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Water Storage Improvement Projects
Access to clean water is vital to our community.
EWEB is hard at work making sure safe, reliable water continues to flow even as critical infrastructure ages and new challenges arise. In the next decade, we plan to construct new water storage facilities near 40th Ave. and Donald St. and replace the water storage systems at EWEB's College Hill and Hawkins Hill sites. The projects will be built to seismic and contemporary operating standards, providing more than 40 million gallons of resilient, safe water storage.
Dear College Hill Neighbors
As we prepared to close out 2020, we want to reflect on what was accomplished this year, share an update on work in process, and preview next steps.

In this email you'll find:
  • Year-end project status report
  • Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
  • What to expect in 2021
Year in Review
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
What criteria is being used to determine site layout and tank placement?
Our goal is to make a well-informed and sustainable decision for the entire community that we serve. We are considering several factors in the siting of the tanks, including:

  • Elevation - the top of the water surface must be at 607 feet above sea level
  • Proximity to residences - to the extent possible, maximizing distance between tanks and neighbors’ property lines
  • Nature - limiting impacts to trees and natural spaces
  • Compatibility – placing tanks in locations and at buried depths to reduce impacts to neighbors’ viewsheds and enable continued public use of the site
  • Cost - ensuring responsible use of public funds
  • Access - ensuring adequate access for maintenance and emergency vehicles
  • Security - protecting water quality and limiting attractive nuisance behaviors
  • Excavation and construction - considering slopes and soil conditions in order to minimize the length and magnitude of disturbance, including tie-in piping and drain construction
  • Future planning - designing to accommodate future water storage needs

Is it possible to maintain a flat, open space for sunset viewing, stargazing and other neighborhood activities?
We are aware that this is an area of keen interest for neighbors. Where and how much flat area and other features like plantings, pathways and lighting will be open for community input during the design process. We intend to work with neighbors and other community members to design a space that fits the neighborhood and aligns with broader community needs, such as responsible use of funds, safety and ease of maintenance. 

How will EWEB honor the historic nature of the site?
The College Hill Reservoirs were constructed in the 1930s with a Public Works Administration matching grant and are therefore considered significant historic features. EWEB is currently working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and a consultant to ensure we follow recommendations for historically significant facilities.

Part of this process includes consultation with the SHPO, local Tribes, Restore Oregon, the City of Eugene Historic Landmark Commission, local historical societies or museums, and other interested parties to gather input on mitigation strategies that appropriately honor College Hill historic features and its role in our community.

Where will the new tank be constructed and how will the new facility impact views from adjacent homes?
Detailed tank design will begin in late 2021-early 2022. This is when final placement of the new tank will be determined. It's possible that the new tank could be constructed largely within the existing footprint on the south side of the property. This would maintain a viewshed for adjacent neighbors (particularly on the Lincoln St. side) similar to existing conditions.

As we get further along in the design process, we will provide architectural renderings to help show what the site will likely look like with the new tank in place. In general, the new tank will be similar in height to the existing large, rectangular tank. It will be round, concrete, 200-250 feet in diameter and surrounded by decorative fencing. The tank will be partially buried and vegetative screening will be used to visually obscure the facility. 
What to Expect in 2021
As a reminder, College Hill construction likely will not begin until mid-2023. Here's what you can expect during the coming year: 

Preliminary tank design and site layout
A preliminary design will include tank design and configuration alternatives based on geotechnical characteristics and requirements for storage, access, piping and excavation, as well as environmental and social considerations.

Historical review and public input process
In early 2021 we will begin planning a series of conversations with stakeholders and members of the community regarding the significance of College Hill Reservoirs and the best approach to mitigation. Due to ongoing concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we will likely facilitate some form of “remote” consultation, though we are still working out what that might look like. 

Engineering design consultant
We anticipate issuing a Request for Proposals to hire an engineering design consultant in mid-2021. The consulting services generally include include civil, mechanical, and structural engineering services as well as bid and construction period services.
Thank You and Happy New Year
Finally, on behalf of all of us at EWEB, we want to wish you a happy, safe and healthy year ahead, and to let you know that we remain committed to open and frequent communication throughout the project. We understand this project impacts you in very direct and personal ways. We appreciate the questions and feedback many of you have shared and we want to assure you that we are listening.
 
Thank you again for partnering with EWEB in this process. We look forward to continuing to work together with you and other community members to improve the resiliency of our water storage systems while honoring this special site and supporting a neighborhood-friendly space. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Laura Farthing, Senior Civil Engineer/Project Manager
Jen Connors, Communications Specialist
Jeannine Parisi, Customer Relationship Manager
How to stay informed and involved
Contact the Project Team:
Call 541-685-7899
 
Project information and updates: eweb.org/waterstorage