Update on Lopez Village stormwater improvement project

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

 San Juan County Public Works is pleased to provide the public with updates on the Lopez Village Stormwater Improvement Project.  This project began in late September and is expected to finish by early November.

Last Week – October 10-15:

• Crews broke ground on Monday, October 10. 
• The first week primarily consisted of excavating the new utility trench to relocate the utility lines for Rock Island, OPALCO, and Century Link. 
• Project grubbing was completed – which is the process of removing roots that remain in the soil after clearing.

This Week – October 17-21: 

• Crews anticipate finishing and backfilling the new utilities trench. 
• Crews expect to begin excavation on the new stormwater channel. 
• Village Road continues to be closed between Washburn and Eads Ln is closed today through Thursday, October 20.  The closure is a safety measure to protect the community and crews while heavy machinery is on site.

Project Overview:

The Lopez Village Stormwater Improvement Project will upgrade the eroding ditch along the east side of Village Road and improve storm water quality and manage flooding.  

The project is funded by a grant from the Department of Ecology and the County’s Clean Water Utility.  In addition to the drainage, the parallel parking along the road will be improved and a gravel trail and bridge crossings will be installed to provide safe pedestrian access to the Farmers Market.  The drainage will be planted with native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and grasses. All work is being conducted within the County road right of way and easement.  

The project will remove seven mid-sized trees (5 crabapple, 1 apple, and 1 red alder) currently growing over a sanitary sewer main and in the path of the new drainage swale.  New trees will be added along the drainage and trail to replace those removed by the construction. 

Learn More: 

• Stormwater Landing Page: https://www.sanjuanco.com/1625/Stormwater
• Fact Sheet: https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/23220/SJC-fact-sheet-Lopez-Village-Farmers-Market
• Project Plans: https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/26787/CW01180-No-3-Final-Signed-Plans

Contact: Krista Davis, Stormwater Engineering Technician, kristad@sanjuanco.com, (360) 370-0533

About San Juan County’s Public Works Department    

San Juan County’s Public Works Department constructs and maintains county roads, designs and constructs storm water facilities, and plans and contracts for solid waste services. The department offices are located at 915 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Public Works Department, visit www.sanjuanco.com/277/Public-Works.