Water Environment Services

Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) owns and operates the Fischer’s Forest Park large onsite septic system (LOSS). The LOSS serves a community consisting of 26 homes on three cul-de-sac streets. 

The original LOSS was installed in the early 1970s, and like any system that is 50 years old, even with routine maintenance, performance has deteriorate over time. Phase 2 will construct a new drainfield system, upgrade and relocate the treatment system to an area north of S Merry Meadow Ct, upgrade system controls and reliability, replace damaged concrete structures, and decommission the existing treatment system. Phase 2 will begin in June of 2023.

Fischer’s Forest Park LOSS History

The LOSS was initially built in the 1970s, consisting of three separate collection areas (East, Central and West), each with a septic tank and drain field. In the early 1980s, the drain field that serviced the West collection area began to fail. This unexpected system breakdown prompted a 1983 renovation of the system. The 1983 project made two major changes to the system.

First, instead of having separate drain fields for each collection area, the effluent from all three septic tanks was re-directed to a central recirculating tank. By combining the flows into one system, it would allow the updated facility to provide even dosing of the drain fields and help avoid overloading any one part of the system.

The second major change was the addition of a recirculating gravel filter. The filter served to further treat the wastewater, which in turn would limit the amount of solids being delivered to the drain fields. It was expected that wastewater with lower solids content would extend the life of the drain fields and decrease the likelihood of system issues in the future.

The system operated in that manner until 2006. In 2006, the recirculating gravel filter was replaced with a more modern filtration system, and a more sophisticated drain field dosing control system was installed. Outside of regular maintenance and equipment replacement, no upgrades or modifications have been done since 2006.
 

Project Background

In 2019, WES hired consultants to complete an evaluation of the collection system (manholes, pipes, septic tanks, recirculation tanks, filtration units, etc.) and the drain fields.

The evaluations identified many deficiencies in the system:

• Some of the pipes have developed sags, and there are areas where pipe connections have separated.
• Several of the concrete structures have developed cracks, and while these cracks are not structural concerns, they let groundwater into the system, which can cause the system to exceed its treatment capacity.
• Some locations where pipes enter the concrete structures have degraded, allowing groundwater into the system and can cause the system to exceed its treatment capacity.
• Some of the concrete structures and cast iron pipes show signs of corrosion that could lead to structural failures if left unattended.
• Damage caused by tree roots has left the central drain field severely damaged, and repairing the system in its current location is not a realistic option.
• Evidence indicates the east and west drain fields are struggling and need to be rehabilitated or replaced.
• The system’s operation and distribution controls are inefficient and should be modernized to improve the performance and life expectancy of the facility.

After receiving the results of the evaluation, WES hired a firm that specializes in septic design to develop a project to address the condition issues. Design work concluded in 2022. The new design will help ensure proper operation and durability for another 50 years. 

Construction work was separated into two phases. Phase 1 completed in Spring of 2023 and construction on Phase 2 will begin in June 2023.

Virtual neighborhood meeting on the Fischer's Forest Park large onsite septic system (LOSS).

Moving Forward

Construction will happen in two phases Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Phase 1 is substantially complete and included:

• Replacing the entire gravity collection system, including manholes, mainlines, and residential service connections.

Phase 2 will begin in June of 2023 and will last approximately 3 months. Phase 2 includes:

• Rehabilitate or replace septic tanks.
• Make improvements to and move the treatment system to an area north of Merry Meadow court.
• Create a new drain field over the area of the field that failed in the early 1980s.
• Decommission the old treatment area. Decommissioning will consist of removing the fencing, fence posts (including concrete), filter pods, subsurface structures, and control panels. All holes will be filled with native material. The buried electrical conduit will remain but will be cut below the surface and capped.
• Fencing: A permanent fence has been added to the project. Using a tractor to mow the field, as is done now, causes significant risk to the new system installed in the northwest portion of the property. It was determined that a fence or some other deterrent should be constructed. The new fence will have several gates so residents will have full access to the field. WES will take over maintenance of the area inside the fence. That maintenance will extend outside the fence to the north in order to maintain a walking path around the fenced area. 

