During a recent Bellevue city council meeting, residents voiced concerns regarding environmental issues affecting the Bellfield Residential Park. Vicki Baggett, a long-time resident and secretary of the park's Homeowners Association (HOA), highlighted the deterioration of Alcott Stream, which has suffered from pollution and reduced water flow since a pump system was rendered inoperative in 2020.

Baggett explained that the pump, which is essential for maintaining water levels from the nearby Mercer Slough, was damaged during construction of the Seattle light rail. Although the light rail took responsibility for the damage and replaced the broken pipe, the city of Bellevue has since required the HOA to sign a hold harmless agreement before restoring the pump's operation. The HOA has declined to sign, citing concerns over shared responsibility for future damages.

The situation has been exacerbated by untreated stormwater entering the park's waterways, leading to a recent incident where motor oil was dumped into a pond. City workers responded promptly, containing the spill, but were unable to identify the source of the dumping. Baggett emphasized the need for a retention pond in the Surrey Downs neighborhood to filter pollutants and prevent future incidents, noting that a suitable location for this structure has already been identified.

In her closing remarks, Baggett urged the city council to prioritize the restoration of the pump and the construction of the retention pond, stressing the importance of these actions for the health of the local ecosystem and the well-being of the community.