Helena Joyce
Whatcom Creek in Bellingham, Washington, has been listed as impaired by fecal coliform bacterial pollution since 1996. The creek and its freshwater tributaries have high levels of bacteria, which pose a human health risk. The four major tributaries at the eastern end of Whatcom Creek are Hannah Creek, Fever Creek, Cemetery Creek, and Lincoln Creek. These tributaries are also affected by high levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria. The City of Bellingham has been working to enhance the riparian area of Whatcom Creek and restore in-stream habitats. In addition, the city, county, and Whatcom Conservation District have implemented incentive programs to encourage property owners to reduce pollution. However, the lake, which is the primary source of drinking water for over 100,000 residents, continues to face threats from increased development, logging, and other human activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source of Pollution | Fecal Coliform Bacterial Pollution |
| Pollutants | E. coli, Phosphorus |
| Water Quality | High levels of bacteria, depleted oxygen levels, algal blooms |
| Area Impacted | 7.7 square miles |
| Tributaries | Hanna, Fever, Cemetery, Lincoln Creeks |
| Action Taken | Water cleanup plan, Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program, habitat restoration, riparian area enhancement |
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What You'll Learn
Fecal coliform bacterial pollution
Whatcom Creek in Bellingham, Washington, has been listed as impaired by fecal coliform bacterial pollution since 1996. Fecal coliform bacteria are commonly found in the faeces of humans and other animals, and their presence in water bodies is indicative of disease-causing germs or parasites that can be harmful to human health.
The creek's watershed, which covers approximately 7.7 square miles, includes Lake Whatcom as its primary source and four major tributaries: Hannah Creek, Fever Creek, Cemetery Creek, and Lincoln Creek. These tributaries have been identified as requiring significant reductions in E. coli and fecal coliform pollution, with Fever Creek being the most affected.
In 2002, the City of Bellingham partnered with the Washington State Department of Ecology to develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan to address the bacterial pollution in Whatcom Creek. This plan aims to set specific loading capacities for each tributary and determine the necessary load reductions to meet water quality standards. Despite improvements in water quality since 2004, the creek still exceeds these standards.
Community interest in enhancing Whatcom Creek's riparian area has been ongoing since the early 1990s, with efforts intensifying after the Olympic Pipeline explosion in 1999. The settlement agreement provided funding for restoration projects, and the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC), sponsored by the City of Bellingham, has been working to restore riparian areas along the entire length of the creek. These restoration efforts include planting native shrubs and trees, removing invasive plants, and enhancing the creek's estuary.
Additionally, the Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program offers technical assistance and financial incentives for property owners in the watershed to take voluntary actions to reduce pollution. However, ensuring adequate funding for these initiatives remains a challenge, and allowing further development, logging, and increased traffic in the watershed will likely result in higher costs for taxpayers to address the resulting environmental issues.
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High levels of E. coli
Whatcom Creek in Bellingham, Washington, has been listed as impaired due to high levels of E. coli and other bacteria since 1996. The creek and its freshwater tributaries are included on the Washington state list of impaired water bodies, known as the 303(d) list.
The high levels of E. coli in Whatcom Creek pose a significant risk to human health, particularly for those who use the creek for recreational activities such as swimming. E. coli is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While it is typically harmless in the intestines, it can cause serious illnesses if ingested from an external source. High levels of E. coli in water bodies are often indicative of the presence of disease-causing germs or parasites.
To address the issue of high E. coli levels in Whatcom Creek, the Washington State Department of Ecology has developed a water quality improvement report and plan called the Whatcom Creek Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The plan, which was approved by the EPA in September 2023, aims to reduce E. coli pollution in the creek and its four primary tributaries: Hanna Creek, Fever Creek, Cemetery Creek, and Lincoln Creek. The greatest E. coli pollution reductions are needed in Fever Creek, followed by Lincoln, Hanna, and Cemetery creeks.
In addition to the TMDL plan, the City of Bellingham has also been working to enhance the riparian areas along the entire length of the creek. Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews, sponsored by the city, have planted over 100,000 native shrubs and trees, removed thousands of yards of invasive plants, and restored numerous sites in the riparian corridor along lower Whatcom Creek. These efforts are crucial in improving water quality and reducing E. coli levels in the creek.
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Phosphorus inputs
In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington Department of Ecology issued a cleanup plan, aiming to prevent 3,150 pounds of phosphorus from entering the lake annually by 2066. This plan has already achieved some success, preventing 436 pounds of phosphorus from reaching the lake. However, it has come at a significant cost to taxpayers.
The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program offers financial incentives and technical assistance to property owners who take steps to reduce pollution. Despite these efforts, the 2019 Lake Whatcom Watershed Annual Build-Out Analysis Report indicated that further development is expected in the watershed, with an estimated 1,563 more homes to be built. This development will likely lead to increased phosphorus inputs into the lake, as more exposed soil and lawn fertilizers will be present.