Every effort will be made to make the construction activity as minimally disruptive as possible.

Clackamas Water Environment Services is beginning a project to improve the environmental functions of 3-Creeks Natural Area.

Three creeks — Mt. Scott, Phillips and Dean Creeks — converge on the site to form Mt. Scott Creek, making it an important location for surface and stormwater management and natural habitat. Mt. Scott Creek flows into Kellogg Creek and then to the Willamette River.

Urbanization is taking a toll on the site, with streams eroding, habitat changing and flooding of developed properties becoming more common. This project will enhance the floodplain, improve water quality, improve fish and wildlife habitat and provide opportunities for pedestrian access and environmental education on the site, where feasible.

3-Creeks Natural Area benefits our entire region.

What we’ve completed so far

• On site surveys, site assessment
• Alternatives development and analysis including Hydraulic & Hydrologic modeling
• Developed 30% plans and cost estimate
• Public outreach, stakeholder meetings, and input
• Meetings with permit agencies, seeking guidance before submitting permit applications. Attempted to schedule meetings with Oregon Dept. of State Lands (DSL), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), National Marine Fisheries Service and Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife-Fish (ODFW) Passage Coordinator. We were only able to get meetings with DSL and ODFW, but communicated via email with USACE.
• Applied for grants: we applied to FEMA, NOAA Fisheries, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and Metro. We were selected for a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant and have a grant agreement in place as of December 2023.
• Developed 60% plans and cost estimate
• Prepared the Joint Permit Application for Oregon Dept. of State Lands and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removal-fill permits
• Completed a Preliminary Cultural Resources Assessment and shovel probe survey, and historic evaluation of the existing bridge. The shovel probe surveys turned up 16 pieces of lithic debris, considered pre-contact fragments leftover from tool-making. The bridge was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register.
• Installed a geotechnical boring to provide information needed in bridge design.
• Began working on an agreement with the North Clackamas Watersheds Council (NCWC) to provide outreach, as part of our Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant. NCWC will team with Unite Oregon to include outreach to underserved communities.
• The Wetlands Conservancy has conducted the first of two volunteer amphibian egg mass surveys. The survey found over 200 Pacific chorus frog egg masses, 24 long-toed salamander egg masses, and one red legged frog egg mass. This is a sign of very good habitat quality in the existing wetlands!

What’s next?

• Since cultural resources were discovered in the area planned for new floodplain excavation, evaluative test excavations will be done to determine whether Clackamas Water Environment Services may proceed with floodplain enhancement in that area.
• Gate adjustment upgrades are planned for fall or winter 2024
• Instream work is planned for summer 2025

News about the 3-Creeks Natural Area Floodplain Enhancement Project

• WES receives $620,000 grant from Metro for the 3-Creeks Natural Area Floodplain Enhancement Project

SOLVE, Clackamas Water Environment Services, & Bob's Red Mill partnered to celebrate the kick-off of the SOLVE Summer Waterway Cleanup Series to remove harmful litter from the 3-Creeks Natural Area, helping to keep our streams, rivers, and communities clean and healthy!

Wipes, paper towels, and other "unflushables" can create a sewer backup in your home. Flush only toilet paper and protect your home, the sewer system, and the environment.

Use a trash can instead of the toilet to dispose of used wipes, hygiene products and other items that don’t break down, like toilet paper.

Even if the label says “flushable”, wipes and other trash can build up in the sewer system and cause overflows that might damage property, hurt the environment, or make people sick.

Flooding and Sewer Backups

Trash and liquefied fat, oil, or grease that is poured down the sink add or flushed down the toilet can cling to the insides of pipes and sewers. Over time it can build up and block pipes completely. When wastewater can’t move freely through the sewer system due to these blockages, it can cause flooding in local neighborhoods and sewer backups in your home!

Sewer backups happen when raw sewage can’t flow through the sewer system and is forced back into your home. Wipes—yes, even “flushable” ones, and other material that doesn’t break down in water may clear your toilet, but they can get caught in your internal plumbing. 

