Geneva Bioretention Pilot Project

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Project Summary

In 2023, a construction project was completed to address various issues with the existing stormwater treatment facility along Austin Street, constructed around 2008. The project aimed to replace the failing system, improve water quality, and introduce a new treatment technology.

The existing facility had encountered problems such as flooding and uneven sediment distribution, leading to concerns about water quality, particularly in phosphorus-sensitive waters like Lake Whatcom. To mitigate these issues, the new system incorporated several key features:

• Installation of an impermeable liner to prevent flooding downstream.
• Implementation of pre-settling mechanisms to reduce sediment entering the infiltration process.
• Enhancement of flow distribution within the treatment system for improved efficiency.

This upgraded stormwater treatment system also utilizes a new High-Performance Bioretention Soil Media (HPBSM) designed to capture phosphorus and other pollutants more effectively in areas with sensitive water bodies, such as Lake Whatcom.  Whatcom County will study the effectiveness of the new HPBSM and report the findings to the Washington State Department of Ecology.