipated

Padden Daylighting: constructionVideo documentVideo interviews

Columbia SW Retrofits:Develop capital project page (LS)

Padden Daylighting: Install interpretive signage? (KME?)Press release for project completion(planting parties in Jan/Feb - video document community participation and use as community engagement highlight in the video)?Post-construction photo & video documentation

Padden WQ interpretive signage

Columbia SW Retrofits:prep public meeting materialsmail invite to public meeting

Columbia SW Retrofits: public meeting

Padden Daylighting: Post-construction photo & video documentation

Confirm grant extension and plan ribbon-cutting (pass on to new HH to coordinate) and post-project documentation according to new timeline

Columbia SW Retrofits: compile public comments and deliver best options to PS&E by mid-Nov.

Padden Daylighting:ribbon cutting event? Or not until spring when plantings are more complete?

Restoration SW coupon bill insert distributed

Squalicum Creek Re-route (Centennial Grants: 2013: Phase I - under freeway 2014: Phase II - Sunset Pond)

web updates Compile stakeholder contact list

web updates Video script Construction

Video document both phases (KME?)

Publish news release & web feature storyMail postcard

Post project info signs (temp.) on road and in park (KME)

Begin video documentation (pre-construction footage of both sites) (KME?)

construction

confirm construction signage with Craig

Video document both phases Video interviews (KME?)

Develop interpretive signage (KME

construction

Video document both phases (KME)

Order incentives to distribute at WP and site tour (KME)

Post interp. signage at Sunset Pond (KME)

Video document finished project sites (KME)

Prep for WPs and site tour: postcard, press release, and feature story (KME)

3 WPs and project tours (RL and KME)

Video document work parties and project tours, do interviews with volunteers at events (KME?)

Schedule conference presentations (RL)

Phase I grant ends March 2016…Phase III funded and begins 2016..

Little Squalicum Creek EstuaryPadden Estuary design interp signs post interp signs

Nearshore Connectivity Study

Council presentation of results (next steps?)?

Public WorksSchool Program 1 school 1 school 2 schools 2 schools 2 schools 2 schools, compile

teacher & student evaluations

assess past year revamp curriculum redesign journals, schedule schools

2 schools 2 schools 1 school, order shower timers

Natural Resources program branding plan - AA

program branding plan - AA


January February March April May June July August September October November DecemberWater & Wastewater Treatment

review outreach materials (brochure & web content) & tour protocols

Public Works Week: public tours

Water Weeks: press release

Water Weeks: public tours

Signage needsClimate TBD… revise Climate Action

Plan?

Green Teamprovide Green Event Kits yearround

Earth Day clean-up

OtherRegional Water Outreach Coord. (WWIN/ECO Net)

Steering Committee Quarterly meeting Steering Committee Quarterly meeting Steering Committee Steering Committee EVENT: Water Weeks Steering Committee Quarterly meeting Steering Committee,

Water Conservation General Water Demand

Outreach (events, displays, advertising - bus ads)

water demand outreach water demand outreach water demand outreachEvent: Walk for Water, workshop planning

water demand outreach water demand outreach outdoor watering/peak demand outreach

outdoor watering/peak demand outreach

outdoor watering/peak demand outreach

water demand outreach water demand outreach water demand outreach water demand outreach

Workshops & Events workshop planning, Ops demonstration project prep

W4W planning & prep, publicity, workshop planning, Ops demonstration project prep

Event: Walk for Water, workshop planning, Ops demonstration project prep

demonstration projects, advertising

advertising - bus ads, assist with demonstration projects

assist with demonstration projects

assist with demonstration projects

Event: Water Weeks, demonstration projects, advertising

Materials Development & Installations

Emily Hegarty Environmental Education & Outreach Coordinator (Jan-Nov12)Kerry Eastwood Environmental Education & Outreach CoordinatorDoug Stark SSWU Outreach & Monitoring Assistant Anitra Accetturo Water Conservation SpecialistCynthia May Environmental Education & Outreach Coordinator (Nov-Dec)

Stormwater Management Program - COB Home Management Plan ... 2.0 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM...

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Transcript of Stormwater Management Program - COB Home Management Plan ... 2.0 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM...