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Capital construction projects are moving forward with a COVID-19 plan in place. County staff continue to follow all state requirements, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment and social distancing, under the Governor’s updated COVID-19 Phase 2 Construction Guidance. All contractors are also required to follow this guidance and have a COVID-19 health and safety plan. Six different projects around the county will be constructed including culvert replacements, a pervious pavement parking lot, and a detention pond upgrade.
To learn more about SWM’s current capital construction projects, visit our website.
SWM is still providing services. Even though the majority of SWM staff are working remotely, we are still providing services and are available by email, surfacewater@snoco.org, and phone (425) 388-3464.
The public may submit drainage and water quality complaints by completing an online drainage complaint form, by calling the water quality hotline, (425) 388-6481, or by completing an online water quality complaint form.
Visit the county's COVID-19 response webpage for the latest information and a list of resources.
Following a flood event on February 1, Snohomish County requested help from the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to repair damage to the Ebey Slough Levee on the Snohomish River estuary. On February 3, the Corps successfully repaired the eroded levee by placing 700 tons of crushed rock on site. With emergency repairs in place, the next step will be permitting and installing mitigation measures that address fish habitat concerns.
Ebey Slough Levee is one of many flood control structures managed by the county. Continued flood events can potentially damage nearby private property and pose a threat to public infrastructure. With support from community partners – including the Corps, nearby cities, regional diking and drainage districts – the county monitors and maintains these structures to reduce flood risks for people and property.
To learn more about SWM’s river flooding services, visit our webpage.
 Flood damage to Ebey Slough Levee
 Ebey Slough Levee after emergency repairs
Did you know that within unincorporated Snohomish County there are over 3,500 stream and river miles and 60 lakes? To understand how healthy they are, SWM collects data on current conditions and tracks stream and lake health changes over time. Health report cards are available for the 35 streams and 35 lakes assessed in 2019.
SWM staff will visit up to 35 streams this summer to collect habitat information, marking the third year of the program’s efforts to track the health of streams.
 SWM staff measure stream bed materials as part of a stream habitat survey
In 2019, the Snohomish County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) completed an extensive list of actions to improve the health of our marine ecosystem for our local citizens and the wildlife who depend on it.
The 2019 MRC Annual Report highlights how these dedicated volunteers, SWM staff, and our many partners have worked together on restoration, conservation, and education projects. These efforts are helping protect our marine waters and boost marine wildlife populations, including Southern Resident Killer Whales and salmon.
With crabber season opened to recreational fishers on July 2, SWM and the MRC recently offered tips to avoid getting your line tangled in a ferry propeller, losing a pot or getting your boat stuck at the launch. Read the Everett Herald article.
Visit the MRC webpage to learn more about upcoming activities and ways you can get involved.
 MRC 2019 Annual Report
A first for SWM! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SWM’s Natural Yard Care public workshops went virtual in May. The topics were spread out over the course of six evenings and included a “Grow an Edible Garden” session for the many people interested in growing their own food during these challenging times. Using Zoom, an online meeting platform, and working in partnership with Washington State University (WSU), 241 households attended the program over the course of six evenings. In addition, WSU’s Master Gardener program held online Diagnostic Clinics to address participants’ garden questions following each workshop.
If you missed the workshops and would like information on Natural Yard Care, visit www.naturalyard.surfacewater.info. WSU Master Gardeners are available to answer your gardening questions by phone, (425) 357-6010, or email, snocoMG@gmail.com, Monday through Friday.
 Smart Watering, presented by Ladd Smith, helped participants see how to maximize garden health while minimizing runoff and water use – all with easy tools for home gardeners.
While large gatherings are considered a safety risk, SWM will continue to conduct public workshops online. Next up: Free & Online Septic Care workshop, July 14th. Register today!
This Septic Care Workshop will help you:
• Understand your septic system and maintenance needs
• Protect your drainfield
• Avoid expensive repairs by recognizing problems early
• Learn about Savvy Septic rebates, grants and affordable loans for residential septic systems
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