Damage to Wastewater Treatment Plants

When wipes and other trash aren’t busy causing clogs in our sewers systems, they are wreaking havoc on our wastewater treatment plants! These materials don’t break down in the sewer system like toilet paper, so they arrive at our plants jamming mechanisms, clogging pumps, and breaking critical machinery, costing us all a lot of money in repairs.

What Goes in the Toilet?

What goes in the toilet? Remember the three Ps: poo, pee, and toilet paper. 

Safest

Annually aerate, de-thatch and over-seed bare spots in spring. This will keep the lawn dense and healthy, which keeps out weeds. Use a long-handled weed removal tool for easy weed removal. Fertilize only in fall with a slow release fertilizer, if at all.

Next Best

If you choose a weed or insect control product, look for the OMRI label which helps identify less hazardous chemicals. Always read and follow the label, as even natural/organic products can be harmful. Only apply products when multiple dry days are forecast. Spot spray only the individual weeds you really can’t live with!

Important Measures You Can Take

Do not apply pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers under windy conditions, or when rain, snow or hail is predicted within the next 48 hours.

Consider hiring an ECOBIZ certified landscaper!

How pesticides can be harmful

Pesticides can cause problems for our health and the environment even when applied according to label directions.

• Pesticides can make their way into waterways through run-off and leaching.
• Very small amounts of pesticides can be lethal to beneficial insects and birds.
• Pesticides in waterways pollute drinking water and can harm fish and other marine life.

Be pesticide wise

Always read and follow directions on the label. Labels have important information on how, when and where to use products. The label also has safe handling and first aid instructions.

The largest part of the label, Directions for Use, includes specific information about how much pesticide should be mixed and applied, where the pesticide may be used and how often applications may be made. More is not better.

• Avoid broad spectrum pesticides that can kill or harm many beneficial species
• Look for plant-based insecticides that use oils and extracts from plants to deter insects
• Use fragrant plants to repel insects

Ensure that people and pets are not exposed.

Prevention is the key to a green yard and a clean river

Starting out with a healthy lawn or landscape is the best way to prevent weeds from coming in. Healthy soil and dense groundcover, whether grass or other plants, will inhibit weeds in the first place. Bare soil is an invitation to weeds. Keep weeds from getting established:

• Plant native trees and shrubs that thrive in Oregon’s wet winters and hot, dry summers
• Mulch trees and shrubs to lock in moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting
• Use weed block fabric in areas not heavily planted

Ask yourself if you can live with a few weeds? When you do find weeds that you just can’t live with, you have choices:

1. Remove the weeds by hand*, or with tools such as a dandelion fork. For those that spread by seed, cut and remove before they go to seed.
2. If you decide to spray, spot spray the few weeds you really can’t live with, only when necessary.
3. Reseed the spot treated areas with grass seed, lawn patch or a replacement plant.
4. Fertilize and weed your plants separately. Weed n’ feed products combine fertilizer and herbicide. When you use these products you may over apply herbicide. Use only the products you need!

*Note: some weeds are difficult to control and may require special techniques to successfully eradicate it. Examples include knotweed, lesser celandine, invasive blackberry, bittersweet nightshade, giant hogweed and many others. Contact the Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation District or OSU Extension for details.

Equipment and weather

Well-maintained and calibrated application equipment are key to being able to apply pesticides efficiently at correct rates.

• Do not use pesticides when rain is expected, to avoid run-off or leaching into groundwater
• Do not spray pesticides when windy to avoid drift from the target area

Lawn

A lawn requires more water and maintenance than most other plants. Evaluate your need for grassy areas — are they practical and functional for your needs? Or can you convert some lawn to a low water-use landscape? Consider lawn alternatives such as ecolawns, groundcovers and low water-use plants for areas where there are steep slopes or irregular shaped spaces that can be difficult to water and maintain.

