Lake Whatcom Management Team 2011 Progress Report · Report focuses on accomplishments made at the Program Area level. Each Program Area includes an update on performance measures

Lake Whatcom

2011

Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team

Lake Whatcom Management Program

Annual Progress Report

Prepared by the Lake Whatcom

Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team

March, 2012

Management Program

1

Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 2

1. Land Preservation ........................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Stormwater Management .............................................................................................................................. 6

3. Urbanization & Land Development .............................................................................................................. 10

4. Community Outreach ................................................................................................................................... 12

5. Data Management & Information ................................................................................................................ 16

6. Spill Response & Hazardous Materials ......................................................................................................... 18

7. Forestry/Fish/Wildlife .................................................................................................................................. 20

8. Transportation .............................................................................................................................................. 22

9. Recreation .................................................................................................................................................... 24

10. Utilities & Waste Management .................................................................................................................. 26

11. Administration ............................................................................................................................................ 30

12. Enforcement ............................................................................................................................................... 32

2

Intro

du

ction

Introduction

In 2010, the Whatcom County Council, Bellingham City Council and the Lake Whatcom Water and

Sewer District Commission approved the Lake Whatcom Management Program 2010-2014 Work

Plan. As with the previous work plans, tasks included in this five-year plan continue to be guided by

the original Lake Whatcom Management Program strategies and goals that were formulated in 1992

by the City of Bellingham (City), Whatcom County (County) and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer

District (formerly Water District 10) (LWWSD) and formally adopted by the Lake Whatcom

Management Program in 1998.

Each year the Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team (ICT) compiles a Lake Whatcom Annual Progress

Report highlighting Lake Whatcom Management Program accomplishments and providing

recommendations for moving forward. This current report provides a summary of Lake Whatcom

Management Program activities that were implemented in 2011 by the County, City, and LWWSD, as

well as WSU Extension and the Sudden Valley Community Association.

As with the Lake Whatcom Management Program 2010-2014 Work Plan, the Lake Whatcom 2011

Annual Progress Report is organized around 12 Program Areas that have provided structure to

previous management program documents. However, a new format was adopted for this year’s

Annual Report in order to maximize the amount of substantive information included while

streamlining the reporting process. Instead of reporting out under each Task, this year’s Annual

Report focuses on accomplishments made at the Program Area level. Each Program Area includes

an update on performance measures (many of which have been re-visited since 2010), a summary of

Program Area activities, cost estimates for 2011, and Program Area recommendations for 2012.

Some Program Areas include additional reference materials to better illustrate annual performance

or to provide links to additional information.

Highlights from 2011 include the completion of several stormwater capital improvement projects in

the watershed, notably the County’s upper Silver Beach Creek stream stabilization project from

Brownsville to E. 16th Place. Additionally, the City completed 16 infiltration, filtration, and/or re-

vegetation projects on private properties in the watershed as part of the Homeowner Incentive

Program. Community Outreach Program Area highlights include the release of a bi-monthly e-

newsletter and the creation of a new Lake Whatcom Management Program website that have

provided us with new ways of reaching out to and informing our community. Also in 2011, the City

contracted with CH2M Hill to complete a cost-benefit study of activities aimed at preventing or

reducing phosphorus loading to the lake. Results from this study will be used to guide the

implementation of Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plan tasks in 2012.

In 2011, the Lake Whatcom Management Program released its Aquatic Invasive Species Action Plan

for Lake Whatcom Reservoir which aims to act as a guide for the implementation of aquatic invasive

species prevention and management strategies in the Lake Whatcom watershed. The confirmation

of an Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, infestation in Lake Whatcom in September reiterated the need

for a comprehensive prevention program to stop the spread of more destructive aquatic invasive

species to the lake. More information on invasive species efforts in 2011 can be found under the

Recreation and Spill Response and Hazardous Materials Program Areas.

In addition to implementing the 2012 Work Plan tasks, the Lake Whatcom Management Program

will also work with the Department of Ecology on the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) phase of

the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) water quality improvement plan for the lake. The TMDL

process highlights the long-term commitment needed to restore Lake Whatcom to desirable water

quality levels.

3

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

4

1. La

nd

Pre

serva

tion

Program Area: 1. Land Preservation

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to reduce water quality impacts by preserving

land within the watershed that might otherwise be made available for development. Land

preservation strategies help preserve or rehabilitate natural areas for the benefit of protecting

water quality. Strategies that have been used in the Lake Whatcom watershed include: acquisition,

conservation easements, transfer of development rights, purchase of development rights, lot

consolidation, and other incentive programs.

Performance Measures 2011:

• Number of development units removed from watershed:

� Total of 728 lots removed from development to date

• Number of acres purchased (% of land protected in watershed):

� Total of 1,553 acres protected to date (34% of land protected in watershed)

• Number of acres protected with easements:

� Total of 989 acres protected with easements to date

Summary of Program Area Activities 2011:

• City did not make any additional property purchases in the watershed in 2011

• County continues to work with DNR to transfer or reconvey over 8,000 acres of watershed

forest to the County for park use

• Sudden Valley Community Association (SVCA) lots (98 vacant lots) were assessed and

ranked by development potential in 2010. In 2011, SVCA selected 30 lots with the least

development potential for conversion to green space (assessed value of approx. $885,000).

