SE Bend ‘Septic to Sewer Committee’ takes area tour

The Southeast Bend Septic to Sewer Advisory Committee took a tour of a few wastewater facilities on the southeast side of town Thursday afternoon.

“The goal is to design a sewer system to serve that whole area and actually come up with a financing plan to help folks transition from septic systems to sewer,” project manager Susanna Julber said.

Septic systems work fine, but there’s a finite amount they can handle and a finite amount of time they can hold up.

“Sometimes people’s septic systems can last for many years, decades, and have no problems,” Julber said. “But other times, they’re problematic. They fail, and then it’s sort of a disaster and a real emergency for a homeowner.”

A sewer system would be more of a stable, long-term solution. Julber said the southeast side is especially in need of an updated system.

“Some people’s septic systems are already to capacity, which means that they have a real problem if they want to redevelop their property, even add a bedroom or remodel,” she said. “They’re really limited.”

The project area includes about 550 homes now on septic systems, and the 13-member citizen advisory panel will look at sewer system designs, as well as a financing strategy to help homeowners make the switch.

There’s already a law that requires homeowners to hook up to a sewer line if a septic system is not working and the home is 300 feet or less from the line.

Cost estimates for the project are expected within nine months.

Meanwhile The next phase of the project that’s dug through Eastside roads over the past year, known as the Southeast Interceptor, goes in front of the city council next Wednesday. The council’s being asked to approve a $6 million contract for the work planned over the next year on Neff Road and Purcell Boulevard.

For more about the advisory committee, visit: http://www.bendoregon.gov/government/se-bend-septic-to-sewer-advisory-committee

For more on the Southeast Interceptor Project, visit: http://www.bendoregon.gov/city-projects/city-infrastructure-projects/se-interceptor-project