Water Filtration Project Update
Deschutes County Approves Water Filtration Site Plan
Recently, the City of Bend submitted a site plan to Deschutes County for land use approval for a water filtration facility at the Outback site off Skyliners Road. The project includes a new 2-story membrane filtration facility, stormwater facilities and site grading and pavement improvements.
The City of Bend is required by state and federal law to treat its Bridge Creek water source for Cryptosporidium, a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness. The new membrane filtration plant meets this public health requirement and also removes silt and other particles from the creek, ensuring it will be a reliable, year-round water source – even after a fire in the forested watershed.
On March 18, 2014 the Deschutes County hearings officer approved Bend’s water filtration land use application. The hearings officer determined the City’s proposal to build the Outback Filtration Plant is consistent with the County’s rules.
The approval comes with standard conditions that must be met before project completion. The approval conditions include:
- Shielding exterior lighting
- Providing required parking and loading spaces
- Protecting trees and shrubs located outside of the developed area
- Continuing to maintain and monitor landscaping
- Installing walkways that comply with ADA requirements
- Meeting Bend Fire Department requirements
The next steps following Deschutes County approval will be to begin site work (bidding in March 2014), and to obtain building permits from the Deschutes County Building Safety Division prior to facility construction.
Heidi Lansdowne
City of Bend Project Manager
