BIRCH POINT DRAINAGE SYSTEM REPAIR

Construction on this project was completed in September 2016. Contact Kraig Olason, Senior Planner at Whatcom County Public Works with questions at (360) 778-6301.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

COLLABORATIVE DRAINAGE SYSTEM REPAIR BIRCH POINT - STORMWATER OUTFALL SYSTEM

This project replaced a stormwater system that carries flows from central Birch Point under Semiahmoo Drive and across Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property to Semiahmoo Bay. This area is subject to high flows during winter storms. The previous outfall pipe was undersized and became overwhelmed during storm events, causing flooding and erosion on the beach bluff and threatening homes on DNR-leased land. This was a collaborative project funded by BBWARM and other Whatcom County Public Works funds.

The new drainage system includes:

  • A larger cross culvert under Semiahmoo Drive

  • A new outfall pipe anchored above the fragile beach bluff

  • A new energy dissipater at the end of the outfall pipe

PROJECT GOALS

  • Replace a failing stormwater outfall pipe subject to overflow

  • Significantly reduce the risk of flooding and erosion on a steep bluff

  • Address a priority safety problem



Construction Year: 2016

Engineer: GeoEngineers, Inc.

Contractor: Bianchi Construction

Construction Contract: $244,000

Documents

For More Information: contact Kraig Olason at 360-778-6301

PROJECT PHOTOS

Old outfall pipe to be replaced.

Existing outfall pipe with eroding bluff


New outfall pipe with energy dissipater

PROJECT LOCATION

DNR outfall location map

Postcard sent to Birch Point residents affected by construction activities