Crescent Sanitary District faces crisis as state intervention looms over failing infrastructure

The Crescent Sanitary District is facing a critical crisis, as highlighted in a recent Klamath County Board of Commissioners meeting. Experts from the South Suburban Sanitary District presented a comprehensive assessment revealing severe issues within the district's infrastructure, particularly the aging Gilchrist collection system, which is plagued by non-compliance and design flaws.

Joe Spangolini, chair of the South Suburban Sanitary District Board, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The Crescent Sanitary District is in crisis." The assessment, which involved a full day of expert evaluations, identified multiple priority concerns, including sanitary sewer overflow incidents and deteriorating infrastructure dating back to the 1930s.

The report indicates that the Gilchrist system, constructed with terracotta pipes, is failing and poses significant risks. The district is currently in default on over $5.5 million in loans from the Department of Environmental Quality and Business Oregon, further complicating their ability to address these urgent repairs.

Commissioner Groot noted that the system's lift stations are inadequately designed, failing to operate automatically during power outages, which exacerbates the problem during rain events. The estimated cost to rectify these issues could reach $1 million, a daunting figure for a district already struggling financially.

Despite the grim outlook, there is a glimmer of hope. Officials expressed optimism that state assistance may be forthcoming, with discussions already underway with state agencies. "Great challenges provide great opportunities," one commissioner remarked, suggesting that this crisis could lead to a modernized system in the future.

As the situation develops, the Klamath County Board is poised to advocate for necessary state intervention to ensure the Crescent Sanitary District can overcome its challenges and secure a sustainable future.