A huge week!

This has been a big week.  On Monday, the Portland Water Bureau submitted an application for a Bull Run treatment variance to the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Program. We've been pushing for this for years and are pleased that the formal application has finally been submitted.  Today we reiterate what was stated in our letter sent to the Portland City Council in March:

"We acknowledge and thank you for your efforts to pursue a regulatory variance from Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2) water treatment mandates.  We all know that this is a ridiculous one-size-fits-all mandate that fails to take into account the protected, pristine nature of the Bull Run watershed and the purity of our water source, as supported by newly available scientific evidence which conclusively proves that Cryptosporidium does not exist in Bull Run water. We strongly support aggressive efforts to pursue the LT2 treatment waiver. We stand ready to assist you in any way we can."

We're on to a new stage for the Bull Run treatment portion of LT2.  Huge thanks to all those who have helped get us this far!

Next, Oregon's Drinking Water Program responded, in part, by posting this information. This webpage states that the decision process will include a public comment period, likely in October. 


"Public Health is required under federal law to announce its intent to issue a variance by hearing or by serving of a notice. In addition, Public Health intends to provide an opportunity for public comment from water users during its consideration of the variance request, likely in October. People also will have the opportunity to email their comments to Public Health. These comments will be considered during the decision-making process."   


A final decision is expected by the end of December. We will keep you informed of any and all opportunities to defend your drinking water!