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Harbor Water district warns of intake loss, asks county for permitting help
Summary
Harbor Water People's Utility District told commissioners its south‑bank collector is threatened by erosion and salinity; the district requested county letters and assistance to secure permitting and schedule in‑water work during the July 15–Sept 30 window to avoid a boil‑water risk for more than 1,800 meters.
Dan Fraser, representing the Harbor Water People's Utility District, told the Curry County Board on April 21 that erosion and shifting river channels are threatening the district's intake/collector on the Chetco River and that the district may be forced to issue a boil‑water notice if the collector is lost.
Fraser said the issue has persisted for about a decade: salinity has affected the well and the river has now shifted to erode the collector's bank. He estimated that losing the collector would affect at least 1,800 metered customers for homes and businesses and additional mobile‑home parks that rely on a few meters. The district has funding from FEMA but faces permitting hurdles involving the Army Corps of Engineers, State Lands, Fish and Wildlife, and NOAA/NMFS.
Fraser asked the board for letters of support and help navigating permitting so in‑water bank armoring can proceed during the allowable construction window (July 15–Sept 30). "If we lose our collector, we will be forced to issue a boil water notice by the Oregon Health Authority," he said.
Commissioners and staff responded that they would follow up with DEQ and relevant state agencies, and a commissioner provided a cell phone number for direct follow‑up. The board suggested county staff coordinate with the district to identify specific permits and stakeholders.
Next steps: County staff to coordinate with Harbor Water, help draft support letters and assist in removing bureaucratic roadblocks to secure the in‑water work window. No funding commitments were made at the meeting.