• City did not obtain any additional Conservation Easements in 2011

• All acquisition properties were inspected at least annually, about 80% were inspected

quarterly

• Property management highlights include: 3,690 trees planted, 1,100 linear feet of stream

banks treated, invasive weed control on 7 properties, 2.5 miles of road maintenance

brushing/mowing/ditch cleaning, 3 culverts removed, 1 gate installed, 2 encroachment

responses, 3 property boundaries marked, and 3 hazard tree evaluations

Cost Estimates 2011:

Reference Documents: Goals and policy of the Land Preservation Program Area

http://www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/UserFiles/File/allWatershed%20Ownership.pdf

Lake Whatcom Property Acquisition Program

http://www.cob.org/services/environment/lake-whatcom/lw-property-acquisition-program.aspx

Year Party FTEs ($) Capital Costs Other Total

2011

City 1.7 ($170,000) $700,000 $2.055 million $2.925 million

County 1.25 ($125,000) $225,000 $75,000 $425,000

District/Other 0.2 (SVCA) ($20,000) $903,000 (property

value and annual dues)

$923,000

Total 3.15 ($315,000) $925,000 $3.03 million $4.27 million

Pursue public ownership and protection of the watershed whenever possible through

public/private partnerships, tax exemptions, transfer of development rights, land trusts, and

other means.

5

PROTECTED PROPERTY IN THE LAKE WHATCOM WATERSHED

(As of 2-29-2012)

80 Acres 44 Units

0 0.5 1

RH Miles

PROTECTED LAND

2

I

- City Acquired Watershed Property 1149 -Acres 711 - Units

Jointly Owned City/Co Land 405 -Acres 17 - Units

County Only Protected Land

Whatcom Land Trust Protected

- Sudden Valley Restri ctions D Bellingham City Limits • ___ ~ Urban Growth Area

B Lake Whatcom

..,,,,,_ Streams

AGATE POND PRESERVE (Conserv3tion E01sement)

l OO Acr•s

37 Acres 7 Units

8 Units

6

2. Sto

rmw

ate

r Ma

na

ge

me

nt

Program Area: 2. Stormwater Management

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to prevent water quality and quantity impacts

associated with stormwater runoff. This program area focuses on the implementation of options for

stormwater control including best management practices and standards, capital projects, pollutant

source control and treatment, and the evaluation of stormwater control options that can be applied

to both existing and new development in the watershed.


• Acres of stormwater treated in watershed:

� The City has treatment facilities that provide some level of treatment for 281 out of 469

total acres. The City treatment area for this purpose is defined as portions of the City

that drain to Basin 1 plus tributary area in the County that runs to and through our

facilities.

� The County currently has facilities treating approximately 910 acres of developed land in

the watershed, 135 acres above the City of Bellingham water intake line in Geneva, and

775 acres in the Silver Beach Creek Watershed.

• Amount of phosphorus removed from stormwater runoff:

� The City treatment facilities removal rates are based on testing conducted by the City

along with modeling of similar typed facilities. The City has shown removal of 162 lbs of

the 479 lbs required to be removed to meet the TMDL goal.

� County:

� Geneva bio-infiltration swales and treatment vaults – will remove an estimated

36 lbs of the 59 lbs of phosphorus generated from the area treated.

� Britton Road/Lahti Drive bio-infiltration swale – will remove approximately 11.8

lbs of the 13.5 lbs of phosphorus generated from the area treated. A monitoring

program began in the summer of 2011.

� Silver Beach Creek Improvements (Brownsville to E. 16th Place) – a vegetated

bioswale and stormwater treatment vault will remove an estimated 30 lbs of

phosphorus per year. Additional reductions will be achieved by eliminating erosion

from stabilizing stream banks and removing existing compost piles adjacent to the

stream.

• Efficiency and phosphorus removal rate for stormwater facilities:

� The City has 46 main treatment systems in the watershed with other smaller ones

associated with our HIP program. The average removal efficiency for removal of

phosphorus to the forested standard is 56%. Individual efficiencies range between 10

and 100%.

� County (Geneva):

� Bio-infiltration swales – 88%

� Treatment vaults – Phosphosorb media 52%, ZPG media 28%

• Efficiency and fecal coliform removal rate for stormwater facilities:

� City:

� Sand filters – 80 to 99.9% removal

� Rain gardens – 81% removal

Prevent water quality and quantity impacts due to stormwater runoff by

implementation of best management standards and practices, pollutant source control,

and construction, maintenance and retrofit of stormwater facilities.

7

� County:

� Bio-infiltration swales – 75%

� Treatment vaults – It is estimated that the cartridges have an 80% removal rate

� Brownsville to E. 16th Place – Based on published research it is estimated that the

vegetated bioswale will also remove up to 80% of the fecal coliform loading above

its location.

• Number of participants in Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP):

� Number of projects completed: 16

� Number of projects permitted and ready for construction: 32

� Phosphorus removed in 2011 as a result of HIP projects: 2.48 lbs @ $16,678.90/lb

� Projected phosphorus removal from HIP Grant: Based on cost approx. 32 lbs

� Number of properties requested and provided site visit: 104


• Upper Silver Beach Creek Phase I - Brownsville to E. 16th Place completed (County) – 744 Acres Treated

• Britton Rd/Lahti Dr Bio-infiltration Swale in operation (County) – 31 Acres Treated

• Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) projects:

o Infiltration projects – 1.4 acres

o Filtration projects – 0.47 acres

o Re-vegetation projects – 0.53 acres

• Street Sweeper Acquisition (DOE Grant) and Interlocal Agreement

• Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory Chapter Compliance – 1.86 acres

• Sudden Valley continued to inspect on-site filtration systems and erosion control practices for

new construction projects, additions and revisions to existing properties

• Sudden Valley ensured all maintenance and capital projects followed erosion control BMPs


Planned Activities for 2012:

• Silver Beach Creek Improvements - West Reach Tributary stabilization and riparian repair (County)

• Design additional stormwater improvements in Geneva and along Lake Whatcom Blvd between

Geneva and Strawberry Point (County)

• Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) projects City + County (Interlocal)

• Storm filtration modification to Imbrium or Phosphosorb media (County/City)

Reference Documents:

Lake Whatcom Management Program Capital Improvement Projects website

http://www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/our-programs/capital-projects

