June 23, 2011
Please take a short survey and share your thoughts with us! We've just published the LOIS Outreach Survey, and we hope you'll take 2 to 3 minutes to tell us what you think.
[Note: The outreach survey is no longer active.]
June 14, 2011
Paving is scheduled to begin tomorrow, June 15, on the east half of Alder Circle. The west half is scheduled for Thursday, June 16. Work will occur between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. both days.
Door hangers have been distributed in the neighborhood with the same details.
June 14, 2011
It was a dirty job, but someone had to do it - and we couldn't have done it without you. As we reach the finish line, we're delighted that LOIS will be completed on time and under budget!
The LOIS team would like to thank you for your patience, understanding, and support during construction. Everyone who played a role in delivering this historic infrastructure improvement would like to show their appreciation to the people of Lake Oswego for making LOIS such a great success.
Please celebrate with us at the Farmer's Market this Saturday (June 18th) with kids' activities, gifts, & more!
June 9, 2011
The LOIS team has released the sixth webisode in its series on the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer. This video highlights activities leading up to the lake refill.
LOIS is flush with success
Published: Thursday, June 2, 2011
Cliff Newell - The Lake Oswego Review
"The last drop of water has been put back in Oswego Lake, and the $94 million Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project is now complete." - Read the full article from the Lake Oswego Review.
June 1, 2011
The LOIS contractor will begin removing asphalt at Alder Circle in preparation for paving tomorrow morning.
Cones will be placed in areas where parking is not permitted. Please plan on parking away from the designated work areas. Crews will be standing by to make sure you have access to your driveways during the work.
We will have an updated schedule for you by the end of this week that will give a better estimate of the paving timeframe.
May 25, 2011
The LOIS contractor will begin preparing Alder Circle for paving on Tuesday, May 31.
The paving plan is to saw cut and remove the old paving in the travel lanes, and reconstruct that area of the roadway. The contractor will match the repair to the grade of the asphalt and concrete improvements that private property owners have put in over the years alongside the travel lanes. Generally, the replacement area is 18 feet in width, widening out near the Alder Point Club easement due to the additional damage in that area and because of road curvature and the need for sight distance. It will also be wider in areas where there are existing storm drains as the road improvements are designed to channel water to these drains.
May 19, 2011
Click the video above to see how LOIS is
cleaned and inspected.
The LOIS Project is on pace to be completed on time and under budget. The last major task for LOIS crews is to clean and inspect the new interceptor.
April 18, 2011
Neighbors at Alder Circle will notice a Survey Crew working in the area tomorrow (Tuesday). The small team will be surveying rights-of-way in preparation for LOIS street restoration efforts.
At this time, it is unknown when the paving will begin, but we will notify you when that date has been determined.
We are nearing the end of LOIS and the residents of Alder Circle have shown great patience and understanding during the project. Thank you for your support.
Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project wins Aon Build America Awards grand prize
Published: Friday, April 5, 2011
"Oregon’s Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project was named the most significant construction project of 2010. The project’s contractor, Advanced American Construction, Inc., was the grand award winner while 19 other firms received the AGC’s Aon Build America Awards in other categories. " - Read the full article on AGC of America.
April 6, 2011
The Bryant Road Pump Station is quickly taking shape as crews perform interior finish work and install equipment in the generator building.
This week, crews will install pump bases and piping in the wet well which is located in front of the generator building.
Green roof installation, site restoration, and landscaping is expected by mid-May. The on-street staging area is expected to be removed by the end of May.
We appreciate the patience and support of the pump station neighbors and Bryant Road motorists and pedestrians throughout this phase of the LOIS project. We are in the home stretch!
April 4, 2011
Late this week, LOIS crews are expected to pave small sections in North Shore Rd. near Forest Hills Easement as well as Foothills Rd. near the Foothills Pump Station.
The paving will cause one-lane closures for the day. Paving can only happen in dry conditions. With an eye on the weather forecast, paving crews expect a break in the rain on Thursday or Friday. Flaggers will guide vehicular traffic through the area while workers restore and patch the roadway. Neighbors in the 3rd St. neighborhood will notice a paving crew and equipment in the cul-de-sac.
If weather delays the paving process, you will be notified of the new scheduled time. We apologize for any inconvenience or delay.
April 1, 2011
Weather permitting, LOIS crews will be patch paving Foothills Rd. near the Foothills Pump Station on Monday. The paving will cause a one-lane closure for the day.
Flaggers will guide vehicular traffic through the area while workers restore and patch the roadway.
If weather delays the paving process, we will post the new scheduled time.
Oswego Lake dam nears finish line
Published: Friday, March 23, 2011
Cliff Newell - The Lake Oswego Review
"The reconstruction of Oswego Lake Dam is a prime example of a great plan coming together." - Read the full article from the Lake Oswego Review.
Portland Firm Wins National Award For Lake Oswego Sewer Project
Published: Friday, March 25, 2011
Kristian Foden-Vencil, OPB
"A new sewer pipe designed to float under Lake Oswego, has won a prestigious national construction award." - Click here to read the full article from the OPB News or click here to listen to an MP3 of the news story.
March 24, 2011
The LOIS team has released the fifth webisode in its series on the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer. This six minute video highlights the activities in the lake since drawdown last summer.
March 24, 2011
LOIS crews have shifted their efforts westward and are working to complete several tasks as the lake level continues to rise. The lake is expected to be at full pool by Memorial Day.
Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP)
Portions of wastewater pipe are being lined using the CIPP process, which inserts a "pipe within a pipe" into the wastewater lines, ensuring many years of service to neighbors.
Crews will be installing a CIPP liner in the Blue Heron Bay pipeline on Friday, which will result in a one-lane closure on South Shore Blvd. from 4:00 a.m. to approximately 7:00 p.m. Please watch for flaggers guiding traffic through the zone. Please see the map for details.
Manhole and Pipe Work
The LOIS contractor is connecting
pipe to new manholes and backfilling trenches around the recently
installed interceptor pipe. In Blue Heron Bay, workers are completing
pipe supports that will cradle new pipe sections.
LOIS working to stay on schedule for the lake re-fill
Published: Friday, March 18, 2011
Cliff Newell - The Lake Oswego Review
"The Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project is moving quickly to finish a huge amount of work before Monday, March 21." - Read the full article from the Lake Oswego Review.
Lake Oswego sewer pipe work 'heading down the home stretch'
Published: March 9, 2011
Everton Bailey Jr., The Oregonian
"Work on the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer line is nearing an end, according to project officials." - Read the full piece from the The Oregonian
Wastewater overflow causes a LOIS system breakdown Tuesday
Published: March 10, 2011
The Lake Oswego Review
"Release of wastewater to the lakebed occurred at locations of temporary connections west of Springbrook Creek and at a location a few hundred feet north of Allen Road." - Read the full piece from the The Lake Oswego Review
March 10, 2011
LOIS crews, under a tight schedule to accommodate the lake refill, will be working 7 days a week for the near future. Neighbors in the Lakeview, Kelok, Blue Heron, and Alder areas will notice construction activity in the lake bed on Saturdays and Sundays, in addition to weekdays.
The contractor does not anticipate any elevated noise levels on Sundays--we just wanted to make neighbors aware of the weekend activity.
March 8, 2011
LAKE OSWEGO - At approximately 5:30 a.m. today, high level alarms installed in the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) system alerted workers to high wastewater level ("surcharge") conditions within the partially completed LOIS system. An immediate response by the City's Contractor, James W. Fowler, its by-pass pumping subcontractor, Godwin Pumps, along with assistance by marine support subcontractor, Advanced American Construction, and Engineer Brown and Caldwell is underway. The cause of the surcharge appears to be caused by air entering the pipe as it comes on grade with the refilling of Oswego Lake and then accumulating at high points in the pipe. The high points were created when the Contractor intentionally pulled down sections of the floating pipe to allow barges and other marine equipment to move back and forth across the pipe path to access and construct the north shore trunk lines and manholes. Over time, enough air has accumulated at these high points to create a "bubble" that is reducing the capacity of the LOIS pipeline. Efforts are underway to "vent" the entrained air from the LOIS pipe and restore full capacity while work continues to complete the project over the next few months.March 4, 2011
The LOIS contractor will be working this weekend, including Sunday, to ensure the project stays on schedule.
Welding crews will be in the west end working on pipe supports near the mouth of Blue Heron Bay.
The team working near Forest Hills Easement toward the east end will be using a mini excavator to backfill a manhole.
The contractor does not anticipate any excessive noise. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this weekend activity.
March 3, 2011
LOIS crews are expected to install "pin piles" at the mouth of Blue Heron Bay within the next two weeks, most likely next week (the week of March 7). The piles will support new wastewater pipe.
Installation of the 21 piles will require limited duration of elevated noise levels for a period of approximately 2 to 3 days. The pile driving noise will last for about 10 minutes per pile.
February 28, 2011
February 11, 2011
LOIS Crews will be working in the canal on Saturday (February 12) to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner. Work hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We know construction has not been fun for you and your neighbors and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we near the home stretch of the LOIS Project.
