Public Works

The East Kachemak Drive area has shown some of the highest growth within the City of Homer, and yet it is also experiencing some of the highest coastal stormwater discharge concentrations and erosion rates within the City. Industrial stormwater runoff also poses a water quality concern for Kachemak Bay. The problems have caused a threat to the critical infrastructure of Kachemak Drive in this area, where much of Homer’s industrial area is located.

Stormwater generated in east downtown Homer has used Beluga lake marshlands and the upper Beluga slough marshlands as a de facto treatment area.   Yet, much of this runoff is conveyed in a direct manner to the lake and enters Palmer creek via the Beluga Lake wier.  As such, any treatment benefits provided by marshlands is mostly bypassed and urban runoff with associated pollutants is conveyed directly to Kachemak Bay.

This project focuses on reducing bluff erosion in the Baycrest Subdivision by diverting the current storm drain configuration as well as capturing as much shallow ground water as possible and conveying it further down along the Sterling Hwy to Bidarki Creek.  As an added incentive to pursue this project, it may be possible to integrate micro-hydro works in two locations along the proposed stormwater diversion system.   This project is conceptual at this time and is being designed by Coble Geophysical Services.

The city has hired Coble Geophysical LLC to design stormwater management projects using green infrastructure and natural systems to improve water quality, and prevent flooding and erosion.  These four projects are mostly in the conceptual phase but are being actively pursued.  Click on the buttons below to explore maps of each idea.

While many people are concerned about climate change, most do not know how they can help on an individual level. 

Water 

The City of Homer has policy guide for their employees' outlining reducing waste and energy usage within the public sector. 

This handbook explains policies regarding office equipment usage, HVAC systems, lighting for inside and outside facilities, and vehicle usage. 

Below is a copy of the Employee Sustainability Handbook.

The City of Homer is focused on continuing projects that give serious consideration to climate change and sustainability in our community.

Below are some local and state-wide organizations that are addressing certain areas of climate change that effect Homer and surrounding communities. Some of the organizations are non-profit volunteer based, while others are state or federally funded programs.  

Homer Drawdown

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Cook Inletkeeper

Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges

The City of Homer and it's citizens have been concerned with protecting the natural environment surrounding the Kachemak Bay area for decades. Following is a brief overview of some of the sustainability work related to climate action the city has conducted and is currently involved in: