A Message from Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) Director Greg Geist

Spring 2021 brings optimism and progress!
Dear Valued Customer,
 
This week, our nation observes the 51st annual celebration of Earth Day, which raises awareness about the importance of being stewards of our shared environment.
 
This week also marks a milestone for Clackamas Water Environment Services in our commitment to strengthening our role as stewards of the environment and protectors of public health. We just concluded four years of key upgrades at our Kellogg Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility, which cleans more than seven million gallons of wastewater every day before returning it to the Willamette River.
 
Refurbishments at the nearly 50-year-old facility include the replacement of aging pipes, pumps, and electrical systems and adding new energy-efficient equipment. WES made increased odor control a top priority as part of our commitment to being a good neighbor to the surrounding community.
 
Work was sequenced to keep the facility fully operational during construction to ensure there were no interruptions in service to our customers.
 
For the past year, WES employees have worked through the COVID-19 pandemic, historic wildfires, and snow and ice storms to ensure that the services you expect every day are there when you need them.
 
Our dedication and commitment to serving you will continue for the rest of 2021 and beyond, no matter what challenges may lie ahead. Our top priority remains the health and safety of the people we serve and our employees.
 
With the arrival of spring, I am reminded of a favorite passage: “If we had no winter, the spring would not be as pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”
 
As we all get closer to returning to a sense of normalcy, you can depend on WES to be there for you 24/7.
 
Sincerely,
 
Greg Geist, WES Director
Apply for a RiverHealth Stewardship Program Grant
The application period for WES' 2021-22 RiverHealth Stewardship Program Grants is now open.

Grants of up to $30,000 are available to community groups, schools, businesses, faith organizations and others who want to help improve the health of watersheds in the watershed protection districts served by WES. These include the Clackamas River, Mt Scott Creek, Kellogg Creek and Johnson Creek.

The application deadline is Thursday, April 29.

The Virtual Children's Clean Water Festival
Explore water! Learn more about the water cycle, watersheds, stormwater, drinking water, water conservation, and wastewater by watching videos, doing activities, and hearing from folks working in the water sector right here in Oregon!

The virtual lessons support 4th grade science standards, but they are educational and fun for everyone!

April 24 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Your friends at WES want to remind you that flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet and disposing of them improperly in other ways can be dangerous for our communities, wildlife and shared environment.

Thanks to a partnership between the county's Health Centers and Public Health divisions, the Beavercreek Health Center and Hilltop Behavioral Health Center have prescription drug boxes available year-round for anyone to drop off their unused or expired prescription drugs.

Lawn Care Tips to Help Protect Our Water
While pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can help control pesky weeds and insects, they can also cause other problems.

WES wants to remind you that all pesticides have some level of toxicity that can be harmful to honey bees, earthworms, aquatic bugs, fish and people.

Preventing and Cleaning up Spills and Leaks to Protect Our Water
Learn more about steps you can take to prevent spills and leaks, clean up a small leak, and who to contact if the spill is hazardous or an emergency.

The WES Office is Open for Business!
Our office at 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City is open to serve you from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Our customer service phone lines are also open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Our Operations and Field staffs are continuing to provide you service.

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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