Rock hammering
Crews will use small jackhammers and a rock drill during daytime work hours in the canal area adjacent to the pump station.
Bypass pumps begin next week
To provide uninterrupted sewer service for neighbors during this phase of construction, LOIS contractors will install bypass pumps in the canal. The sound-buffered pumps are expected to run 24 hours a day through the end of the month, but efforts will be made to complete work as early as possible.
Neighbors can expect this phase of construction to run through February.
The Bryant Road Pump Station is expected to be complete in early March.
February 8, 2011
Beginning this week, neighbors near the Bryant Road Pump Station site will experience increased noise levels.
Rock hammering
Crews will use small jackhammers and a rock drill during daytime work hours in the canal area adjacent to the pump station.
Bypass pumps begin next week
To provide uninterrupted sewer service for neighbors during this phase of construction, LOIS contractors will install bypass pumps in the canal. The sound-buffered pumps are expected to run 24 hours a day through the end of the month, but efforts will be made to complete work as early as possible.
Neighbors can expect this phase of construction to run through February. The Bryant Road Pump Station is expected to be complete in early March.
We apologize for the inconvenience. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns: 503-699-7466.
Bypass pumps divert sewer flows to a downstream manhole,
to provide uninterrupted wastewater service.
February 1, 2011
LOIS crews will be performing limited in-lake work near the Springbrook Recreation Easement tomorrow morning, from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Workers will take advantage of low nighttime wastewater use to redirect flows from the bypass system to the buoyant sewer line.
The contractor does not anticipate high noise levels, but vehicle and work lights will be on. Upon completion of the task, crews will leave the site and resume regularly scheduled work at 7:00 a.m.
LOIS project progress is on pace if weather holds
Published: Thursday, January 27, 2010
Cliff Newell - The Lake Oswego Review
"Following an extension agreement between the city of Lake Oswego and the Lake Corporation, a new refill start date of Feb. 7 has been set for Oswego Lake." - Read the full piece from the Lake Oswego Review.
January 20, 2011
Working under a tight deadline to complete in-lake work activity in time for boating season, LOIS contractors will be working weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This weekend, crews will be working just west of Half Moon Bay and near Lost Dog Creek, preparing to remove access roads, restore lakebed contours, and demobilize equipment.
January 10, 2011
Neighbors at the west end of Oswego Lake can expect to see increased construction activity as LOIS contractors perform welding, excavating, lining, and demolition work over the next few months.
Springbrook
Workers at Springbrook are installing pipe between new manholes which were installed weeks earlier.
Lake Grove Swim Park Area (Near-shore Sewer Work)
Residents
along the north shore between Springbrook and the swim park have been
contacted about installation of new wastewater cleanouts, lateral pipes,
and pipe liners later this month. Those neighbors will receive
individual updates about the near-shore sewer project.
Southwest Area
January 5, 2011
Beginning as early as January 18, neighbors near the Bryant Road Pump Station site will experience increased noise levels.
Bypass pumps
To provide uninterrupted sewer service for neighbors during this phase of construction, LOIS contractors will install bypass pumps in the canal. The sound-buffered pumps are expected to run 24 hours a day through early February, but efforts will be made to complete work as early as possible.
Rock hammering
Crews will also use small jackhammers and a rock drill during daytime work hours in the canal area adjacent to the pump station.
Neighbors can expect this phase of construction to run from mid-January through early February.
The Bryant Road Pump Station is expected to be complete in early March.
January 4, 2011
Intermittent one-lane road closures will continue on Foothills Rd. this week as LOIS crews complete pipe installation.
Neighbors will also notice flaggers guiding motorists through the area for the next two to three weeks, while workers restore and patch the roadway.
Published: December 31, 2010
Rebecca Randall, The Lake Oswego Review
Lake Oswego City Council raised a number of utility rates in its annual review of city fees and charges, while also realizing some unanticipated savings in some utilities. Most significantly, water rates, which will fund the Lake Oswego-Tigard Water Partnership project improvements, went up more than expected. Meanwhile, planned rate increases for street maintenance were reduced during council deliberation, and project savings on the Lake Oswego Sewer Interceptor (LOIS) project led to a lower than projected rate increase next year.
Read the full piece from the Lake Oswego Review.
December 30, 2010
The Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project was number 8 on the Lake Oswego Review's list of important news stories in 2010. LOIS shared the spot with the Lake Oswego Tigard Water Partnership, another water related news topic this year.
Read the full piece from the Lake Oswego Review.
