Oak Lodge plans $8.5M wastewater mainline replacement amid rising sewer overflow fines

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss critical infrastructure issues affecting the Oak Lodge area, which serves over 28,000 residents in Oak Grove, Jennings Lodge, and parts of Milwaukee and Gladstone.

A significant focus of the meeting was the urgent need to replace approximately three miles of wastewater mainline in the northwest section of the service area. Officials highlighted that these pipes are expected to fail within the next decade, with an estimated replacement cost of $8.5 million. The discussion emphasized the challenges posed by inflow and infiltration, where rainwater and groundwater enter the wastewater collection system, particularly during heavy storms. This situation has led to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) into the Willamette River, raising environmental concerns and straining the local wastewater treatment plant.

Over the past four years, Oak Lodge has experienced 22 SSOs, all occurring during periods of heavy rainfall. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has fined Oak Lodge for these overflows, adding financial pressure on the community. As a result, the local government has raised rates by over 40% in the last two years and is anticipating an additional 7% increase this year to cover fines and infrastructure repair costs.

The meeting underscored the reliance on ratepayer funding for these essential projects, with officials expressing concern about the financial burden on residents. The discussion concluded with a call for continued support from the committee to address these pressing infrastructure needs.