Lawn care practices that help you keep a lush, healthy lawn without pesticides:

1. Mow regularly — once a week or more, as needed. For most lawns, a mowing height of 2–3 inches is recommended. Mulch mowing returns nitrogen back to your lawn.
2. Keep your lawn thick and robust by applying grass seed regularly. Apply grass seed or lawn patch to thin areas in the spring and early fall. Cover up bare soil with seed.
3. Fertilize with slow-release fertilizer once a year in the fall to promote robust growth the following spring.
4. Lawns grow best with soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Check your lawn’s soil pH and amend if needed.
5. Aerate your lawn if the soil is compacted or water does not penetrate well. Well-aerated soil helps to grow healthy lawn grasses. Apply grass seed after aerating.
6. Thatch is built-up organic material at the base of grass plants. When it builds up, grasses die back and weeds and insect and disease pests might occur. Remove thatch if it exceeds 1/2 inch deep. Apply grass seed to your lawn after dethatching.
7. Keep your lawn mower blade sharp. Dull blades don’t make a clean cut when you mow. This ragged cut on the grass can lead to lawn pests and diseases.

More information on practical lawn care

• Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon
• Keep Your Lawn Without Pesticides
• Fertilizing Lawns
• Where to get your soil tested
• What's Your Lawn Style? (videos)
• Effective, low risk solutions for Pacific Northwest pests & weeds

Our Partners

Clackamas Water Environment Services is proud to partner with Clackamas River Water Providers and Clackamas River Basin Council to provide water health education to protect our rivers and streams.

Brought online in 1974, the Kellogg Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility serves WES customers in Happy Valley, Johnson City, Milwaukie and unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. Each day, the facility cleans nearly 7 million gallons of wastewater before it is released into the Willamette River.

This facility provides primary and secondary stages of wastewater treatment, including anaerobic digestion. Wastewater flows through screens that remove large objects like rags or sticks. The sewage then passes into a grit chamber, where heavier materials like rocks, silt and sand are removed.

Primary clarifiers remove a large percentage of incoming waste solids, from homes and businesses, and pass the remaining solids to the secondary treatment system, consisting of aeration basins (where the biological process takes place) and secondary clarifiers. Finally, we disinfect the clarified effluent, which is cleaned wastewater, using ultraviolet light before it is released into the Willamette River.

The Kellogg Creek facility’s name subscribes to the Water Environment Federation’s preferred industry naming convention of “Water Resource Recovery Facility.” The name reflects our mission to provide wastewater resource recovery and watershed protection services to our community so we can live, work and play in a healthy environment. The facility's name acknowledges the value it provides to the community, which includes recovering energy, biosolids, clean water and other resources from treated wastewater.

In 2020, the Kellogg Creek facility received a Peak Performance Silver Standard Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for excellence in plant operations and permit compliance.

Upgrading the Facility

The National Association of Counties (NACo) presented WES with a 2021 Achievement Award for its Kellogg Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility Improvements Project in the category of County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy & Sustainability.

The upgrades position the Kellogg facility to deliver reliable, cost-effective treatment for the region for decades to come. 

Dedicated to being a good neighbor, WES made odor control improvement a top priority. This upgrade was accomplished by placing covers on the aeration basins, which play a key role in breaking down pollutants. Additional improvements include the replacement of pipes, pumps and electrical systems.

More refurbishments are planned. Our facilities require regular maintenance to make sure they remain in good working order to best serve you and save money. 

To learn more about the upgrades that strengthen the facility’s ability to serve our customers for decades to come, please watch the video below.

Spills and leaks from contaminants, can be dangerous if left unattended. In addition, spilled chemicals can also pollute our streams and underground drinking water supplies, as well as harm pets, plants and wildlife.

Prevention is Key!

• Keep unused containers closed tightly.
• Store materials inside or under cover.
• Never use storm drains or gutters, ditches, or swales for waste disposal.
• Keep waste container lids closed. 

Possible contaminants include:

• Oil
• Gas
• Antifreeze
• Paint
• Pesticides
• Cleaners and disinfectants
• Sewage
• Fertilizers

If someone is actively dumping or spilling a hazardous material — call 911.

Spills Happen!

Your safety is of utmost importance in addressing spills and leaks. Stop work and move upwind immediately if you feel any symptoms (nausea, coughing, stinging eyes, nose or throat, dizziness). Call for help.

Call 911 if the spill is hazardous or an emergency.

