Round #2 on Bull Run source water treatment variance

Today a broad and diverse coalition submitted our second round of comments to the Oregon Health Authority in support of that agency's notice of intent to grant Portland a variance from LT2 requirements to additionally treat Bull Run source water. We should know in March, 2012 what the final decision is. Deep thanks to all of you who have participated in this difficult process! Read our letter here.

Congratulations!

Our coalition is celebrating a victory today. The Portland City Council, in an unanimous vote this morning, agreed to request a 5 1/2 year delay in the EPA-approved LT2 construction schedule for burial and/or covering of our in-town open reservoirs.


Huge thanks go to to Commissioner Amanda Fritz for helping secure this well-deserved delay in expensive, unnecessary construction. (Remember: we just paid $40 million to upgrade our reservoirs in order to secure their safety through year 2050.) 


Also big thanks go to Senator Jeff Merkley for his engagement and commitment to help stave off LT2 requirements that threaten our Bull Run drinking water - the best in the nation!  Read about today's hearing in the Oregonian article here.

Save the Date: City Council Hearing February 1, 2012

Good News!

Yesterday we sent a letter to Commissioner Randy Leonard requesting that that he move immediately to schedule a City Council hearing before the Portland Water Bureau submits the City’s revised LT2 open reservoir compliance timeline to the Oregon Health Authority. Ratepayers and the Portland City Council deserve a transparent public engagement process to discuss this important issue, rather than allowing the Water Bureau to unilaterally make a decision on this controversial $400 million issue.

He responded that he will schedule a Council hearing next Wednesday (February 1). The agenda will be posted this Friday afternoon so we will not know until then whether it will be in morning or afternoon. Please stay posted for timeline and points to consider in preparing in your testimony. Thank you!