Agate Bay Sewer Lift Station Improvement Project

Project Summary (Project No. C2510)

The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District was originally formed in 1968 to replace individual septic systems in the Geneva community with a comprehensive sewage collection and conveyance system due to degradation of Lake Whatcom water quality from septic systems. Since then, the District’s sewer system has expanded to serve Sudden Valley, as well as much of the development on the north shore of Lake Whatcom outside of Bellingham city limits. The District’s sewage collection and conveyance system serves approximately 4,150 connections and is comprised of approximately 75 miles of sewer main and 26 lift stations that pump sewage generated in the District out the Lake Whatcom Watershed for treatment at the City of Bellingham’s Post Point wastewater treatment plant located in Fairhaven.

To proactively ensure the effective operation of its 26 sewer lift stations, the District systematically completes upgrades to each lift station every 20-25 years (i.e., one to two lift stations are upgraded annually). The District’s Agate Bay sewer lift station, located on the north shore of Lake Whatcom at the intersection of Northshore Road and Agate Bay Lane, was originally constructed in 1977. The lift station is scheduled for comprehensive overhaul, including replacement of all pumps and control systems, wet well (sewage storage) rehabilitation, and significant access improvements, in 2027.

Schedule

Task 1: Design and Permitting – Initiated January 2025

To take advantage of in-house expertise and minimize project costs, District staff will complete much of the design and permitting, with limited external consulting services needed (e.g., surveying, electrical/controls and environmental permitting). Design and permitting activities were initiated in early 2025 and are anticipated to be completed by late 2026.

Task 2: Construction – Anticipated bid advertisement in early 2027 with completion of Fall 2027

To be initiated once design and permitting are complete.

Project Cost

Task 1: Design and Permitting – $334,000

Task 2: Construction – $947,000

Project Contact

Greg Nicoll, P.E.
District Engineer
360.734.9224
greg.nicoll@lwwsd.org

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