Example Projects

Southeast Bellingham Short Plat Development

For areas with unknown or highly variable soil conditions, and for situations with major design-limiting factors, pre-design site assessment can be a vital and cost-saving measure. Determining stormwater infiltration feasibility, and assessing alternatives, early in the project timeline can provide pivotal information to inform effective design. Element was retained to provide a feasibility assessment for a 2-acre site in southeast Bellingham planned for short plat division and residential development. We directed and documented a test pit survey with numerous excavations dispersed across the forested sloping site. Our work informed the project team of shallow restrictive conditions prohibiting infiltration use prior to design. Element provided a summary report with recommendations for stormwater design meeting City of Bellingham criteria for site evaluation. We offered preliminary guidance for using localized dispersion for partial stormwater disposal along with utility outfalls to provide as much design flexibility as possible.  We also completed a requested geohazard review of steep grades present locally at the site to satisfy City of Bellingham critical area code.