City of Bellingham 2007 Comprehensive Stormwater Plan

http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/storm/2007-stormwater-comp-plan.pdf

Whatcom County 2008 Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Plan

http://www.whatcomcounty.us/publicworks/water/compstormwaterplan.jsp


2011

City 2.7 ($270,000) $50,000 $100,000 $420,000

County 2.0 ($200,000) $1.01 million $75,000 $1.29 million

District/Other 0.3 (SVCA) ($30,000) $30,000

Total 5.0 ($500,000) $1.06 million $175,000 $1.74 million

8

Silver Beach Creek Improvement Project – Brownsville to E. 16th Place

Before

After

9

After – 2/22/2012

After – 2/22/2012

10

3. U

rba

niza

tion

& La

nd

De

velo

pm

en

t Program Area: 3. Urbanization & Land Development

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to reduce water quality impacts resulting

from residential and land use activities by way of code changes. As areas are developed, land cover

is often converted into less pervious surfaces that result in increased stormwater runoff going into

the lake. The focus of this program area is to identify and adopt code changes that will result in

reduced water quality impacts from residential uses. Another focus of this program area has been

the improvement of data sharing between jurisdictions and the joint review of significant projects.


• Number of new homes permitted under City’s 2009 Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory

Chapter:

� 7 properties since 2009

• Total area of development considered phosphorus neutral:

� 47,008 square feet created through Native Vegetation Protection Areas at 8 properties.

Each NVPA comprises 30% of each lot (City)

� 10:1 ratio area of 3,400 square feet (phosphorus limiting landscaping) (City)

• Amount of phosphorus runoff avoided as a result of new ordinances:

� Total new impervious surfaces infiltrated: 4,000 square feet as of December 2010

� Total new impervious surfaces filtered through BMPs: 13,500 square feet as of

December 2010


• City reviewed all permit applications for Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP)

• City monitored all Native Vegetation Protection Area sites

• Sudden Valley implemented over 20 major guideline regulation revisions which were adopted in

2010 to provide consistency between Sudden Valley and other jurisdictions

• Sudden Valley drafted commercial design guidelines to regulate future development


Recommendations for 2012:

• Complete FAQ on code requirements (City)

• Report to City Council to discuss code improvements (City)

• Pursue adoption of land use and stormwater regulations to meet no additional phosphorus

loading for new development (County)

• Develop educational materials on the new regulations (County)

• Continue streamlining efforts for tracking of permit contents for TMDL reporting (County)

• Conduct comparison of results and outcomes of City and County regulations and coordinate on

any future amendments to regulations


2011

City 0.08 ($8,000) $8,000

County 0.16 ($16,000) $16,000


Total 0.64 ($64,000) $64,000

Prevent water quality degradation associated with urban development through zoning

changes, development standards and density limits.

11

Reference Documents: Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) 16.80 (Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory Chapter), 15.42 (Stormwater Regulations),

16.55 (Critical Areas Ordinance), Title 22 (Shoreline Master Program) Whatcom County Code (WCC) 20.80.735, 16.16 (Critical Areas Ordinance), Title 23 (Shoreline Management Program)

12

4. C

om

mu

nity O

utre

ach

Program Area: 4. Community Outreach

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to protect water quality by encouraging

watershed residents and visitors to become stewards of the lake. The focus of this program is to

provide stewardship tools that each individual can use to help protect Lake Whatcom. These tools

range from lake-friendly gardening practices to picking up pet waste and encouraging people to

engage in lake-friendly car washing and maintenance practices.


• Number of people contacted/educational materials distributed:

� Events

� 18 participants in Sustainable Landscape Workshop Series – 3/4/11

� 100 people at World Water Day - Lake Whatcom Display – 3/20/11

� 25 people at Master Gardener Training - Sustainable Landscaping – 3/25/11

� 35 people at Lake Whatcom State of the Lake Presentation, Bellingham Retired Men's

group, 3/29/11

� 19 participants in Private Stormwater Facility Inspection and Maintenance Workshop at

Firs – 6/6/2011

� 12 participants in Rain Garden Workshop for Lake Whatcom Residents – 7/12/11

� At least 150 people, Sustainable Landscape Display at Lynden Fair – August 8 – 12

� 6 participants in Water Week’s Catch the Rain Cistern Tour – 8/19/11

� 35 people at Whatcom Water Week Open House at Bloedel Donovan Park – 9/17/11

� 25 participants in Landscaper Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) Workshop – 11/9/11

� 150 people through Sustainable Landscape Class outreach requirements via tours, talks

to neighborhood groups, friends/neighbors, work and learn, gardening green parties;

multiple dates

� Online

� Lake Whatcom Management Program website: 614 unique visitors since September

� City of Bellingham Lake Whatcom web page: >4,000 unique visitors since May

� E-newsletter: 4 issues, 197 subscribers, 280 opens

� One-on-one

� 58 HIP project site assessments (educated about Lake Whatcom issues, pollution

sources and solutions that were unique to the individual property)

� 25 HIP participants received follow up visits (educated about plans, permits and

installation)

� 16 HIP participants received final inspection visits (educated about maintenance)

� 30 additional visits, calls or emails about HIP projects were made

� Printed materials

� 38 phosphorus signs and brochures distributed to fertilizer retailers

� 1,250 information packets sent to all City Lake Whatcom watershed private property

owners and tenants

� Approximately 100 HIP booklets distributed

� Incentives

� 22 distributed

Increase lake stewardship and reduce urban impacts through the provision of

educational programs and materials to watershed residents, the general public and

decision makers on topics related to water quality, source control, and land use and

development regulations.

