Wastewater System Improvement Project Update
Modernizing Infrastructure and Protecting Rivers
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Sandy is continuing the first stage of our major wastewater system improvement initiative this month. Crews from Oxbow Construction will be locating service laterals and cleanouts (the pipes between homes and the main lines under streets) over the next week in the area shown on the map below. Please feel free to email [email protected] with any questions.
This work is part of a comprehensive effort to address multiple urgent challenges with our wastewater infrastructure. The City's existing wastewater treatment plant and sewer pipes are aging, undersized, in need of repair, and are unable to meet the needs of our growing community. We are working collaboratively with our agency partners to make needed investments to protect the environment and modernize our system.
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Fixing Our Sewer Pipes
An important part of the solution to these challenges is to fix our aging sewer pipes. As sewer pipes get older, they leak, allowing groundwater and stormwater to enter the sewers and mix with wastewater in the pipes. The City then has to treat groundwater and stormwater along with wastewater. This problem is called inflow and infiltration (I&I). The City plans to repair and replace aging sewer pipelines and disconnect storm drains from the sewer. The City has identified the locations with the highest I&I flows where improvements can be made most cost-effectively. These improvements also reduce the volume of water to be treated and discharged from the wastewater plant. The city has hired a contractor, Oxbow Construction, to perform this work, which will begin this spring and be completed by the end of 2021.
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Upgrading Our Existing Wastewater Treatment Plant
Improvements are also needed at the existing wastewater treatment plant. Sandy’s wastewater plant is aging and isn’t performing as designed – the treated wastewater often doesn’t meet federal and state requirements. The plant also lacks capacity to serve new residents and businesses. Sandy is investing in upgrades to the existing plant that will improve the quality of the water it produces. Along with the planned second treatment plant, these changes will bring the City into regulatory compliance and provide needed capacity for growth. Continued use the existing wastewater treatment plant makes the most of our community’s past investments. The city has hired an engineering firm, West Yost, and a contractor, Slayden, to design and construct the initial high priority improvements which will be completed by the end of 2021.
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Changing the Discharge Location to Protect Tickle Creek
During the winter, Sandy’s treated wastewater is released to Tickle Creek which flows into the Clackamas River. The Clackamas River has special protections under state law – those laws prevent Sandy from increasing the amount of treated wastewater released to Tickle Creek, even as population grows. Studies show the best path forward for Sandy is to build a second wastewater treatment plant that will discharge to the Sandy River. The new plant will be located on the site of Sandy’s first wastewater plant. This new treatment facility will use state-of-art membrane technology producing high quality water, similar to what comes out of your tap. Plans call for the highly treated water from this new facility to be released to the Sandy River, which has a greater capacity than Tickle Creek to accept the treated water. The City is actively working with DEQ, the Sandy River Watershed Council, and other governmental agencies to permit this new discharge location.
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Making Necessary Financial Commitments
Sandy was pleased to have been selected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit a full application to receive a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan, which is a key component of our plan to cost-effectively finance these critical system improvements. The City Council has also taken significant but necessary steps to increase the rates paid by our utility customers, as well as the charges paid when new development occurs (SDCs). These increases are a critical component of the financing plan for this project, and represent our community’s shared commitment to fixing these problems and protecting our natural environment.
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Free COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation:
SAM Has You Covered!
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SAM is providing safe, friendly, and FREE rides to get a COVID-19 shot!
Please note, social distancing and masks required on all public transportation.
Remember, SAM also provides door-to-door service within the City of Sandy and medical transportation for qualified individuals.
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ODOT Hwy 26 Curb Ramp Improvement Project |
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The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is working to replace existing non-compliant ADA curb ramps at intersections on Highway 26 in Sandy. ODOT has experienced some slight delays, and an updated schedule is below.
