Currently, three jurisdictions including the cities of Edmonds, Lake Forest Park and Mountlake Terrace have adopted and signed a new interlocal agreement to continue the work of the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Watershed Forum. The original interlocal agreement expired July 1, 2010. Lynnwood and Shoreline have decided not to join the new ILA at this time. Snohomish County will decide later whether they will continue to be a member of the Forum.
In 2006, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline and Edmonds combined resources to hire Clear Creek Solutions to complete a Lake Level Analysis project that includes computer models for storm water flow.
In December 2007, six jurisdictions in the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Watershed began discussions related to support of a joint Watershed Basin Action Plan. Discussions were also held with State Senators and Representatives and with our Federal Congressional delegation. After adoption of resolutions by each of the five cities in the Watershed along with Snohomish County, an interlocal agreement was drafted and adopted by the six agencies to develop a Strategic Action Plan to outline specific goals to protect the Watershed. The Action Plan was developed with the help of a $200,000 appropriation through the Department of Ecology from the State Legislature. The Action Plan was completed in June 2009.
In 2008, all six local jurisdictions within the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek watershed (Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek map) joined together through an interlocal agreement to prepare a strategic action plan that addresses issues related to water quantity and water quality within the drainage basin. The cities of Edmonds, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline along with Snohomish County have agreed to language in an interlocal agreement that forms the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Watershed Forum.
The Strategic Action Plan primarily addresses stormwater and surface water flow issues related to the level of Lake Ballinger. Flow issues for the lake related to Hall Creek and McAleer Creek are also included. Secondary objectives include water quality, aquatic habitat and lake and streamside enhancement opportunities.
The Strategic Action Plan was funded by a Washington State Department of Ecology appropriation allocated by the state legislature to study surface water and groundwater issues that affect Lake Ballinger and McAleer Creek.
Otak, an engineering firm based in Kirkland, was selected by the Forum to prepare the Strategic Action Plan for the watershed. The Otak team also includes the surface water-modeling firm Clear Creek Solutions and the subsurface flow team of Golder Associates.
The Strategic Action Plan was completed in June 2009, and approved by member jurisdictions.
The Watershed Basin and Action Plan promote regional efforts to address stewardship as among the highest environmental priorities in the area. The Mountlake Terrace City Council has directed city staff to continue to collaborate with other cities, Snohomish County, and the State of Washington and the federal government to implement the action plan addressing stewardship issues of Lake Ballinger, McAleer Creek and the streams and lakes that are contained within the greater watershed.
For more information, please contact Mike Shaw, Stormwater Program Manager at mshaw@ci.mlt.wa.us or (425) 670-8264 extension 5105.
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City of Edmonds – Outlet Study with Northwest Hydraulics
City of Lake Forest Park – McAleer Creek Bypass Retrofit:
In 2007-09 the City of Lake Forest Park performed a flood reduction study that determined the intake facility becomes obstructed with debris from the stream reducing its ability to bypass flows by up to 40%. As a result, the plan identifies a retrofit project that would increase the capacity of the facility to bypass high flows. The planning level cost estimate for this project is $250K. The State of Washington appropriated funding for this project in 2010 to be administered through the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The City is working to prepare a request for proposals for design and construction of this project and coordinating with WSDOT. The Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Forum was instrumental in supporting this project for funding.
City of Mountlake Terrace – Weir Gate Replacement
