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Resident raises concerns about Bull Run filtration project cost, added chemicals and ratepayer impacts
Summary
A Multnomah County resident told the board he believes the Bull Run water filtration project has grown from a $500–$600 million EPA-required project to more than $2 billion after additional treatments, and warned that ratepayers could face large increases.
A Multnomah County resident told the board during public comment that the Bull Run water filtration project has grown far beyond initial expectations and urged county review of requirements imposed on the project.
Les Poole said the filtration plant began as a federally required project with costs “in the $500 to $600,000,000 range” but that, in his view, the Oregon Health Authority later “dramatically increased the amount of chemical treatment” and that the project “is now over $2,000,000,000.” Poole said he believes additional chemicals will be added and that the combined effects on taste and health are not documented.
Poole also flagged potential ratepayer impacts, saying the escalating cost could “mean rate payers will receive 5, 600, 700% increases.” He told commissioners he will follow up with the Water Bureau and the county in writing and signaled concern about conduct in a pending Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) matter.
The remarks were a public comment and not a staff report; county staff did not take immediate action during the meeting. The board did not adopt any motion related to the Bull Run matters during Thursday’s session.
