An overflow diversion structure sits along a section of Perrinville Creek near Talbot Road on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
EDMONDS — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a new permit to the city of Edmonds on Friday, allowing flood-prevention work to commence at a controversial flow diversion structure on Perrinville Creek.
During heavy rains the sediment traps get overwhelmed by high flows. The current temporary permit allows the city to clean the traps in advance of this fall’s rainy season. (Photo courtesy City of Edmonds)
There’s a new development in the decades-long tug-of-war between the City of Edmonds, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), environmental groups and adjacent property owners to balance flood control and fish passage on lower Perrinville Creek. The DFW has issued a limited temporary permit to allow the City of Edmonds to clear accumulated debris from the city’s existing sediment trap/overflow structures, with the aim of mitigating potential flooding during the upcoming rainy season. The permit expires on Jan. 13, 2026, and work must be completed by that time.