Volunteers needed to help monitor storm water in Birch Bay

Storm Watchers can track conditions on their phones. Photo courtesy of Whatcom County Public Works.

By Stefanie Donahue

Do you have what it takes to become a Birch Bay Storm Watcher? Find out at a training event scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 28 at Birch Bay Bible Community Church.

The Storm Watchers team is responsible for monitoring and reporting storm water conditions in order to resolve flooding, drainage or erosion issues in Birch Bay. The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District and Whatcom County Public Works sponsor the program which monitors storms

from October to April.

During the volunteer training event, guests will learn how to monitor local roadways, parking lots, ditches, creeks, storm outfalls and catch basins for flooding. They’ll also learn to identify water quality problems, such as poor drainage or infrastructures.

Monitoring takes place before, during and immediately after a storm. Reporting can be done by mail or over the phone via email or mobile app. Information collected by volunteers will be used to improve infrastructure and maintain clean and safe roadways.

Year-round residents of Birch Bay who experience frequent problems with stormwater drainage are ideal candidates for the program, according to a statement from the Whatcom County Public Works Department. No prior experience is required.

To RSVP for the training, which takes place at 4460 Bay Road in Blaine, visit bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org or contact Holly Faulstich at 360/778-6290 or hfaulsti@co.whatcom.wa.us.