LOIS project progress is on pace if weather holds
Published: Thursday, December 17, 2010
Cliff Newell - The Lake Oswego Review
"Jan. 15, 2011 is the date when the level of Oswego Lake must start being raised, but thanks to efficient workers and good luck the project is staying on schedule.." - Read the full piece from the Lake Oswego Review.
December 16, 2010
LOIS crews will be loading excavation equipment and trucks in the Maple Circle Easement as early as next week.
A wastewater pipe will be installed from the lake to the recently installed debris sump in the easement.
Neighbors may notice noise and activity similar to the sump installation earlier this year.
December 14, 2010
Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) crews are preparing to rehabilitate wastewater pipelines and structures along the north and southeast shore of the lake.
A temporary access road is under construction along the shoreline to provide access for crews to determine the scope of necessary rehabilitation work. Residents may notice inspection crews on seawalls and on Lake Corporation shoreline property adjacent to their yards. Those most likely to notice the work are residents on Lakeview Blvd., Summit Drive, North Shore Blvd., Cabana Lane, Wren Court, and South Shore Blvd. between the West Bay Bridge and Lakeview Blvd.
Once the scope is determined, LOIS representatives will contact
impacted property owners to discuss details. Impacts could include:
The current Lake drawdown provides the City an opportunity to stabilize in-lake manholes, replace lateral pipe connections (the individual service lines from the sewer main to private properties), install wastewater clean outs, and install pipe liners. The purpose of this work is to maintain reliable wastewater service, keep wastewater out of Oswego Lake and create improved access to laterals for cleaning. This phase of the LOIS Project is expected to be completed by the end of January 2011. No work will occur on Christmas or New Year's Day.
December 13, 2010
December 3, 2010
Crews are installing Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) liners in the wastewater pipeline located in the Half Moon Bay Area.
The process forms a leak-proof lining inside the pipe. Phase one begins Monday, December 6, between Manholes 23 and 22. Phase two is expected to begin later in the week between Manholes 23 and 24.
Neighbors close to the operation may experience elevated levels of noise and a "plastic odor" from the curing process. The odor is harmless and dissipates quickly.
LOIS project creates problems for wildlife
Published: Thursday, December 2, 2010
David Strieff - Guest Opinion, The Lake Oswego Review
"An article in the Nov 4 Lake Oswego Review, "A Tale of the Big Fish." documented the fact that many fish, including bass, trout, perch and specifically an 8-foot-long sturgeon, estimated to be 60 years old, have been killed due to the lake drawdown process for the LOIS sewer project." - Read the full piece from the Lake Oswego Review.
Christine Kirk, public affairs manager for the City of Lake Oswego has issued the following statement in response to this opinion piece:
Neither the city of Lake Oswego administration nor its officials has a cavalier attitude towards any component of our environment, including fish and wildlife. As with all municipalities in Oregon, the city relies on the expert advice and assistance from Oregon agencies such as the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Fish & Wildlife when implementing necessary public projects which impact fish and wildlife. Acting on that advice and in compliance with both state and federal environmental regulations and permits, the city is implementing a complex sewer project, the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS), which is designed to bring the city into compliance with the Clean Water Act and provide long term protection of our environment. It is an environmental project in every sense of the word. Moreover, the city has taken specific measures, consistent with a fish salvage permit issued by the state, to salvage and save many of the stranded fish in the lake.
As to the other issues raised by Mr. Streiff in his letter, the city is working and will continue to work to protect native fish and wildlife in the course of implementing all public works and open space projects. As part of the Sensitive Lands process, the council has directed improvements in how the city manages public property and a strengthening of the partnership with property owners who are stewards of their land.
November 16, 2010
The process forms a leak-proof lining inside the pipe. Phase one began last week, between Manholes 25 and 26 (see map). Phase two is expected to begin later this month between Manholes 25 and 24. Since the pipe length between manholes is too long to complete the process in one run, crews are creating an intermediate opening in the interceptor (24.5) and will continue the installation to Manhole 24.
Trucks and equipment will be staged on the Headlee Walkway through December. Neighbors close to the operation may experience elevated levels of noise and a "plastic odor" from the curing process. The odor is harmless and dissipates quickly.
To see a demonstration, please view this video that describes the CIPP installation in West Bay and Foothills areas earlier this year:
November 12, 2010
Work hours are restricted to between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No equipment is to be started up or run outside that time frame.
A dam good time - Gushing water turns lake overflow into urban kayaker's dream
Published: Thursday, November 4, 2010
Cliff Newell, The Lake Oswego Review
"In normal times, Oswego Lake is not considered a hot spot by kayak enthusiasts in the Portland area. However, the Lake Down phase of the Lake Oswego Sewer Interceptor project is not normal times. Three weeks ago, a huge amount of water was pumped over the lake’s dam and into the creek behind it, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – kayaking." - Read the full story from the West Linn Tidings.
