Repair and replace bulkhead along Jorgensen Pier to prevent erosion.

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
Determination of Non-Significance (DNS)
Project Name: Blaine Bulkhead Repair and Replacement
Lead agency: Port of Bellingham
Agency Contact: Brian Gouran, Director of Environmental & Planning Services briang@portofbellingham.com, 360-676-2500
Description of Proposal: Repair and replace an existing bulkhead by constructing a new sheet pile bulkhead with concrete pile cap to replace the existing timber bulkhead along the south side of the jetty, underneath the existing public fishing pier (Jorgensen Pier), and around the western corner to the upland side of the jetty. Once the new sheet pile bulkhead is placed, existing bulkhead lagging and soldier piles will be demolished. Fill will then be placed behind the new sheet pile bulkhead. On the upland side of the single lane roadway (Marine Drive), quarry spalls and a compost amended vegetated strip will be placed at the existing top of slope. The new bulkhead installed beneath the existing Jorgensen Pier, where the pier and road meet, will wrap around the corner of the jetty on the upland side to prevent erosion. The overwater structure will be replaced or repaired to maintain public access to the pier from Marine Drive. The Starfish Pier will remain unmodified as part of this project, and the new bulkhead will be extended to the existing bulkhead running parallel to Marine Drive and connect just outside of the pier footprint. Beach will be restored in this area from the overwater structure fill and pile removal. Reconstruction of the access road, Marine Drive, will also be performed using hot mix asphalt and derelict piles will be removed from the surrounding area.
Location of proposal: Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230; 
latitude and longitude 48.992222 N -122.765556W 
Applicant/Proponent: 
Alec Strand, Project Manager
Port of Bellingham
P.O. Box 1677
Bellingham, WA 98227-1677
(360) 676-2500 ext#317
alecs@portofbellingham.com
Threshold Determination: The Port of Bellingham has determined that this proposal does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). The decision was made after review of completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on request and at https://www.portofbellingham.com/456/SEPA.  
This determination is of non-significance is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2); The Port of Bellingham will not act on this proposal for at least 14 days from the date of this notice. Written comments on this threshold determination must be submitted by 5:30 p.m., March 3, 2026. 
How to Comment:
Option 1: Email comments are preferred and must be sent to planning@portofbellingham.com with the proposal name "Blaine Bulkhead Repair and Replacement" in the subject line. Include your comments in the body of your email message rather than as attachments. 
Option 2: Paper comments must be printed on 8½x11 paper and mailed or delivered to: 
Port of Bellingham Environmental & Planning Services
Comments on "Blaine Bulkhead Repair and Replacement"
P.O. Box 1677
Bellingham, WA 98227-1677
Appeal process: There is no agency appeal.
Date of Decision: February 17, 2026
Date of Publication: February 17, 2026
SEPA Responsible Official:    Brian Gouran, Director  
Port of Bellingham Environmental & Planning Services
1801 Roeder Avenue
P.O. Box 1677
Bellingham, WA 98227-1677
360-676-2500, ext. # 212
IPL0314431
Feb 17 2026