Sewer Department

The Sewer Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sewer collection system. The City's sewer collection system is a Septic Tank Effluent Gravity (STEG) system and consists of approximately 13 miles of small diameter sewer lines. Four sewer lift stations (Forest Park on Tahoma Street, "K" Street on Fifth Street, Pixie Park on The Strand, and River Club Estates on the south end of Second Street) assist in the sewer flow. A six-inch force main sends the gray water to the City of St. Helens for treatment. A flow meter vault is located at the Crestwood Manufactured Home Park on Oregon Street in St. Helens.

There are currently 806 sewer connections. 279 connections are direct flow into the sewer collection system, while the remaining 525 connections share 467 septic tanks (411 concrete and 56 steel). There are also 23 small sewer pumps to overcome elevation problems. In addition to the above numbers, 17 new tanks were recently installed are awaiting construction. The City is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of all of the septic tanks connected to the system, as well as the small pumps that were in place when the City's sewer system was constructed. The City is also responsible for pumping the septic tanks. The Sewer Collection Maintenance Department is funded entirely by charges for service and other sources.

The Sewer Department is staffed by the Public Works Superintendent, Micah Rogers, and two Utility Workers. The Public Works Superintendent is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and the development of the City sewer system, and for supervising the sewer system maintenance staff. The department can be reached by calling (503) 366-0454, or faxing to (503) 366-2870. Their mailing address is PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018. You can also contact them directly through the online contact form. The City Shop is located at 1755 Second Place.

PRIOR YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Septic tanks were pumped as part of our five-year pumping schedule. The Department investigated problems with the high-pressure sewer main within the River Club Estates (RCE) Subdivision that led to several line failures and the emergency replacement of an 800-foot section of forcemain.

DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES FOR 2011-12:

To seek and obtain funding for the Wastewater Telemetry, Monitoring and Alarm System project identified in the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Target date: December 2011.

To upgrade older, failing steel septic tanks, which have an estimated life expectancy of 20 years, with concrete tanks throughout the system. Target date: June 2014.

To retrofit existing septic tanks by raising accesses, installing clean outs, etc., for easier maintenance. Target date: Ongoing.

To continue to implement the five-year septic tank pumping plan to prevent sewer backups. Target date: Ongoing.

To work towards eliminating shared septic tanks as resources permit, in an effort to further reduce sewer backups, through either the addition of new tanks or system upgrades resulting in direct flow. Target date: Ongoing.

To continue to work towards the prevention of inflow and infiltration of sewer lines in an effort to reduce the amount of sewer flow, which saves treatment fee costs and adds system capacity. Target date: Ongoing.

To continue to meet all requirements and regulations governing sewer systems through upgraded facilities and well-educated staff. Target date: Ongoing.

To emphasize special training and education of department employees. Target date: Ongoing.