04/11/1990 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e the groundwater aquifer in River Road and Santa Clara and this contamination is causing a health hazard. To remedy this problem, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Eugene a grant of nearly $6 million in September 1984, to build interceptors and pump stations as needed to replace the individual septic systems now in use throughout River Road and Santa Clara. Eugene combined the grant with just over $4 million of its own money and built the trunk lines and pump stations which are now ready to serve local lines that will be constructed to serve individual properties. Mr. Chenkin explained that a fundamental principle of the Metropolitan Area General Plan states that Eugene and Springfield are the logical providers of services accommodating urban levels of development within the urban growth boundary. Another plan policy states that Eugene will plan, design, construct, and maintain ownership of the entire sanitary sewer system serving River Road and Santa Clara. Mr. Chenkin explained that the proposed Metro Plan amendment separates the issue of annexation from that of sewers by allowing the sewer project to move ahead and developed properties in River Road/Santa Clara to connect to the sewer system without annexation. Tom Lucas spoke on behalf of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The department intends for the sewers to be constructed according to the recently agreed upon schedule which specifies that 15 percent of the collector sewers will be constructed by the end of 1990. The DEQ considers groundwater pollution in the River Road/Santa Clara area a serious problem that is worsening. State law explicitly requires the protection of groundwater for both present and future generations. Mr. Lucas stated that additional action will be taken if necessary to assure that sewers are built and connections occur in the River Road/Santa Clara area according to the specified schedule. Commissioner Rogers opened the hearing for public testimony. Robert Ackerman, 186 Harvey, identified himself as a representative of property owners in the River Road area and of Citizens Against Sewers. He maintained that the 1980 groundwater study was inaccurate and that the City's delay of annexation had resulted in higher costs for the sewer project. Mr. Ackerman suggested that another groundwater study be undertaken to correct flaws in the earlier one. He also requested a payment period longer than ten years in order to reduce monthly payments. Debbie Guadette, 601 Bushnell Lane, expressed concern that her assessment would be so high that she would be unable to continue living in her home. Saying there were too many questions unanswered to proceed with the project, Ms. Guadette proposed that current residents of the City of Eugene be required to pay part of the costs of the project in order to ease the burden on River Road/Santa Clara residents. Jerry Finigan, 1250 Irvington Drive, said he represented the Santa Clara Community Organization. Mr. Finigan considered the separation of the issues MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 11, 1990 Lane County Board of Commissioners Springfield City Council Page 2