13

• Estimated response to educational materials, i.e. changes in behavior:

� 18 HIP inquiries received after door-knocking/door-hanging exercise

� 3 HIP inquiries received after informational mailing

• Number of opportunities to coordinate with education staff:

� 11 Lake Whatcom Education Team meetings held in 2011

• Number of rain barrels installed on number of RSRP project area properties:

� 267 rain barrels installed at 136 homes in the designated project area within the Lake Whatcom watershed

• Number of gallons of stormwater managed per year using rain barrels:

� Approximately 3.9 million gallons per year is managed using rain barrels

• Number of water conservation public outreach measures distributed/installed citywide:

� Distributed 1,020 water conservation kits in 2011

� Installed 306 water meters through the Voluntary Water Metering Program (VMP)

� 149 multi-family toilet retrofits

� Distributed 108 rain barrels in 2011

� Residential fixture retrofits: 49 Clothes Washers, 10 Toilets, 2 Drip Irrigation in 2011


• City completed its Residential Stormwater Retrofit Program (RSRP) on June 30, 2011 using a grant from the

Department of Ecology

• New Lake Whatcom Management Program website created as an educational and informational resource for

watershed residents

• Lake Whatcom E-Newsletter created and disseminated as an additional online education/outreach tool to engage

watershed residents

• Created new phosphorus signs and brochures that were distributed to fertilizer retailers

• Held 9 watershed outreach events with 258 attendees to provide stewardship tools for watershed residents to

engage in lake-friendly practices

• County continued to contract with WSU Extension to run Gardening Green workshop series to increase awareness

about sustainable landscaping practices and to empower watershed residents to implement on-the-ground

changes to their properties

• Whatcom County Health Department held 4 Lake Whatcom septic system trainings on 3/29/11, 6/15/11, 9/29/11,

and 11/29/11

• City continued existing water conservation public outreach measures including the distribution of water

conservation kits, distribution of rain barrels, and installation of fixture retrofits throughout city limits

• City conducted focus group to determine effective messages for water conservation campaign

• Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Team created to meet education and outreach needs of the

invasive species program

• Updated and expanded Lake Whatcom watershed residents and tenants contact list

• Sudden Valley participated in Water Week and hosted a children’s ecological “treasure hunt” at Lake Louise

• Sudden Valley installed informational signs at the marina relating to aquatic invasive species and featured articles

in the community newspaper highlighting Lake Whatcom water quality issues

• Extension completed evaluation of sustainable landscaping workshops and classes to evaluate knowledge change,

behavioral change, and community capacity building

• Sustainable landscaping diorama completed and displayed at various community events along with educational

material

• Community capacity building via class volunteers via tours, talks to neighborhood groups, friends/neighbors, work

and learn, gardening green parties

14



• Update the education/outreach sections of the Lake Whatcom Management Program website

• New projects anticipated as result of amendments made to the 2008 Centennial Clean Water Fund Grant from the

Department of Ecology including new signage in watershed

• Education Team plans to use results from cost-benefit study as a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of and to

improve upon education and outreach activities in the watershed in 2012

Reference Documents: Lake Whatcom Management Program website

http://www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org

City of Bellingham Lake Whatcom website

http://www.cob.org/services/environment/water-quality/lake-whatcom.aspx

Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) Brochure

http:// www.cob.org/documents/pw/lw/hip-brochure.pdf

Phosphorus Brochure

http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/environment/phosphorus-brochure.pdf

Recommended Gardening Materials and Practices

http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/lw/materials-and-practices-guidelines.pdf

Final Project Report: Residential Stormwater Retrofit Program

http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/lw/rsrp-final-report-6-30-2011.pdf

Year Party FTEs ($) Other Total

2011

City 1.0 ($100,000) DOE 2008 Centennial Grant Amendments $11,000

DOE Grant Funding $58,185

$169,185

County 0.15 ($15,000) WSU Contract with Whatcom County $15,690 $30,690

District/Other 0.15 (SVCA)/

0.15 (WSU Extension) ($30,000)

$30,000

Total 1.45 ($145,000) $84,875 $229,875

15

Lake Whatcom Residents: Only use fertilizers, mulches and soil amendments that are labeled as 0% phosphorus.

Look for the Zero!

Fertilizer packages will show nutrient ratios listed in this order: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Look for the middle number. Only use those that are labeled as 0% phosphorus. Check the label on bags or ask if bulk materials have been tested.

ti '3-.,,. Do you live in the ake • '? Whatcom Waters ed?

D LakeWhatcomWatershed

Bel lingham city limits

Propert ieswithin Bell ingham ci ty limits t hat drain to Lake Whatcom

This area iswithinthe Lake Whatcom Watershed but its runoff is piped into Whatcom Creek . Lake Whatcom Watershed restrictions do not apply here.

The Lake Whatcom Watershed also includes Sudden Valley and much oftheY Road area.

What's the problem with phosphorus in Lake Whatcom?

Unnaturally high levels of phosphorus in Lake Whatcom are a significant factor leading to algae growth and low oxygen levels. Increased algae may lead to substantially increased drinking water treatment costs and impair aquatic habitat and recreational uses, as well as result in violat ions of state and federal water quality regulations.

It's the Law: Lake Whatcom Ordinances Please note the differences between the two ordin.:inces.

To read the full ordinances, visit www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/regulations.shtml

City of Bellingham Re:s ide:nts Whatcom County Residents lllMC15.42.050DI (WCC16.l1)

Applies to F1rt.i1irers, Mulche s, and Applies to Fertiliurs on Ruid1 ntia l l awns and

Soil Ame ndments on Any Prope rty Public Properties

• Don't apply any fertil izers, mulches, • Don't app ly any fertilizers to lawns or publi c or soil amendments in the Lake properties in the Lake Whatcom Watershed that WhatcomWatershed that are labeled are labeled as corita ining pfiosphorus, eKtepton as containing phosphorus newlyestablished lawns inthe first grcwingsea>On.

