Committee backs sewer connection for Seaview Circle home after septic failure

The Bellingham City Council’s Public Works and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday recommended authorizing the mayor to enter a retail sewer service agreement to connect the home at 2863 Seaview Circle to the city wastewater system.

Committee chair Council member Lillequist said the Whatcom County Health Department had informed the residents that their septic system failed and was leaking near the railroad bank above the tracks. Public Works Development Manager Paul Reed said the property sits within the city’s urban growth area, abuts an existing sewer main and is already served by city water. Reed said repair or replacement of the septic system appears infeasible because of limited locations on the parcel and that the homeowners are pursuing an easement from a neighboring property to run a sewer lateral to the main.

"They are actively pursuing an easement from the neighboring property to the east to run a sewer lateral over to the main and Seaview Circle," Reed said.

Council member Lisa moved to authorize the mayor to enter the agreement under Bellingham Municipal Code 15.36; the committee voted in favor and Lillequist said he would bring the item forward with a positive recommendation to the full council.

The committee’s action forwards the request; the transcript does not record a final city council vote on the measure during this meeting. Details about the contract terms and the exact timeline for connection were not specified in the committee discussion. The committee’s recommendation follows the city’s prior policy that generally limits extensions of sewer and water outside city limits but allows exceptions in circumstances such as failed septic systems.