Flood Control Zone District
Technical Assistance
The Whatcom County River and Flood Division engineers and engineering
technicians  provide
technical assistance pertaining to drainage and flood issues to
private citizens and businesses located along the many water bodies
within Whatcom County. This centralized information resource
provides a consistent policy and program to both public and private
entities. Significant data has been collected on various historical
flood events and is periodically updated as flood events occur.
The staff provides administrative and technical assistance to
flood control, diking, and drainage districts in Whatcom County.
In addition to the countywide Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District, there are currently 22 special districts more localized
in their service areas. These include four diking districts,
three flood control sub-zones, thirteen drainage districts, and
a flood control district. The special districts require some
level of technical support and assistance. Specifically, the
staff provides assistance in establishing special districts and
systems of assessment, adjusting assessments, organizing and hosting
special district meetings, monitoring and processing financial
business, applying for permits, and overseeing a re-vegetation
program targeted at riparian areas. The photo above shows Deer
Creek at Smith Road one year after planting. The photo below shows
Saar Creek two years after planting.
 The
staff also provides materials and information, such as maps, photos,
studies, and reports that pertain to flood related issues and
currently achievable methods to reduce flood damages. In addition,
the staff provides flood related technical assistance in planning,
design, prioritization, funding, research, permitting, construction,
regulating, inspection, and supervision of development projects.
Technical assistance provided to special districts and the public
ensures that all projects are designed and permitted in accordance
with regulatory requirements and are consistent with overall plans.
This service helps entities take measures to protect themselves
and ultimately reduce damages due to flooding and inadequate drainage.
It is important that these groups of individuals convey a clear and
accurate message to the public and assist in their understanding of
the flood hazards in Whatcom County. It is also important that the
public has the information necessary so that they can incorporate
their decisions, implementation measures, and actions as
appropriate.
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