• Don't apply when the ground is frozen. Don't app ly when the ground is frozen

• Doo't apply on imperviws surfaces, Doo't app ly on imperviais su rfaces. aeanspillsimmediately. dean spills immediately.

!

!, n Protect Your

Drinking Water

-.:IJHA;i; City of Bellingham PublicWorks ~ ,.,.w.,00 360-778-7700

.f"-t-_,9~ Whatcom County Pubr.cwo.-ks ~;c;-~?Ji! E 360-m.14s o ~<! Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District "'~£ ,,,,.."'.. 360· 734-9224

16

Program Area: 5. Data Management & Information

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to collect and manage data to increase our

understanding of water quality, pollution source, and land use trends over time and to guide

management decisions accordingly. This Program Area is administered by a Data Management Team

composed of staff from the City, County, District, WWU’s Institute for Watershed Studies, and the

Department of Ecology (DOE).


• Number of Data Management Team meetings held:

� 10 Data Management Team meetings were held in 2011

• Number of monitoring contracts overseen:

� Lake Whatcom Monitoring Contract (IWS)

� Brown and Caldwell Tributary Monitoring

� Whatcom County Health Department


• Data Management Team received regular updates on the Lake Whatcom Monitoring Contract

with WWU’s Institute for Watershed Studies (IWS)

• Lake Whatcom 2009/2010 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report was completed and is

available on the Institute for Watershed Studies website. Productivity indicators in basin 1

(chlorophyll a and ammonia) continued to increase in 2009/2010

• Data Management Team continued to discuss DOE models that will be used to support the

Summary Implementation Strategy to meet the EPA Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

requirements

• Brown and Caldwell released tributary monitoring report

• Data Management Team received regular updates on stormwater monitoring data for new

stormwater facilities designed to remove phosphorus and fecal coliform before it enters the lake

• Data Management Team received updates on storm event sampling at Silver Beach Creek

• Data Management Team reviewed thesis assessing storm event samples from Silver Beach Creek

• Data Management Team reviewed thesis assessing the soil phosphorus bioavailability in streams

and nearby sediments around Lake Whatcom

• City Water Utility provided updates on plans for a diversion dam modification on the Middle Fork

of the Nooksack. A scale model of a siphonic dam was constructed for study.

• City Water Utility in conjunction with IWS piloted a dissolved air floatation pretreatment system

to minimize supply impacts resulting from summer algal blooms

• Data Management Team received regular updates on the Asian clam infestation and the

development of aquatic invasive species prevention and management efforts



2011

City 0.02 ($2,000) $316,031 $318,031

County 0.04 ($4,000) $80,000 $84,000

District/Other $18,000 $18,000

Total 0.06 ($6,000) $414,031 $420,031

Maintain and enhance databases sufficient for detection of water quality and quantity trends,

assessment of problems, evaluation and selection of management actions, and monitoring of

action effectiveness.

5. D

ata

Ma

na

ge

me

nt &

Info

rma

tion

17


• Create an “Incident Command” type structure to be used to better coordinate agency responses to reports of

changes to water quality (e.g. soap and turbidity) to improve efficiency and use resources and expertise more

effectively

Reference Documents: Lake Whatcom Data Catalog

Copies of the documents are available at the Whatcom County Public Works Water Resources Library and the

Bellingham Public Library

Lake Whatcom Monitoring Reports

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~iws/

Department of Ecology: Water Quality Improvement Project (TMDL) for Lake Whatcom

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/LkWhatcom/LkWhatcomTMDL.html

City lab staff collecting water samples in watershed

18

Program Area: 6. Spill Response & Hazardous Materials

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to prevent water quality impacts associated

with the discharge of biological or chemical substances into Lake Whatcom. The focus of this program

area has been to improve spill response time to water quality threats by coordinating spill response

reporting and information sharing between jurisdictions. In 2011, this program area was updated to

include reporting on response efforts to aquatic invasive species infestations as a result of the

confirmed presence of Asian clams in Lake Whatcom.


• Number of spills/incidents:

� Asian clam infestation confirmed in Lake Whatcom on September 19, 2011 by WDFW

� 3 separate points of introduction have been discovered at Bloedel Donovan Boat Launch,

Lakewood/WWU Recreational Facility, and Wildwood Resort. The Asian clams appear to

have spread from these locations to infest other sites along the lakeshore.

• Pounds of hazardous materials collected from watershed:

� No hazardous materials collection events were held in 2011

• Number of Spill Response Team meetings held:

� No Spill Response Team meetings held in 2011


• Brief report on actions taken to prevent and/or manage spills or incidents:

o Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Incident Report created outlining initial steps

taken to respond to Asian clam infestation from September 17-30, 2011

o Regular updates on response efforts posted in Feature Story: Asian Clam Update on Lake

Whatcom Management Program website

o Staff conducted 30 shoreline surveys around Lake Whatcom between September 17 and

December 8, 2011 to map the extent of the Asian clam infestation

o Contacted response teams at Lake George and Lake Tahoe to collect information on their

efforts to manage Asian clam infestations in those waterbodies

o Convened response/monitoring team comprised of volunteers and staff to conduct

preliminary dive surveys and discuss potential response strategies



2011

City 0.3 ($30,000) $30,000

County 0.1 ($10,000) $10,000

District/Other

Total 0.4 ($40,000) $40,000

Prevent degradation of lake water quality due to accidental or deliberate introduction of

biological and chemical agents through prevention and response programs

6. Sp

ill Re

spo

nse

& H

aza

rdo

us M

ate

rials

19


• Convene a Response Team and conduct a tabletop exercise in

response to a zebra/quagga mussel infestation using the Incident

Command System

• Include a Lake Whatcom section in Emergency Operations Plans

• Conduct a hazardous materials collection event in the watershed in

2012

Reference Documents: Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Incident Report: Asian clams

http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/lw/lake-whatcom-incident-report-9-

30-2011.pdf

Feature Story: Asian Clam Update

http://www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/feature-stories/asianclamupdate-10252011

Washington Toxics Coalition

www.watoxics.org

City of Bellingham Emergency Operations Plan

Annex 6 – Hazardous Materials

Whatcom County Emergency Management

http://www.whatcomcounty.us/dem/prepare/hazmaterial.jsp

20

Program Area: 7. Forestry/Fish/Wildlife

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to protect the clean water functions provided by

forests and fish/wildlife habitat located in the Lake Whatcom watershed. The Lake Whatcom

watershed provides habitat for a wide variety of fish and wildlife species. Most of the land in the

watershed is in a forested condition and is managed by the State Department of Natural Resources,

timber management companies, or private landowners.


