SUBWATERSHED
MASTER PLANS
Subwatershed Master Plans
BBWARM has completed subwatershed master plans for developed subbasins within the BBWARM district. This planning effort began in 2011 with EPA grant funding for the first plan and includes:
Inventory of existing stormwater systems and facilities (ditches, pipes, catch basins).
Hydrologic analysis and modeling of stormwater flows.
Identification and evaluation of stormwater problems and recommended solutions including maintenance, small works, and capital improvement projects.
Public participation through stakeholder meetings.
Completion of subwatershed master plans.
Each plan provides detailed information on stormwater facilities and stormwater flows within designated subbasins. The planning process includes a capital project scoring criteria used to prioritize projects for BBWARM's six-year capital plan and Whatcom County's Water Resources Improvement Program. Each subwatershed master plan is considered by Whatcom County Council as an amendment to the 2006 Birch Bay Comprehensive Stormwater Plan.
Whatcom County Public Works employee Andrew Tischleder inspects a catch basin for the stormwater facility inspection and inventory.
Birch Point Subwatershed Drainage Study
In 2022, the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) initiated an effort to study drainage patterns in the Birch Point area of Birch Bay. A long history of flooding and drainage problems in this area, coupled with a marked increase in development proposals in the watershed, were the primary drivers behind this study.
Between July 2022 and August 2023, Tetra Tech, Inc. (a consultant for Whatcom County), conducted a comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of the drainage system in Birch Point, including existing and future land use and climate change scenarios. They developed conceptual plans and preliminary cost estimates for five capital improvement projects that would mitigate flooding in residential areas impacted by stormwater runoff from upland areas of Birch Point. The capital projects will be incorporated into BBWARM’s six-year plan as staff resources and funding allows.
Reference Documents:
Subwatershed Master Plan Map
The map below shows subwatershed master plan areas. Subwatershed master plans will not be completed for rural subbasins in the Terrell Creek watershed.
Subwatershed Master Plan Documents
The final drafts of the three Subwatershed Master Plans and their accompanying documents are posted for your review: