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College Hill Reservoir Replacement Project

January 8, 2025

Dear Neighbor: 

 

The contractor estimates it will take three more blasts to complete the required excavation at the College Hill site. Here is the planned schedule: 

 

  • Wednesday (01/08): No blast 
  • Thursday (01/09): Blast at 3:30  
  • Friday (01/10): Blast at 3:30  
  • Monday (01/13): Final blast at 3:30 

 

Lincoln Street will be closed to pedestrians and viewing during the remaining blasts, but Lawrence Street will remain open to pedestrians. Community members are encouraged to avoid the area during blasting.

Factors Influencing the Blast Schedule 



The contractor added two extra blasts to make up for slowed production due to weather and challenging site conditions. They also added three blasts to facilitate the construction of the new storage tanks and pipeline that will connect the storage tanks to the system.


EWEB is tunneling the pipeline rather than doing a trench installation to expedite construction and limit disruption to the neighborhood. Blasting is needed to excavate an access point for the tunnel boring machine. This decision was made after conversations with the contractor regarding sequencing of the next phase of work.


While adding three blasts is impactful now, it will create site conditions that will allow for the tunneling and tank construction work to proceed simultaneously which will reduce construction costs and potentially shorten the overall construction period.

Next Steps for Adjacent Neighbors 


Residents who live within 300 feet of the reservoir will receive a notice on the final day of blasting with more information about the post-blast period.  

 

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We recognize this has been a disruptive and challenging phase of the project. Your patience and understanding has been greatly appreciated and we are looking forward to advancing to the next phase of the project together.  

Coffee with Laura

Thursday, January 9 from 10-11 a.m.


Do you have questions about blasting or other elements of the College Hill Reservoir Replacement project? Project Manager, Laura Farthing, P.E., will be onsite to answer questions on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.


Bring your own coffee (BYOC) and stop by to chat with the team.


We hope to see you there!


Meeting Location: The Lawrence side of the site near 25th Ave.

More Information 

Learn more about controlled drilling and blasting and view other frequently asked questions here: eweb.org/collegehillblasting

Who can you contact to report concerns?

Please reach out to the EWEB project team directly so that we can quickly address any issues that arise. Email water.storage@eweb.org or call 541-685-7899. We are committed to responding promptly or within one business day. While we can't anticipate or mitigate all impacts, we will be responsive to your questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Project Team

  • Laura Farthing, Principal Engineer & Project Manager
  • Jen Connors, Communications Supervisor
  • Claire Wray, Communications Specialist
  • Hanna Ashcraft, Communications Specialist
  • Wally McCullough, Water Engineering Supervisor
  • Mike Masters, Water Operations Manager 
  • Chris Irvin, Sr. Engineer & Pipeline Project Manager