• Amount harvested on DNR lands in Lake Whatcom watershed in 2011:

� Harvested “Mandarin Chicken” timber sale in September, 2011 - 1.9 million board feet

� Began harvesting of “Southside” timber sale – will be 3.88 million board feet total

• Amount harvested on private lands in Lake Whatcom watershed in 2011:

� 8,200 million board feet from approved Forest Practice Applications effective as of 2011

• Summary of DNR silviculture activities:

� Reforested 363 acres between January 2005 – April 2011

� Vegetation Management – Ground Herbicide Treatment: 41 acres in 2011

• Number of IJC meetings held:

� IJC met twice with DNR staff (as of 7/2011) and once with Bellingham Mayor, County

Executive and District Manager


• IJC completed their annual Report to the Board of Natural Resources in June 2011. This year was

the final year of the Lake Whatcom Landscape Pilot Project.

• IJC reviewed the “Puffball CH Timber Sale” and gave recommendations to DNR

• DNR made 2 timber sales in the watershed including the “Mandarin Chicken” timber sale, which

was completed in 2011, and the “Southside” timber sale, which will be completed in 2012


Planned Activities for 2012:

• IJC will report on 2012 activities at Joint Policy Meeting

• DNR plans to auction the “Puffball CH Timber Sale”, consisting of 3.3 million board feet, in April

2012

• DNR will continue to harvest the “Southside” site and plans to begin reforestation activities at

“Mandarin Chicken” site in 2012


2011

City 0.01 ($1,000) $1,000

County 0.01 ($1,000) $1,000

District/Other

Total 0.02 ($2,000) $2,000

Develop and maintain a comprehensive watershed forest management plan that

minimizes impacts to water quality, and promotes actions and programs that protect and

enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

7. Fo

restry/Fish

/Wild

life

Reference Documents: City of Bellingham Critical Areas Ordinance

http://www.cob.org/documents/planning/comprehensive

final-cao.pdf

City of Bellingham Shoreline Master Program (BMC Title 22)

http://www.cob.org/documents/planning/shoreline

Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance (WCC 16.16)

http://www.whatcomcounty.us/pds/naturalresources/criticalareas/index.jsp

Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23)

http://www.whatcomcounty.us/pds/naturalresources/shorelines/regulations/codeandmaps/pdf/SMP_CountyApproved

_EcologyApproved_090323_clean_000.pdf

Interjurisdictional Committee (IJC) Reports

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/lm_lkwa_pilot_11report.pdf

21

(BMC 16.55)

http://www.cob.org/documents/planning/comprehensive-plan-code-amendments/critical-area

City of Bellingham Shoreline Master Program (BMC Title 22)

http://www.cob.org/documents/planning/shoreline-master-program/november-final-draft-cc.pdf

Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance (WCC 16.16)

s/pds/naturalresources/criticalareas/index.jsp

Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23)


http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/lm_lkwa_pilot_11report.pdf

area-ordinance/2005-12-06-

cc.pdf


22

Program Area: 8. Transportation

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to limit transportation-related impacts to

water quality by encouraging watershed residents to use alternative transport and to limit the

number of vehicle mile trips being made in the watershed. Motorized vehicles are a source of a

variety of pollutants found in stormwater runoff. Pollutants such as oil, antifreeze, rubber, heavy

metals, transmission and brake fluid can be deposited and accumulate on roadway surfaces through

normal vehicle use. These pollutants can be carried during rain events to storm drains and ditches

and eventually end up in our streams and lakes.


• Changes in public transportation use in the watershed: unknown

� Vehicle mile trip reduction

� Bus ridership in watershed

• Number of new bus stops in watershed: 0

• Number of new high visibility covered bus stations in Sudden Valley/Geneva: 0


• No actions taken to reduce water quality impacts resulting from vehicles in 2011

• No improvements made for non-motorized transportation in watershed in 2011

• No updates made to the ICT/Joint Policy Group in 2011

• Cost-Benefit Analysis of activities in the watershed to reduce phosphorus loading to the lake

included activities to reduce water quality impacts resulting from vehicles



• Re-visit Transportation Program Area work plan tasks and goals in 2012

Reference Documents: City of Bellingham Comprehensive Plan Ch. 3 Transportation Element

TG 38 and TG 39

Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Ch. 6 Transportation Element

Smart Trips – Whatcom County

http://www.whatcomsmarttrips.org/


2011

City 0 ($0) $0

County 0 ($0) $0

District/Other

Total 0 ($0) $0

Design and develop transportation systems that include alternatives to automobiles,

locate “through” routes away from the lakeshore, ensure treatment of runoff before

entering the lake and otherwise protects water quality.

8. T

ran

spo

rtatio

n

23


24

Program Area: 9. Recreation

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to promote recreational opportunities that

minimize impacts to water quality while reducing the impacts of existing recreational activities. The

Lake Whatcom watershed is a popular recreational site for local residents and visitors. Recreational

opportunities in the watershed include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback

riding. Some of these activities have the potential to adversely impact the watershed and water

quality through the release of pollutants, the destruction of wildlife habitat, and the spread of

invasive species.


