Swift Creek

Swift Creek

  1. 1 Excavation work on Goodwin Channel
  2. 2 Swift Creek
  3. 3 Swift Creek dry creek bed with debris
  4. 4 Swift Creek
  5. 5 Swirls of sediment along Swift Creek
  6. 6 Sediment trap, Fall 2023
  7. 7 Sediment trap, Fall 2023
  8. 8 Swift Creek sediment trap construction
  9. 9 Sediment boots

Project Background

Swift Creek originates on Sumas Mountain and has a long history of sediment buildup and reduced water flow capacity. There is a large natural landslide at the creek's source. Slide sediment is from a unique geologic deposit that contains naturally occurring asbestos. The sediment also contains trace heavy metals, including cadmium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel.

Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology collaborate on the Swift Creek flood control and sediment management project. Whatcom County has developed an action plan and will continue to implement the plan with state funds. Construction of capital facilities began in 2022 and is slated to continue through 2030. 

Swift Creek Sediment Management Action Plan (SCSMAP)

Project Update

View the video update about the Swift Creek Sediment Trap construction from fall 2022. 

Swift Creek Sediment Trap Construction

  1. 1 Berm cover at Swift Creek
  2. 2 Construction at Swift Creek
  3. 3 Construction at Swift Creek
  4. 4 Water runs over a sediment trap at Swift Creek
  5. 5 Swift Creek sediment trap construction
  6. 6 Sediment trap at Swift Creek
  7. 7 Swift Creek sediment trap construction
  8. 8 Swift Creek sediment trap construction
  9. 9 Swift Creek sediment trap construction
  10. 10 Swift Creek sediment trap construction
  11. 11 Swift Creek sediment trap construction
  12. 12 Swift Creek sediment trap construction

  1. Health investigation shows no evidence of increased lung disease near Swift Creek/Sumas Mountain

    Periodically, the Washington State Department of Health will check for asbestos-related health issues in people living around Swift Creek and Sumas Mountain. The latest report is out and finds no evidence of increased lung disease. Read on...

  2. Swift Creek Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Available

    Notice of Availability: Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Swift Creek Sediment Management Action Plan (SCSMAP) Phase 3 Implementation: Sediment Repository Read on...

  3. Swift Creek Area Neighbors: Prevent Asbestos Dust Exposure During Dry Weather

    Swift Creek and downstream Sumas River carry naturally occurring asbestos from the Sumas Mountain landslide. In dry weather, sediments containing asbestos pose a hazard. Read on...
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Swift Creek

  1. 1 toe of swift creek slide
  2. 2 toe of swift creek slide
  3. 3 toe of swift creek slide