Sidewalk curb ramp removal and replacement is expected the week of March 29 at the following locations:
- SW and SE corners of Royal Lane and U.S. 26
- SW and SE corners of Kate Schmitz Avenue and U.S. 26
- SE corner of Smith Avenue and Proctor Boulevard
This work will cause intermittent lane, shoulder and sidewalk closures on U.S. 26 and on intersecting local streets. All roads will remain open. ODOT will provide ADA-accessible pedestrian detours around the work zones and maintain access for customers of adjacent businesses.
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Join the City of Sandy Team! |
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The City of Sandy is currently recruiting for two open positions! See the information and links below, and please contact Angie Welty, Human Resources Manager, if you have any questions.
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Assistant Public Works Director / City Engineer
This is an exciting new position for the City that will be responsible for implementing many important projects and delivering public works and engineering services for our fast-growing community. The position will assist the Public Works Director in managing and overseeing the functions and activities of the Public Works Department.
The City is looking for a developing leader who is passionate about local government and public service, public infrastructure, and capital improvement project management. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator that possesses strong collaborative organizational management skills, leadership/supervisory experience, and engineering expertise.
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Seasonal Parks Maintenance Worker
This position provides assistance to the Parks Department. Tasks include, but are not limited to, cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, spreading mulch, spraying weeds, cutting and trimming grass, and other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Knowledge of operation and care of various power and hand tools.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to lift 70 pounds.
- Ability to operate hand-held power equipment over uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
- Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision and use own best judgement at all times.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and must have a clean driving record.
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Spring Activities with the Library |
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Spring has arrived at the Sandy and Hoodland Libraries! Make sure to check out all the activities our Library staff has planned. Below are a few highlights, but send an email to [email protected] if you'd like to be added to the Library's monthly newsletter list.
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Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt
Friday April 2nd; 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Don't miss the Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt in Meinig Park! Meet us under the gazebo!
This year we'll feature two flashlight eggs hunts to manage outdoor event capacity. Bring a bag, flashlight, and a jacket. Find the golden eggs to win! Masks are required. If you don’t have one, one will be provided at no cost.
Start times: 8:30 pm for middle school teens in grades 6-8; 9:00 pm for high school teens in grades 9-12
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Take and Make for Teens: Terrariums
Thursday, April 1st
Stop by the Sandy or Hoodland Public Library starting April 1st to pick up a Terrarium Take and Make kit. The kit includes a terrarium container, plant, activated charcoal, sheet moss, gravel, and potting mix. Available while supplies last.
This kit is sponsored by Portland Nursery.
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DIY Green Cleaners
Thursday April 22nd, 6:00 p.m., on Zoom
Attend the program and receive your own DIY Green Cleaner kit. Kits will be available for curbside pickup after the program.
Please register to reserve your spot and DIY Green Cleaner kit.
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Access Information on Land Use Applications |
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We know many Sandy residents are interested in proposed developments and have input to share with the Planning Commission and/or City Council, but not everyone knows where or how to access publicly-available information on these proposed projects.
Take a moment to bookmark the new and improved Active Land Use Application Database. The updated page on our new website includes new features like a fully-interactive map, enhanced search capabilities, and embedded videos for larger proposals.
City staff keep the database updated as often as possible, so everyone can stay in the loop on what applications have been received and where they are in the process. You'll also find links to opportunities to take part in the decision-making process by submitting your own testimony.
For example, click here to learn more about proposed amendments to the Development Code to bring the City into compliance with House Bill 2001, passed by the State Legislature in 2019. The City Council will consider the proposals at its meeting on April 19th.
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Be a part of the process! Members of the public are always welcome at meetings of the City Council and other boards and commissions.
During COVID-19 restrictions, the City is conducting public meetings virtually via the Zoom video conference platform. Get meeting details and learn more about the variety of ways you can still participate by visiting our online meeting portal.
Mark your Calendars:
- City Council - 4/5/2021
- Parks and Trails Advisory Board - 4/14/2021
- City Council - 4/19/2021
- Urban Renewal Board - 4/19/2021
- Budget Committee - 4/26/2021
Click the image below to access Sandy's full public meeting calendar with date and time details, and learn more about everything your city government is doing to serve you better!
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