A tale of the big fish- Lake Down appears tied to sturgeon deaths
Published: Thursday, November 4, 2010
Cliff Newell, The Lake Oswego Review
"For years there were legends that sturgeons existed in Oswego Lake. The Lake Down phase of the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project has proven those legends are true." - Read the full story from the Lake Oswego Review.
November 3, 2010
Neighbors near the Bryant Road Pump Station site are experiencing increased intermittent noise levels associated with construction activity.
Rock hammering began this week as LOIS contractors continue to prepare the site for connection to wastewater lines. Crews are using small jackhammers and a rock drill during daytime work hours in the canal area adjacent to the pump station. They are locating a natural gas line and installing anchors to stabilize rock near the bridge.
Intermittent drilling noise is expected to last for about three weeks.
October 28, 2010
The pumping operation should be relatively quiet; the pump is sound attenuated and will have an additional sound curtain installed around it.
October 15, 2010
Bryant Road, between West Bay Rd. and Lakeview Blvd., will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Monday. The road is expected to reopen by mid-November.October 13, 2010
October 12, 2010
Bryant Road, between West Bay Rd. and Lakeview Blvd., will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning early next week. The road is expected to open by mid-November.
The closure allows LOIS crews to install a debris sump which is designed to capture gravel and other sediments before they are able to enter the new interceptor system in the lake. Debris sumps reduce the amount of pipeline cleaning that will have to be done in the future.
Similar sumps have been installed near the Campbell Native Garden on Iron Mountain Blvd., at Oak St., and at Maple Circle Easement.
October 11, 2010
Drilling work in the canal
Beginning late this week or early next week, the LOIS contractor will prepare the site for connection to wastewater lines. Crews will use a small jackhammer and rock drill during daytime work hours in the canal area adjacent to the pump station. Expect the intermittent drilling noise to last for about a week.
Increased truck traffic
You will see trucks delivering pipe and material to the site. The contractor does not expect any major interruptions to traffic, but please watch for flaggers.
Bypass Pumping
Crews are expected to install a bypass pump at the site next week as they prepare for the wastewater line connection. The pumps--the quietest available for this scope of work--temporarily divert wastewater flows to another manhole, so crews can work on the system without interrupting sewer service. The pumps will run 24 hours a day for about 3 days.
Firefighters get muddy in new rescue training
Published: Wednesday, October 7, 2010
Staff reporter Lake Oswego Review
"Firefighters of the Lake Oswego Fire Department are not afraid to get dirty in their preparation for potential emergency efforts during the Lake Down phase of the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project." - Read the full story at the Lake Oswego Review.com.
Oswego Lake?
Published: Monday, October 5, 2010
Cliff Newell, Lake Oswego Review
"Monday was D Day as far as the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project is concerned." - Read the full story at the Lake Oswego Review.com.
Emergency workers train for mud rescues on Oswego Lake
Published: Monday, October 4, 2010
Rick Bella, The Oregonian
"Firefighters are performing mud-rescue training drills today on the newly exposed lake bed of Oswego Lake." - Read the full story on Oregonlive.com.
Warning issued after deer and construction worker stuck in mud
Published: Friday, October 1, 2010
Kyle Mallory, The Oregonian
"The city of Lake Oswego issued a warning about low levels in Oswego Lake after a deer and a construction worker were stuck in the mud of the 415 acre lake." - Read the full story on KOINlocal6.com.
City warns muddy drained Oswego Lake is a hazard"Lake Oswego firefighters have also seen several children venture too far into the muddy areas to take a closer look at the low water. The children were able to get out of the lake bed without incident, Zoutendijk said." -Read the full story at the Lake Oswego Review.
Drained Oswego Lake poses a muddy danger to wandering children
Published: Friday, October 1, 2010
Rick Bella, The Oregonian
"Fire officials are warning that Oswego Lake's recently exposed bottom may be dangerous to children who can't resist the lure of exploring." - Read the full story at Oregonlive.com
October 1, 2010
Location of Maple Circle debris sump and future pipeline.
Today, the LOIS Lake Down contractor will begin to install the debris sump at the Maple Circle Easement. Crews began by installing tree protection and erosion control measures on September 30.
Residents should expect to see the precast concrete vault as well as pipe being delivered to the site. Excavators will be digging a hole to hold the vault and workers will connect the vault to a pipe in Maple Circle that was installed during the previous phase of work.
September 30, 2010
"The drawdown of Oswego Lake began early this month to allow LOIS contractors to work in dry conditions at the east and west ends of the lake."
September 28, 2010
The North Shore bridge will be closed to daytime motorized traffic from October 11, 2010 through mid-January 2011. The bridge will be closed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
LOIS contractors will be using a ramp adjacent to the North Shore Bridge to access the lake bed for the Lake Down phase of the project. In order to safely deliver equipment, vehicles, materials, and personnel to the work site in the lake, the LOIS team is closing the North Shore Bridge to vehicular traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.
Pedestrian access will be maintained for the majority of the closure, but neighbors should be aware that the walkway may be closed at times to accommodate larger trucks and equipment.
September 24, 2010
On Sept. 23, construction crews placed tree protection fencing along the end of the Allen Road right-of-way in preparation for roadway construction into Oswego Lake. The contractor is also installing required erosion control. Expect to see equipment and trucks similar to those that have been working at Alder Circle easement throughout the construction period (through December, 2010).
Once road building begins, no parking will be allowed on the west side of Allen Road or on the east side of Allen near the intersection with South Shore Blvd. Please use caution while driving and walking along Allen Road as trucks and equipment will be moving in and out of the lake over the next several weeks. We are working closely with the contractor to keep back-up beeper noise to a minimum, but as the roadway is being constructed, you will hear construction sounds.
Starting sometime during the next two weeks the LOIS Lake Down contractor will begin to install the debris sump at the Maple Circle Easement. There are five debris sumps going in around the lake. Two have been installed (Oak Street and near the Campbell Native Garden on Iron Mtn. Blvd.). Debris sumps are designed to capture gravel and other sediments before they are able to enter the new interceptor system in the lake. This will reduce the amount of cleaning of the line that will have to be done in the future.
Residents should expect to see the precast concrete vault as well as pipe being delivered to the site. Excavators will be digging a hole to hold the vault and workers will connect the vault to a pipe in Maple Circle that was installed during the previous phase of work.
September 23, 2010
The in-lake pump station located just off the trestle dock at the McVey LOIS staging area will be running throughout the Lake Down Project.
The pump station consists of 17 industrial pumps, all of which have been operating during daytime hours. For this week and next, crews will run all pumps during the day and only 6 pumps at night to get the water to a safe level where crews and equipment can access the lakebed. The pumps are running within noise allowance standards and every effort has been made to reduce the noise level during night operations.
Once the lake is at the desired level, only two pumps will need to run 24 hours a day to maintain that level. The noise is expected to decrease significantly at that time.
In the event of sustained rains, pump operations will need to be ramped up to control the lake level.
Working within a mutual agreement between the Lake Corporation and the City, the LOIS Team is determined to complete the Lake Down phase under a tight timeline, so boaters may enjoy the lake this spring.
September 22, 2010
LOIS manhole and pipe installation in the Foothills area has been interrupted over the past two weeks due to interference from a water main. LOIS contractors could not access the area because the water main had to be relocated. City crews completed the water main relocation last night and manhole installation resumed today.
Crews are working in the north portion of Foothills and are expected to complete manhole and pipe installation by mid-October. Bypass pumping operations in the Oswego Pointe Apartments will continue for that time to allow completion of new manholes.
September 21, 2010
The in-lake pump station located just off the trestle dock at the McVey LOIS staging area will be running throughout the evening tonight. Running the pumps overnight is necessary to lower the lake to a safe level where workers may begin to access the lake bed.
The large grouping of pumps is set to run at a buffered level, within noise allowance standards, but residents nearby may be aware of some added white noise. Every effort has been made to reduce the noise level during night operations.
The contractor expects the lake to be at the desired level tomorrow, but please be prepared for the possibility of the pumps running tomorrow night as well, in case the lake needs to be lowered more.
$35 million in LOIS bonds OK'd
Published: Thursday, September 16, 2010
Cliff Newell, The Lake Oswego Review
"City council expects ‘more bang' for financial buck thanks to lower rates." - Read the full story at the Lake Oswego Review.
Lake Oswego settles sewer pipeline dispute for $275,000
Published: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Bobby Allyn, The Oregonian
"The city will pay $275,000 to a contractor who had to work at unexpected depths to install a sewer pipeline in Oswego Lake. / Yet even with the settlement, city officials said the project is expected to come in $1.8 million under its proposed $110 million budget." - Read the full story on OregonLive.com.
September 9, 2010
The Lake Down phase of the LOIS Project is underway. Beginning next week, residents on Alder Circle will notice increased activity.
Contractors will use Alder Point to access the lake bed, where they will be removing sediment; delivering materials and crushed rock; building manholes; and installing and connecting existing pipe.
