Salem City Council supports North Santiam Canyon Sewer Project funding and water quality efforts

The House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water convened on April 16, 2025, at 8:00 AM to discuss key legislative matters affecting Oregon's natural resources and water management. The meeting featured discussions on two significant bills: Senate Bill 1189 and Senate Bill 795.

The session began with Chris Einmo, project manager for the North Santiam Canyon Sewer Project, providing an update on the project's funding and progress. He explained that the funds are managed by the state through Business Oregon, which administers the grant. As expenses are incurred, the project team submits requests for reimbursement. Einmo emphasized the importance of the project for the city of Salem, which relies on the North Santiam River for drinking water for over 200,000 residents. He expressed the city's full support for the project and highlighted the collaborative efforts with Marion County and the North Santiam Sewer Authority.

Einmo also addressed Senate Bill 1189, describing it as a sensible amendment to an Oregon statute that is not mandated by the Clean Water Act. He noted that the bill would allow the county to begin construction before obtaining a permit, thereby transferring the associated risks to the county. He reassured the committee that water quality remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.

Following Einmo's remarks, Jason Pulley from the City of Salem reiterated the city's commitment to the project and its significance for local water quality. He also shared a personal anecdote about a book titled "Sweet Mountain Water," which chronicles Salem's historical struggles with water management, suggesting it as a valuable read for those interested in the topic.

The committee then transitioned to Senate Bill 795, which aims to enhance the state's program for cleaning up abandoned and derelict vessels. Senator Anderson, representing Senate District 5, provided an overview of the bill, emphasizing its role in protecting Oregon's public waterways.

The meeting concluded with a call for any additional testimonies before closing the public hearing on Senate Bill 1189 and opening the discussion on Senate Bill 795. The committee's focus on these legislative measures reflects ongoing efforts to address critical issues related to water management and environmental protection in Oregon.