Port hires firm to inspect Blaine Harbor breakwater

By Oliver Lazenby

Port of Bellingham commissioners approved a $33,627 contract for Tinnea & Associates of Seattle to inspect the breakwater at Blaine Harbor and recommend needed repairs.

A 2016 inspection revealed degradation to the zinc coating on the 430-foot-long steel bulkhead at the harbor’s breakwater. That inspection found the steel was still in satisfactory condition, but recommended a follow-up inspection. The upcoming corrosion inspection will focus on how best to repair the zinc coating, port communications director Mike Hogan said in an email.

Port commissioners approved the contract at an April 3 commission meeting. The port anticipates repairs will occur in 2019, Hogan said.