• Number of recreational users contacted:

o 26 recreational boaters through boater surveys conducted at Bloedel Donovan boat launch

on 4/30/2011 and 7/30/2011

o 7 boaters through a boat check demonstration conducted by WDFW officers at Bloedel

Donovan on 9/17/2011

o 25 people through Asian clam shoreline surveys conducted at Lake Whatcom

o 1,003 people via the Noxious Weed Booth at the Northwest Washington Fair – August,

2011

• Number of people contacted who work in the watershed:

o Presented to Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) on importance of

cleaning field gear, such as waders, between uses to prevent the spread of aquatic

invasive species between sites

o Presented to Whatcom County Planning and Development Services (PDS) Inspectors to

increase awareness of aquatic invasive species when conducting inspections at waterfront

properties


• Released the Aquatic Invasive Species Action Plan for Lake Whatcom Reservoir in September,

2011. Plan is available on the City, County, and Lake Whatcom Management Program websites

• Presented preliminary recommendations for an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program to

the City and County Councils and the District Commissioners. Staff will present a detailed report

on the proposed Prevention Program and budget in early 2012

• Continued to monitor spread of aquatic invasive species as well as any new prevention and

management efforts

• Continued to communicate with local, state, and regional aquatic invasive species personnel to

share information and gather resources to aid in the prevention and management of aquatic

invasive species in Lake Whatcom

o Attended the PNWER Invasive Species Conference, Portland, OR on 7/20/2011

o Attended the Water Research Foundation Workshop on Disruptive Aquatic Species,

Seattle, WA on 11/4/2011

o Presented at the 100th Meridian Initiative - Columbia River Basin Team meeting,

Vancouver, WA on 11/9/2011

o Presented to the Washington Invasive Species Council, Olympia, WA on 12/1/2011

Promote recreational opportunities that do not degrade water quality, and improve on

ways to reduce impacts of existing activities.

9. R

ecre

atio

n

25



• Present detailed proposal on Prevention Program for Lake Whatcom in early 2012

• Schedule meetings with Lake Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Team to coordinate education/outreach

efforts in the watershed

• Organize meetings with lake user groups in early 2012

• Begin implementing Phase I of Watercraft Inspection Program in May, 2012

Reference Documents: Aquatic Invasive Species Action Plan for Lake Whatcom Reservoir

http://www.lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/resources

Washington Invasive Species Council

http://www.invasivespecies.wa.gov

Washington Invasive Species Education

http://www.wise.wa.gov/index.aspx

100th Meridian Initiative

http://www.100thmeridian.org

Boatnotes Handbook

http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/environment/Boatnotes-Handbook_2006_6.pdf


2011

City 0.3 ($30,000) $30,000

County 0.1 ($10,000) $10,000

District/Other

Total 0.4 ($40,000) $40,000

26

Program Area: 10. Utilities & Waste Management

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to promote water efficiency amongst all user

groups (residential, industrial, and commercial) and to minimize water quality impacts associated

with on-site waste system and sewage overflows. Reducing water withdrawal demands on Lake

Whatcom reduces water treatment costs. On-site septic systems must be properly maintained in

order to effectively treat sewage without leaching into surrounding soils. Reducing the number of

overflows in sewage systems will prevent additional nutrient loading into Lake Whatcom.


• Estimate of gallons of water conserved in City: 24 million gallons in 2010 (Report: June, 2011)

• Number of water meters installed through City’s Volunteer Water Metering Program: 306

• Estimate of water use reduction in the District service area: 5.85 million gallons in 2011

• Number of overflows: 1 on March 28, 2011 (District)

• Number of capital projects completed:

� Repaired numerous sewer manholes and main spot repairs (District)

� Sewer emergency response equipment repairs including: installation of an onsite

stationary generator at Agate Bay sewer pump station, installing portable generator

receptacles at the Edgewood and Rock Ridge sewer pump stations, upgrading the

impellers at the Country Club sewer pump station, and restoring the Old Flat Car sewer

pump station (District)

� Rebuilt Cable, Ranch House, and Afternoon Beach Sewer Pump Stations (District)

• Number of new connections made within 200 feet of sewer line: 11 new connections (District)


• An estimated 24 million gallons of water was saved in 2010 as a result of the City’s Water

Conservation Program

• 2010 estimated water savings were achieved through the City’s adopted water conservation

program measures: public outreach (rain barrel program, leak detection, water conservation kit

distribution), single-family water audit/rebate pilot project, multi-unit residential water

audit/rebate pilot project, irrigation water customer class water audit/rebate pilot project, and

the City’s Community Energy Challenge and Water Conservation Program partnership rebate pilot

• City completed Sustainable Water Management project: rainwater harvesting permit guide,

homeowner rainwater harvesting guide for landscape irrigation, rainwater harvesting advanced

methods and materials

• City continued to contract with County Health Department to enforce septic system operation

and maintenance regulations, update database of septic systems, respond to failing septic

systems, and conduct homeowner education. City has reports summarizing results of on-site

septic system surveys, water quality monitoring and follow-up actions taken

• The District’s water conservation efforts are based upon voluntary compliance through its

ratepayers. This is done through a public notification effort recommending odd/even address

watering during the summer months. The District utilizes a combination of notices through its

website, billings, and outdoor signage used during the summer months

Promote conservation of water resources and provision of city sewer to areas with on-

site treatment.

