Environmental Services has started work on a prolonged lagoon reconstruction project at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project includes dewatering segments of the settling lagoon, removing accumulated solids and reconstructing an improved, lined lagoon system. The settling lagoon is located just north of the treatment plant main campus next to the Columbia Slough. In order to maintain daily plant operations, Environmental Services will complete the project in phases over a period of several years.

Columbia Slough Trail Closures

The city’s contractor will use the Columbia Slough Trail to access the lagoon area during construction. This will intermittently close portions of the trail between the railroad tracks to the east and North Portland Road to the west (see map)*. The city will post signs advising trail users of periodic closures at the following locations for the duration of the lagoon reconstruction project: 

• On the trail at the corner of North Portland Road and Marine Drive
• At the construction site entrance at the intersection of North Portland Road and the Columbia Slough Trail
• At the Columbia Slough Trailhead at Columbia Court
• At the Columbia Slough Trailhead at Denver Avenue
• On the Columbia Slough Trail east of the plant’s east entrance
• At the main plant entrance on Columbia Boulevard

Odor Advisory and Reporting

During construction, the contractor will dewater portions of the existing lagoon area to allow the solids at the bottom to dry out before removal. A slight increase in odor may be noticeable during the drying and solid removal process. The contractor will use special equipment and techniques to minimize increased odors during construction. Neighbors can subscribe to the Plant’s Odor Notification System to receive notice when maintenance and construction projects will result in odors beyond treatment plant boundaries. Go to www.portlandonline.com/bes/odors to sign up for odor notifications, or to report an odor online.

For More Information

Contact Joe Annett at 503-823-2934 or joseph.annett@portlandoregon.gov.