The Whatcom Creek watershed is located in Northwest Washington and flows through Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham before emptying into Bellingham Bay. The creek and its tributaries have been listed as impaired for fecal coliform bacterial pollution since 1996, with high levels of bacteria posing potential health risks to those engaging in recreational activities in the water. The City of Bellingham has been working to enhance the riparian areas along the creek and has planted over 100,000 native shrubs and trees, removing thousands of yards of invasive plants. These efforts are ongoing, with additional riparian projects being developed.
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Invasive plants
The WCC's work is part of a wider enhancement of Whatcom Creek's riparian area, which has been ongoing since the early 1990s. This enhancement has included the restoration of in-stream habitats and riparian areas, as well as large-scale in-stream restoration projects. These projects have been funded by a settlement agreement following the Olympic Pipeline explosion and fire in 1999.
The presence of invasive plants and bacteria are not the only threats to Whatcom Creek. The creek's water quality is also impacted by increased phosphorus inputs, which have resulted in algal blooms and depleted oxygen levels. This has led to Lake Whatcom, the creek's primary source, being placed on Washington's list of polluted waters in 1998. A cleanup plan for the lake was issued in 2016, aiming to prevent a set amount of phosphorus from entering the lake annually by 2066. However, implementing this plan has been costly for taxpayers.
In addition to these issues, there is community concern about future development in the Lake Whatcom watershed. The Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board has recommended protecting all remaining undeveloped land within the watershed from future development. However, as of 2019, this goal has not been met, with over 1,500 additional homes potentially being developed in the area. This development, along with increased logging and traffic, will likely lead to further pollution and costly fixes.
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Water temperature
Whatcom Creek in Bellingham, Washington, has been listed as impaired for temperature, fecal coliform, and dissolved oxygen since 1996. The creek's water temperature is one of the factors that led to its impairment listing. The Washington Department of Ecology has been working to address the issues of water temperature and dissolved oxygen through protection and enhancement of riparian areas.
Riparian areas play a crucial role in regulating water temperature. These areas, characterized by vegetation along the creek's banks, provide shade that helps maintain cool water temperatures, which are essential for the health of aquatic ecosystems. The enhancement of Whatcom Creek's riparian area has been ongoing since the early 1990s, with a particular focus on restoration after the Olympic Pipeline explosion and fire in 1999. Since then, significant efforts have been made to restore and enhance the riparian corridor, including the removal of invasive plant species and the planting of over 100,000 native shrubs and trees by Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews sponsored by the City of Bellingham.
The water temperature in Whatcom Creek is influenced by various factors, including the surrounding climate and weather conditions, the creek's flow rate, and the presence of human activities and developments in the watershed. The creek's water temperature can vary throughout the year, with potential fluctuations during different seasons. Additionally, human activities, such as urban development and land use practices, can impact water temperature. Increased urbanization and impervious surfaces can lead to higher water temperatures due to reduced shading and altered runoff patterns.
Maintaining healthy water temperatures in Whatcom Creek is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the survival and well-being of aquatic organisms, such as salmon and trout, which are sensitive to temperature changes. These species have specific temperature requirements for spawning and rearing their young. Secondly, proper water temperatures help maintain the ecological balance within the creek, influencing the growth and diversity of aquatic plants and animals. Finally, healthy water temperatures contribute to the overall water quality, making it safe for recreational activities and preserving the aesthetic value of the creek for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
To address the issue of water temperature in Whatcom Creek, several measures can be implemented. These include increasing riparian vegetation through planting native trees and shrubs, implementing stream restoration techniques such as adding shade structures or large woody debris, and reducing the impact of urban heat islands by incorporating green infrastructure and reducing impervious surfaces in the surrounding areas. Additionally, public education and engagement play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of healthy water temperatures and encouraging community involvement in restoration and conservation efforts. By combining ecological enhancements and community participation, the water temperature in Whatcom Creek can be effectively managed, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of the ecosystem.
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Frequently asked questions
Whatcom Creek in Bellingham has been listed as impaired due to fecal coliform bacterial pollution since 1996. The creek has high levels of bacteria, which can pose a human health risk for those engaging in recreational activities in the water.
The pollution in Whatcom Creek is caused by a variety of sources, including human and animal waste, stream bank erosion, construction, landscaping, logging, lawn fertilizers, and pesticides.
Efforts to improve water quality in Whatcom Creek have been ongoing since the early 1990s. The City of Bellingham has partnered with the Washington State Department of Ecology to develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan to reduce bacteria pollution. The plan includes reach-specific loading capacities for each tributary and estimated load reductions. In addition, the city has sponsored Washington Conservation Corps crews to restore riparian areas, plant native shrubs and trees, and remove invasive plants.