10

. Utilitie

s & W

aste

Ma

na

ge

me

nt

27



• City currently has 9,300 metered accounts and is on schedule to meet the metering mandate by 2017

• Significant water savings that have been achieved in recent years as a result of leak detection have prompted city

staff to increase leak detection funding in 2012 and beyond

• The District has a more limited capital program in the new year after rebuilding a number of its major sewer pump

stations over the last three years. Efforts will be focused toward re-tooling our capital improvement program for the

future as well as continued capacity, management, operation, and maintenance efforts related to finding leaks

within the water distribution system and in resolving inflow and infiltration issues within the sewer collections

system. The District has also budgeted resources for use with the City in funding a staff person to coordinate

environmental protection activities at Lake Whatcom

Reference Documents: Washington State 2003 Municipal Water Supply-Efficiency Requirements Act

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/Programs/wue.htm

City of Bellingham’s Water Use Efficiency Program

http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/utilities/2008-water-use-efficiency-program.pdf

On-Site Sewage System Rules and Regulations

Whatcom County Health Department

Chapter 24.05 WCC

http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/pdf/oss_regulations.pdf

City of Bellingham Municipal Code Amendments

Ordinance 2007-04-031

16.80.080 - Development Standards For Residential Single Development


2011

City 0.3 ($30,000) $97,520 $127,520

County 0.1 ($10,000) $10,000

District/Other undetermined $913, 700 $913,700

Total 0.4 ($40,000) $913,700 $97,520 $1.05 million

28

Cable Street Pump Station

Ranch House Pump Station

Lake Whatcom Sewer Pump Stations Improvements Project

Completed Spring 2011

$1,365,000

Afternoon Beach Pump Station

Afternoon Beach Sewer Pump Stations Improvements Projects

Completed Fall 2011

$449,000

29


30

Program Area: 11. Administration

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area includes tasks necessary to administer and

coordinate meetings, contracts, projects and reporting to facilitate the implementation of the Lake

Whatcom Management Plan.


• Number of meetings held:

� 10 ICT meetings

� 10 Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group meetings

� 1 Joint Council and Commission meeting – March 30, 2011

� Also see Program Areas 4 and 5

• Number of contracts overseen:

� Lake Whatcom Monitoring Contract (IWS)

� Brown and Caldwell Tributary Monitoring

� Whatcom County Health Department


• The ICT met on a regular basis to identify task implementation issues, discuss program updates,

and prepare topics for meetings of the Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group

• Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group meetings were held monthly in 2011. Topics included: sewer

management and water utility services in the watershed, cost-benefit analysis of activities to

reduce phosphorus loading to the lake, Lake Whatcom aquatic invasive species prevention

program, Asian clam status and initial response, and land acquisition and the reconveyance

• The City and County Councils and the LWWSD Commission met together to discuss program

accomplishments from 2010 and program goals for 2011 at a joint meeting on March 30, 2011

• Reports that were valuable to management efforts in 2011 included:

o Lake Whatcom 2009/2010 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report

o Cost-Benefit Analysis of activities to reduce phosphorus loading to the lake

o Aquatic Invasive Species Action Plan for Lake Whatcom

o Brown and Caldwell - Lake Whatcom Tributary Monitoring Phase 2 Report


Recommendations for 2012: Continue to support the successful implementation of the Lake

Whatcom Management Plan.

Reference Documents: 1992 Lake Whatcom Joint Resolution

http://lakewhatcom.org/cc10resolution1992.htm


2011

City 0.5 ($50,000) $50,000

County 0.2 ($20,000) $20,000

District/Other 0.1 ($10,000) $10,000

Total 0.8 ($80,000) $80,000

Administer and coordinate Management Plan implementation.

11

. Ad

min

istratio

n

31


32

Program Area: 12. Enforcement

Goal:

Program Area Description: This program area aims to support enforcement of land use,

development and other associated regulations to protect the water quality of Lake Whatcom. An

enforcement team was convened by the Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team (ICT) in 2008 to

improve enforcement actions in the watershed.


• Number of enforcement activities in Lake Whatcom watershed in 2011:

� City: (Conducted daily during construction season and twice weekly during seasonal closure)

� Conducted a total of 5,676 site inspections on 82 permitted sites

� Conducted a total of 24 site inspections on unpermitted sites

� Issued 6 correction notices on unpermitted sites

� Issued 11 correction notices on permitted sites

� Issued 4 stop work orders for unpermitted sites and turned 1 over to Legal Dept.

� County:

� Conducted 3,838 site inspections on 91 permitted sites (2,897 total daily inspections

during construction season and 941 total twice a week during seasonal closure)

� Conducted 7 inspections on unpermitted sites

� Issued 29 correction notices on permitted sites

� Issued 7 notices of violation/stop work orders on unpermitted sites


• The City of Bellingham continues to prioritize inspections and enforcement in the Lake Whatcom

watershed. Daily inspections of the watershed are conducted between June and October when

construction is authorized. Twice weekly inspections are conducted during the closed period to

assure compliance with seasonal requirements

• Sudden Valley implemented six major enforcement-related revisions adopted in 2010 as well as

enforced the many other provisions contained in the Architectural Control Committee Guidelines



• Reconvene enforcement team to discuss making reporting of enforcement activities in the

watershed more consistent across jurisdictions

• Reconvene enforcement team to discuss role of enforcement in aquatic invasive species

prevention efforts in the Lake Whatcom watershed


2011

City 0.5 ($50,000) $50,000

County 0.1 ($10,000) $10,000


Total 0.8 ($80,000) $80,000

Improve City and County enforcement of regulations aimed at protecting lake water

quality.

12

. En

force

me

nt

33

Reference Documents:

BMC 15.42 subsections 070-110

Whatcom County Comprehensive Stormwater Plan

Lake Whatcom Management Program Contacts:

Whatcom County Public Works

Jon Hutchings, 715-7450, [email protected]

City of Bellingham Environmental Resources Division

Clare Fogelsong, 778-7900, [email protected]

Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District

Patrick Sorensen, 734-9224, [email protected]