If you are aware of the origin of the spill and it is not an emergency:

• Try to stop the leak if you can safely. Keep people and vehicles away to prevent contact with the spilled substance. Use a drip pan if you spot a leak or drip; repair the leak promptly.
• Turn off any nearby equipment that could ignite a flame or explosion.
• Never hose down a spill — this can send hazardous pollutants to our waters.
• Protect waterways: Place absorbents such as kitty litter and barriers between the spill and any nearby storm drain, ditch or swale. Clean up the spill immediately.

How to Clean up a Small Spill

Step 1
Collect cleanup supplies (kitty litter, bag, broom, etc.)

Step 2
Spread the absorbent (the pads, pillows, newspaper, etc.) around the spill starting at the leading edge, from outside to inside.

Step 3
Wait for the spill to be absorbed; add more absorbent if needed.

Step 4
Properly dispose of materials. Larger spills might require disposals as household hazardous waste at the local landfill.

Our Partner

Clackamas Water Environment Services is proud to partner with The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (ACWA) to protect and enhance Oregon’s water quality. ACWA developed the information (provided above) in collaboration with groundwater, stormwater and education experts dedicated to practical and proactive water resources protection.

What's the problem?

Although convenient for cleaning surfaces and equipment, pressure washing can send dirty runoff containing oil, soap, chemicals, metals, and sediment into the storm drain system. Most storm drains have zero to minimal treatment and drain directly toward the surface water and groundwater we all need to protect.

Here’s how our waters are being negatively impacted:

• Sediment clouds the water, hinders aquatic plant growth, and clogs fish gills.
• Even biodegradable soaps rob water of life-giving oxygen.
• Household hazardous wastes, like pesticides, paints, solvents, and auto fluids that collect on driveways and other outside surfaces can poison aquatic life. Animals and people can become sick or die after consuming polluted water or fish.
• Ingestion of pre-1978 paint flakes containing lead can be a concern as it can result in intellectual disabilities in children.
• Avoid using hot water and chemicals as that type of wastewater has a greater negative environmental effect.

What can you do?

Our Partner

Clackamas Water Environment Services is proud to partner with The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (ACWA) to protect and enhance Oregon’s water quality. ACWA developed the information (provided above) in collaboration with groundwater, stormwater and education experts dedicated to practical and proactive water resources protection.

Ask your landscape maintenance contractor to use these best management practices to help protect our waters, our environment and those you love!

Why bother with best management practices?

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to protect both our streams and underground drinking water quality, and to prevent clogging our stormwater facilities. Implementing BMPs can make a positive difference to help protect our waters, properties, and public health.

Best Management Practices

• Do not blow or sweep trash, yard debris, soils or chemicals into street or storm drains. Collect and properly dispose of these materials.
• Properly compost or dispose of debris daily.
• Inspect and safely clean onsite landscape stormwater facilities (e.g., rain gardens, swales) to ensure they operate as designed.
• Mow high, often, and with sharp blades.
• Store fertilizers and other chemicals under cover.
• Purchase the least amount of landscape chemicals needed for your site.
• Use integrated pest management practices.
• Adjust sprinklers to minimize irrigation overspray.
• Check local rules! Never stockpile landscaping material (e.g., dirt, bark chips, sand gravel) in the roadway or on pervious pavement unless your municipality allows it.
• Roots hold soils in place. Plant slopes with dense ground covering plants to prevent erosion.

Important measures you can take

Do NOT apply pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers under windy conditions, or when rain, snow, sleet or hail is predicted within the next 48 hours.

What is wrong with this picture?

Common practices such as these can pollute our water:

1.
Over spraying fertilizer/pesticides on the sidewalk and applying them under wet conditions.

2.
Raking or blowing leaves and grass off yard and into streets.

3.
Leaving pet waste that can carry bacteria to waterways.

4.
Stockpiling landscape material into the street where it can be a driving safety hazard, clog drains, and result in pollution.

5.
Allowing irrigation overspray to enter waterways.

Our Partner

Clackamas Water Environment Services is proud to partner with The Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies (ACWA) to protect and enhance Oregon’s water quality. ACWA developed the information (provided above) in collaboration with groundwater, stormwater and education experts dedicated to practical and proactive water resources protection.