Blue River Community Wastewater Project

Updated February 6, 2024

The subsurface and groundwater analysis needed to determine the capacity and location of the proposed Blue River Community Wastewater Project has concluded which ends a 30-month effort. This information was submitted to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in November of 2024, and they have recently concurred that a 10,000 gpd (gallon per day) treatment facility may be permittable for the Three Sister Meadows property in Blue River. The wastewater infrastructure capacity is estimated to support up to 33 homes in the community or a combination of commercial and residential connections depending on sewage amount and waste strength. Restaurant flows generally have a higher waste strength than flows from a home. It is possible this system can be expanded to 25,000 gpd provided it meets the required treatment levels set by DEQ.

This information represents a major milestone in the project and has triggered the commencement of the 35% engineer design process which is anticipated to be completed by late March 2025. At the conclusion of each design phase the construction budget and operating costs will be updated to ensure the most cost efficient system is constructed. This information will be shared with the sewer district for planning purposes.

Also, in order for DEQ to issue a Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) permit at the conclusion of design, the Blue River Water/Sanitation District will need to develop their by-laws/codes/resolutions that define how the Special District will operate. These required rules and regulations not only control what the district can do, but the rules define the rights and responsibilities of the members/rate payers using the system.

It was previously determined that a 35,000-gallon-per-day (GPD) community wastewater system capable of meeting the anticipated growth of Blue River would pollute the Blue River and McKenzie River at levels that are unacceptable to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The McKenzie River is the primary source of drinking water for more than 100,000 people and its pristine waters support important riparian habitat, create jobs and drive tourism.

Residential and commercial wastewater in the community of Blue River is disposed of by private onsite septic tanks and subsurface disposal fields. In general, these onsite septic systems are located on sandy loam topsoil with moderate to high infiltration rates and gravel layers which may have a connection to the river or groundwater sources. These private, onsite systems – especially those damaged in the Holiday Farm Fire – pose a risk of contamination to the McKenzie River and its tributaries.

Protecting the McKenzie River while supporting the rebuilding of the Blue River community is a critical part of wildfire recovery. The creation of a community wastewater system for Blue River will reduce the risk of contamination and support the economic revitalization of the area. 

 

So, what does the project entail and why Blue River?

The Blue River community is one of the most densely populated and developed areas in the McKenzie River Valley and within the Holiday Farm Fire burn area, but its status as a rural unincorporated community means that developing a sewer system is not automatically allowable under state land use law.

The McKenzie River and its watershed is also subject to the state’s “Three Basin Rule” that prohibits new or increased wastewater discharges to preserve the existing high-quality water for municipal water supplies, recreation, and aquatic life downstream.

As far back as 2015, Lane County was working with the Blue River community to develop a roadmap for a community wastewater system, but state law and a lack of funding kept the project from moving forward.

After the Holiday Farm Fire, Lane County was able to secure changes to state law that will allow the formation of a wastewater district in Blue River to be governed by the existing Blue River Water District.

Lane County is coordinating a feasibility and engineering study to better understand wastewater treatment options. The Blue River community, including the Blue River Water District, are important partners in this process.

The community of Blue River and Lane County recognize this as an opportunity to rebuild in a way that addresses chronic community issues while also creating the foundation for a sustainable and viable economic future.

 

PROJECT BENEFITS

There are several benefits to developing a community wastewater system in Blue River:

  1. Better protection of the McKenzie River watershed and water quality

  2. Safer, off-site wastewater disposal for residents

  3. Fewer barriers to rebuilding post-wildfire (smaller properties are struggling to site new septic tanks or drain fields required due to fire damage; many Blue River properties are too small to meet current location requirements for septic systems) 

  4. Increased capacity to support economic development and opportunities

 

LANE COUNTY’S ROLE

Lane County is the project lead and is responsible for coordinating with the other partners. In addition to managing the feasibility study, Lane County has also secured funding to perform land surveys for Blue River as well as the surrounding communities impacted by the fire. These surveys will serve a dual purpose as they will help locate wastewater facilities as part of the subject project but also fulfill the requirement to obtain permits needed to rebuild.


Typically, it is the responsibility of the property owner to hire a surveyor to mark property lines when they rebuild. Due to the extensive fire damage, the large-scale improvement projects on the horizon, and the support needed by many fire-affected residents to rebuild, Lane County recognizes the need for a comprehensive survey. Lane County intends to hire a contractor to survey properties in the downtown Blue River area first then establish a program that will reimburse property owners that have already performed surveys on their property as well provide a source of funding for those needing to complete a survey for rebuilding purposes.

PARTNERS

Blue River Water District

HDR Engineering, Inc.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality