As construction begins on two new water storage tanks near E. 40th and Patterson St., we are taking extra precautions related to fire risk.

While there are no tree removal restrictions within the Eugene Urban Growth Boundary per City fire code, EWEB will adhere to the Oregon Department of Forestry Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) restrictions and is taking other proactive risk mitigation measures.

The contractors will strictly adhere to the IFPL work schedule (no fire-risk activity after 1 p.m.), continuously monitor conditions throughout the day, and adjust work and mitigation strategies accordingly.

Additionally:

• A new hydrant was installed at the west entrance of the property. This gives the contractor a path to install a fire hose across the site to have water available throughout construction.
• The contractor will have two water trucks onsite, one dedicated for fire mitigation and one for dust mitigation.
• The contractor is removing the vegetation around the work zone down to the bare ground and installing rock up to the tree line. This reduces fire risk and helps with dust mitigation.
• A minimum 3-hour fire watch will be provided by the contractor after work stops for the day. Additionally, EWEB will have 24/7 security at the site who will be able to call 911 and EWEB’s security lead if they see anything concerning after fire-watch.
• EWEB has been communicating with the Eugene Fire Department regarding schedule and mitigation plans. They are aware of the work and the work schedule and will be ready to respond if an issue should arise, as well as to consult with us if a red flag warning goes into effect in the area.

Reminders regarding other E. 40th construction impacts

Workers, trucks, and equipment will generally begin arriving on-site around 7 a.m. Construction noise from chain saws and other tree removal equipment will be mostly limited to the hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. per the IFPL work restrictions during this phase of work.

Truck noise such as beeping is not easily mitigated as that is an OSHA-required safety feature and needs to be loud enough for someone to hear while wearing hearing protection. When possible, trucks will be routed around the site to avoid the need to back up.

Hauling will be being done in phases rather than continuously throughout the work. Hauling times will be limited to the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The logs will be hauled offsite via Patterson St, to E. 40th and then down Hilyard St.

During hauling, EWEB is prohibiting on street parking to allow for two-way traffic and allow access by neighbors. Safety was reiterated during the preconstruction meeting with the contractor, and an additional meeting will take place with the truck drivers the first day they are on-site to discuss safety and caution, particularly near Tugman Park.

Safety is priority #1. While we can’t anticipate or mitigate all impacts, we will be responsive to your questions or concerns. Please reach out to us directly so that we can quickly address any issues that arise by email at water.storage@eweb.org or by phone at 541-685-7899.

Youth crew assists with invasive weed removal

In late July, Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council’s Youth Conservation Crew performed invasive weed removal work at the E. 40th water storage site. Blackberry and other invasive weeds are common ladder fuels for wildfire and hamper forest health.

The property, which EWEB purchased in the 1950s specifically for future water storage, is more than 10 acres and only around 2.5 acres will be used for the tanks. The rest of the property will remain in its current natural state or enhanced.

Our goal is to improve the safety, reliability, and resiliency of our community’s drinking water while designing a space that fits the neighborhood and aligns with broader community needs.

Contact us with questions

If you have questions or input, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the project team at 541-685-7899 or water.storage@eweb.org. Emails sent to this address will reach:

Laura Farthing, Project Manager/Senior Civil Engineer
Jen Connors, Communications Supervisor
Jeannine Parisi, Customer Relationship Manager
Wally McCullough, Water Engineering Supervisor