- Skagit County Public Works
- Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology)
- Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
- Town of Concrete
Lorenzan Creek Feasibility Study
Public Works | Natural Resources Division
Project Description
Lorenzan Creek is a salmon bearing stream that flows under Skagit County's road shop, 0.8 miles upstream of where it meets with the Skagit River in Concrete, WA. The creek flows under the shop in a 360-foot-long, 18-inch-wide concrete culvert. The culvert may not be able to handle high flows, which could worsen flooding in the town of Concrete. Pollution is also a concern because stormwater drainage from about a square mile of paved surfaces discharges directly to the creek through multiple storm drains. Additionally, this culvert is too small to allow adequate fish passage, per a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife assessment completed on May 29, 2018 (WDFW Site ID:GR18).
This project is being led by Skagit County. Four alternatives were examined and ranked for cost, water quality benefit, feasibility, stakeholder support, and other metrics determined by the stakeholders. A preferred alternative was identified, presented to the Board of Commissioners, and is currently in design. Much of the expected construction funding has been secured. We are targeting a 2028 construction date.
Aerial image showing the approximate path of Lorenzan Creek through the road shop.
Project Goals
The overall goals for this project include:
- Reducing potential for pollutants to enter Lorenzan Creek via stormwater runoff.
- Improving stormwater system to make maintenance achievable.
- Restoring fish passage in Lorenzan Creek.
- Reducing upstream flooding.
Phase 1 work involves analyzing the existing stormwater facility and providing recommendations to improve water quality by reducing the frequency and potential of pollutants entering the stream.
Outlet of the piped portion of Lorenzan Creek at Skagit County Road Shop in Concrete, WA.
Partners, Stakeholders, and Funding
Stakeholders and key partners in and near the project area will be involved throughout the project duration. The project will explicitly involve stakeholders and partners at key points during the decision-making process, including (but not limited to):
- Alternative development and selection
- Formation of the alternative selection criteria/decision matrix
- Selection of a preferred alternative
- Skagit River System Cooperative (SRSC)
- Upper Skagit Indian Tribe
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
- Town of Concrete
- Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
- United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Skagit Watershed Council
- Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (SFEG)
- Washington Department of Ecology (ECY)
- Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
- Skagit County
Additional Information and Documents
