PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland is one step closer to building a water filtration facility that would ensure clean drinking water for nearly one million Oregonians after securing a $319 million loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA approved the loan to support construction of the 50-acre Bull Run Treatment Project in rural eastern Multnomah County. The project's total cost has escalated to over $2 billion, with construction expected to take four to five years.
"I think the most important thing for Portlanders to understand about the water system is that it is old," said Sarah Murphy Santer of the Portland Water Bureau. She previously told KGW that clean water is the backbone of a healthy community and requires ongoing maintenance.
This will be Portland's second Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan and the largest EPA contribution to a drinking water project to date.
However, the project faces opposition from local residents. Lauren and Ian Courter, members of the Cottrell Community Planning Organization representing 2,000 households and 200 businesses, criticize the proposed location.
"It's a ridiculous proposal in the wrong location," Ian Courter said. "The plant should be located near or in the city of Portland inside the urban growth area."
Local leaders support the project. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler emphasized the need for filtration, noting, "Last summer a wildfire burned within two miles of our drinking water facilities in the Bull Run. Filtration is the versatile solution Portland needs to address the water quality risks posed by the seismic, wildfire and weather related issues we will face in the future."
Senator Jeff Merkley called the loan "a huge step forward in our work to ensure clean, safe, and reliable water for Oregonians."
The project would filter out pathogens from the Bull Run water source that serves Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. Opponents have appealed to the Land Use Board of Appeals, with a ruling expected Friday.