To prepare for the work, lake access roads will be developed to accommodate heavy equipment, trucks, and dump trucks traveling in and out of the lake. The old, existing lake access ramp will be rehabilitated, but construction time will depend on the condition of the existing lakebed roadway and how much rock is needed. Site preparation for ramp building will begin next week.
In October, once the lake access ramp is complete, heavy equipment and truck traffic will begin. Residents can expect to see as many as 50 truck trips per day at the busiest times, hauling material and equipment in and excavated material out. Expect truck traffic to taper off after the holiday season. Most of this truck traffic will be the result of an independent Lake Corporation dredging operation occuring simultaneously with the LOIS Lake Down work
A bypass pump running 24 hours a day at the easement is necessary to isolate manholes for construction access, but with careful positioning, we do not anticipate any noise intrusion from the sound-buffered pumps.
Restoration of the easement is scheduled for the end of the Lake Down contract in May 2011, but every effort will be made to begin that process earlier if the schedule allows.
Lake Oswego approves $35 million bond for sewer pipe project
Published: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Nicole Dungca, The Oregonian
"Lake Oswego city councilors unanimously voted Tuesday to issue $35 million in full-faith and credit bonds for the buoyant sewer pipe being built through Oswego Lake, according to city spokeswoman Christine Kirk." - Read the full story on Oregonlive.
Boats depart Oswego Lake as levels begin to go down"Now the lake is on its steady descent 24 feet downward, the key phase of the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project. / "All of the boats that need to go off are off," said Jeff Ward, lake manager. "The lake is lowering. Everything went very, very smoothly." -Read the full story at the Lake Oswego Review, Portland Tribune.
Lake Oswego drained for sewer work
Published: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Michael Rollins , KWG.com
"The city of Lake Oswego's namesake body of water will be slowly emptied over coming weeks." -Read the full story at KWG.com.
Oswego Lake drained for sewer work
Published: Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Daniel Savickas, The Daily Journal of Commerce
"The city of Lake Oswego today began draining Oswego Lake in preparation for the next round of work on the city’s new sewer line." -Read the full story at the DJC.
Down, down, down
Published: Thursday, September 2, 2010
Cliff Newell, The Lake Oswego Review
"A true milestone for the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer Project begins Sunday when work starts on lowering Oswego Lake."
Lake Oswego Review - Read the full story
Oswego Lake set to begin slowly draining on Sept. 5 for sewer project work
Published: Thursday, August 27, 2010, 1:04 PM
Yuxing Zheng, The Oregonian
"Starting on the evening of Sept. 5, a good portion of this city's prized namesake will begin to disappear."
August 23, 2010
State Street Lane Closure
LOIS contractors will be closing one lane of northbound traffic on State Street tomorrow to work on a manhole. Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes, if possible, to avoid delays.
Contractors are scheduled to close the lane again early next week to continue work for a day. Signs have been posted near Marylhurst University to allow drivers to find alternate routes.
Millennium Park Fountain Area
Beginning tomorrow, August 24, LOIS contractors will be preparing to install sewer linings in the Millennium Park fountain area. The fountain will remain open and accessible, with pedestrian detours clearly marked. The process is expected to run for up to two weeks.
The first step, cleaning the system with an industrial vacuum truck, is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning and is expected to last until 4:00 p.m. Expect increased noise levels during this time. The liner installation involves inserting a resin-coated sock into the pipeline and curing it with hot water for up to 12 hours. People in the immediate area may notice a non-harmful odor of plastic from the resin. The odor should only last for a limited time during the curing process. The installation will cause intermittent periods of increased noise levels and is scheduled to begin after the vacuuming operation.
August 17, 2010
A message from Lake Manager Jeff Ward
Labor Day Weekend is fast approaching and with it the drawdown date for the LOIS project. Here is what you need to know and do. Don't let this be you.
August 13, 2010
LOIS crews are expected to begin the installation of Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) in the West Bay neighborhood on Monday. Water restrictions will be in place beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday.
Impacted home owners have been notified of the first wave of installation. The second wave is tentatively planned for later next week and will affect homes further east on West Bay and selected homes on South Shore. If you are asked to observe water restrictions during installation, you will receive a door hanger notice at least a day before work begins.
Published: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 6:00 AM
Yuxing Zheng, The Oregonian
"Lake Oswego will soon issue up to $40 million in full-faith and credit bonds to pay for the ongoing construction of the city's $90 million buoyant sewer pipe through Oswego Lake."
