News Release
| Release Number: | 02-112 |
| Dated: | 7/9/2002 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a permit application from the city of Sweet Home for a water treatment plant relocation project.
The City is proposing to replace the city's existing 80-year-old potable water treatment plant and relocate it to Wiley Creek Park below Foster Dam.
Before the Corps makes a decision on whether or not to issue the permit, it is inviting members of the public to review a document that addresses the environmental and recreation impacts that could occur as a result of the proposed work.
To request a copy of the draft environmental assessment, call Keith Gordon at (503) 808-4770 or write to: District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District, Portland, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Ore., 97208-2946. Written comments must be received by Aug. 5, 2002 and should refer to Public Notice # CENWP-PM-E-02-06, Environmental Assessment, USACE Foster Lake, Potable Water Treatment Plant.
The plant would be moved to the northwest corner of Wiley Creek Park on the South Santiam River and just south of the Corps of Engineers project office. About 1.5 acres of the park areas would be granted to the city for the facility itself and for an access road, parking lot, settling ponds and sidewalks.
The City of Sweet Home wants to replace the existing water treatment plant to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations and to provide for the city's ever-growing water demands. The purpose of relocating the facility to Corps lands is to provide a cost effective construction site with access to the existing water intake line and to allow for projected future expansion of the plant.
A decision on whether or not to permit the work will be made under the auspices of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. A State Water Quality Certification provided by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act also would be required.
While the proposed work would not adversely affect human health and welfare, preliminary findings indicate the work may have adverse impacts on steelhead, chinook salmon and the bald eagle. If the work were permitted, the Corps would specify appropriate steps needed to minimize any potential adverse impacts.