The Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) commissioners are facing a crucial decision regarding the future of their water treatment infrastructure. After a thorough financial analysis, they have decided to scale back their plans for a new water treatment plant, opting for a smaller, more manageable facility.
The initial proposal involved constructing a 30 million gallon per day (MGD) plant, which would have granted EWEB the ability to secure additional rights to the Willamette River's water and potentially supply neighboring utilities. However, the financial implications of this larger project became a cause for concern.
The smaller 19.4 MGD plant, estimated to cost $431 million, was deemed more financially feasible. This decision was influenced by the realization that the larger plant's cost of $498 million would strain EWEB's borrowing capacity and hinder their ability to fund other essential projects. EWEB General Manager John Hairston likened the situation to taking out a mortgage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining financial flexibility for unforeseen circumstances.
This shift in plans also addresses the looming deadline of 2033, by which EWEB must be utilizing its full 19.4 MGD allotment of Willamette River water, or risk losing its allocation. Additionally, the current plant processing McKenzie River water will require temporary shutdowns for maintenance in the coming years, further underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Despite the decision to proceed with the smaller plant, the idea of EWEB utilizing more Willamette River water remains on the table for future consideration. Commissioner Tim Morris highlighted that this decision doesn't preclude the possibility of expanding to the 30 MGD capacity in the future when EWEB's financial situation improves.
The commissioners' choice to prioritize the smaller plant has implications for the community's resilience and risk exposure. Board President John Brown, representing the north Eugene area, expressed concern about the deferral of projects that would enhance river-crossing pipeline resilience. He advocated for community efforts to advocate for funding assistance from elected officials to support these critical infrastructure projects.
As EWEB staff prepares to outline funding strategies for the smaller plant, the board's October meeting will be a pivotal moment in determining the future of this essential water treatment facility and its impact on the region's water security.
