A Message from Clackamas Water Environment Services Director Greg Geist
Dear Valued Customer,

With the final quarter of 2021 underway, Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) continues to complete or make significant progress on projects that will strengthen our ability to serve you now and well into the future.

The completion of the Tri-City Solids Handling Improvements Project marks one of the most significant infrastructure milestones in decades for our region. A new video in this newletter will show you how this project creates renewable energy, which benefits our customers and our shared environment.

The arrival of such valuable and innovative new tools comes in a year that has been as productive as it has been challenging.

Through the ongoing pandemic, historic ice storm, and an unprecedented heatwave, WES employees worked through very challenging circumstances to make sure the services you depend on every day continue without disruption. Stewardship doesn't always come easy.
It has also been a very rewarding and inspirational year.

As you'll soon read, WES Capital Program Manager Lynne Chicoine hopes to parlay a prestigious honor she received into new career opportunities for young women and girls. We're proud to have this great role model on our team.

From our family to yours, Clackamas Water Environment Services wishes you all a very happy and safe fall and holiday season.

Sincerely,

Greg Geist
Director, Clackamas Water Environment Services
Oregon Lawmakers Address "Flushable" Wipes
Did you know wipes can create a sewer backup in your home? Even if the label says “flushable”, wipes do not dissolve like toilet paper and can build up in the sewer system which causes overflows that can damage homes, pump stations and hurt the environment.
 
Oregon lawmakers took action in the 2021 legislative session to protect public health and water infrastructure by requiring "Do Not Flush" labels on wipes that should not go in the toilet. Every member of the Clackamas County delegation voted in support of the bill, which becomes operative July 1, 2022.

Expect to see "Do Not Flush" labels on covered products as soon as next year to remind that it is better to trash them than flush them!
Lynne Chicoine named 2021 PNCWA Woman of the Year
WES Capital Program Manager Lynne Chicoine has been named 2021 Woman of the Year by the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA), which is the preeminent association of utilities dedicated to water resources in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

The award recognizes women who have: excelled in their career; advanced clean water issues; made significant industry contributions and achievements; served as role models and mentors for other women and girls; advocated for closing the leadership gap and creating a more equitable society; and contributed back to their communities.
Turning Waste into Megawatts
A biopower upgrade at the Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility is helping Clackamas County meet climate-action goals and extend the benefits of renewable power to more residents.

The new, low-emissions biogas project transforms organic waste into renewable energy. This co-generation system produces heat for five buildings at the site and an estimated 4,324 megawatts of electricity a year—enough to offset nearly half of the facility’s energy use.
Clear Storm Drains to Protect Your Property and Our Water
The arrival of fall means leaves on the ground and the return of rain. If you are able, use a rake to clear nearby storm drains of leaves and other debris to reduce the chance of flooding near your home or business.

Using Stream Insects to Monitor Water Quality
Commissioner Martha Schrader joined Dr. Celeste Mazzacano, Entomologist and Clackamas Water Environment Services’ Ron Wierenga and Gail Shaloum to check out the stream insects at the Carli Creek Water Quality Project site. Stream Insects are commonly used as indicators of the biological condition of streams and creeks. They are reliable indicators because they spend all or most of their lives in water, are easy to collect and differ in their tolerance to pollution.

The innovative Carli Creek Water Quality Project filters harmful pollutants from stormwater runoff from surrounding industrial properties before it reaches Carli Creek and the Clackamas River.

Are You Managing Your Sanitary Sewer and Surface Water Account Online?
The WES online account management system gives you access to your account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Register for access online to enjoy these features:

  • View real time balances, payment amounts and bill due dates.
  • Make one-time or recurring payments.
  • Review transaction history.
  • Sign up for paperless e-billing to get your bills and our messages emailed to you!
The WES Office is Open for Business!
Our office at 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City is open to serve you from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday in person, or 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday by phone.

If you are experiencing flooding or a problem with your sanitary sewer that needs immediate attention during regular business hours, please call 503-742-4567, and a WES representative will contact you promptly. Outside of regular business hours, please call 503-655-8211.

Sanitary sewer service and surface water management.
150 Beavercreek Road Oregon City, OR 97045


Phone:
503-742-4567
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