OSU-Cascades to decide soon whether to buy ex-pumice mine
Experts who analyzed the 46-acre site that Oregon State University-Cascades is considering for its expansion will present their findings and answer questions from the public during a panel discussion later this month.
The talk is planned for 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26 in Cascades Hall, room 107, on College Way in Bend, the college said Wednesday.
Each of the panelists has been involved in executing due diligence on the site over the past 24 months, including environmental analysis, geotechnical investigation, slope stability analysis and other areas.
Their studies and conclusions are informing the university’s decision to purchase the property, which was formerly used as a pumice mine. The university anticipates that a decision will be made later this fall.
The panelists include:
Toby Scott, a senior project manager and hydrogeologist with PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
Brad Wilcox, a senior engineer with Carlson Testing, a materials testing, special inspection and geotechnical engineering firm
Marty Chase, principal of KPFF, an multi-disciplinary engineering firm with offices in Portland
The meeting takes place as OSU-Cascades embarks on a second community engagement process, which will inform long-range planning for the university as it adds students, faculty and academic programming.
In addition to possible expansion onto the former pumice mine, the university has also entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Deschutes County that provides a framework for exploring the viability of reclaiming the 76-acre former demolition landfill, also adjacent to the campus.
Together, these two properties provide options for a 56- or 132-acre campus. Another expansion option includes buildings in close proximity to the campus.
Meanwhile, OSU-Cascades’ Campus Expansion Advisory Committee will reconvene to review and provide input on a plan for the next steps of Oregon State University – Cascades’ community engagement process, which will inform long range planning for the growing university. The meeting will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 in Cascades Hall, rooms 246-247, on College Way in Bend.
The committee and its task force members will also hear how nearly 100 of their recommendations are being incorporated into the new OSU-Cascades campus.
The Campus Expansion Advisory Committee, also known as CEAC, was formed in 2013 to inform and gather input from Central Oregon community members as OSU-Cascades created a new, regional four-year university campus in Bend.
More than 100 individuals participated in a 17-month collaborative effort that resulted in a total of 115 recommendations. In addition, task force members developed guiding principles addressing a variety of key issues, including healthcare, housing, neighborhood livability, regional collaboration, sustainability and transportation.
The meeting is open to the public. For more information call 541-322-3100.
