North Fork Nooksack River Truck Road Stabilization
Whatcom County sought to address repeat and ongoing climate-change related damage to Truck Road from active bank erosion along the North Fork Nooksack River in a habitat-friendly way focused on considerations for special species. Herrera’s work began with a planning-level alternatives analysis for bank stabilization concepts that included geomorphic and habitat assessments and developing a multi-benefit strategy to resolve erosion risk without degrading habitat. After excessive erosion occurred at the project site during the floods in November 2021, the scope immediately expanded to include the design of a Phase 1 emergency bank stabilization project along approximately 800 feet of bank and subsequent design and permitting of a Phase 2 project for habitat mitigation and roadway repair. Herrera remained flexible and adapted to changing project conditions, which facilitated the delivery of construction ready documents to the County for the Phase 1 emergency project in less than a month. Herrera’s services provided for the Phase 2 project included 30, 60, 90, and 100 percent design development including construction plans and specifications, permitting support, construction engineering support, and fish exclusion prior to the start of in-water construction. Construction of the Phase 2 project was completed in the summer of 2024.