August 4, 2010
LAKE OSWEGO - In preparation for the Lake Down phase of the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) project, contractors will be setting up bypass pumps and staging long sections of pipe on the Headlee Walkway. Beginning Monday, August 9, 2010, the walkway will be closed for up to two months to accommodate staging and pumping.
The walkway closure allows contractors to set up the bypass pumping operation which is necessary to maintain wastewater service to residents, without interruption, while work on this phase of the project occurs.
August 2, 2010
There was a typo in the LOIS insert that arrived in mailboxes around Lake Oswego today. Refill of the Lake will begin mid-January 2011 and continue through May 2011.
Lake drawdown begins after Labor Day 2010.
August 2, 2010
Wastewater pipe liner installation is scheduled to begin in the West Bay area the week of August 9, 2010. During that time, 37 properties will have water use restrictions for 24 hours as crews install the resin liners. The homes are primarily on West Bay Road and all affected property owners have been notified.
Excerpt from the Lake Oswego Review, July 29, 2010
By Cliff Newell
The Lake Down phase of the Lake Oswego Sewer Interceptor project begins on Sept. 8, and the big drop is expected to be about 22 to 24 feet. That is the lowest Oswego Lake has been since the original sewer project was constructed in 1962.
To read the rest of this article, please click here.
Another article can be found in the DJC...
Oswego Lake to drain for sewer work
Excerpt fron the Daily Journal of Commerce, Friday, July 30, 2010
BY: Daniel Savickas
Up to 24 lineal feet of Oswego Lake will disappear beginning Sept. 7, when the city will begin to draw the lake down to attach a sewer interceptor to a new pipeline.... (more)
A LOIS construction crew will be inspecting the manhole located in Oswego Lake near Lake Grove Swim Park and Shaffer Island early Friday morning, beginning at 3:00 a.m.
The inspection is scheduled to be complete by 6:00 a.m. and noise should be minimal as no heavy equipment will be used.
Crews are working in the early hours to take advantage of low flows in the wastewater pipeline.
July 16, 2010
The LOIS team has released the fourth webisode in its 5-part series on the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer. This 5-minute video highlights the upcoming lake drawdown process scheduled to begin Labor Day 2010.
July 15, 2010
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Deep excavation is wrapping up at the Bryant Rd. Pump Station site as contractors prepare to install shoring equipment.
Once shoring is in place, the crew will pour concrete for the wet well slab. This work is scheduled for next week and will involve a short-term one-lane closure on Bryant Rd. to accommodate the cement pump truck.
LOIS crew members inspect the excavation site that will
eventually contain the pump station wet well.
PGE is scheduled to be on site tomorrow and should complete power equipment installation by Monday. Once power is provided to the site, the generator running the dewatering equipment will no longer be needed.
In coming weeks, neighbors will notice a concrete truck, a large crane, and trucks delivering pre-cast sections of the wet well.
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| Before the wet well slab is poured next week, the hole must be dewatered. |
The Bryant wet well will be the same size as this one, which was installed in the Foothills area in 2004. |
July 13, 2010
If you missed one of the Meet the Contractor meetings held in your neighborhood in June, you can find a summary of the information presented by visiting the Documents, Reports & Videos page or simply click here.
July 12, 2010
When Oswego Lake is drawn down in September for the next phase of LOIS construction, specially designed "Wind and Wave Anchors" will hold the buoyant pipe in place.
On Monday, July 12th, the Lake Down contractor is scheduled to install two prototype anchors for a pull test to be conducted on Wednesday, July 14th. The anchors will be marked with three white buoys each, which will remain in place until the end of the day on Wednesday. The test will be conducted toward the west end of the lake across from Springbrook Creek.
June 23, 2010
West Bay Meet the Contractor
Wednesday, June 23 - 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
June 22, 2010
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| Dewatering well installation |
The current phase of Bryant Road Pump Station construction involves preparing the site for deep excavation that is required for wet well installation. Pumps will be installed in the completed wet well.
Before deep excavation can begin, the LOIS contractors need to draw down the groundwater by drilling and installing dewatering wells. That work began last week and will allow the wet well excavation to begin late this week or next.
In coming weeks, neighbors will notice dump trucks entering and leaving the site to haul excavated material away, a large crane, and trucks delivering pre-cast sections of the wet well.
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| Water removed from the ground is passed through settling tanks before being returned to the site. |
One of the finished wet wells |
The LOIS contractor will be performing two controlled blasts each day on June 3 and 7, just west of the Bryant Rd. Bridge. During those times, you may hear a warning siren, a muffled boom, another siren after the blast and feel some ground shaking.
Neighbors have indicated that the two blasts from May 27 and 28 were intense. We want to ensure that neighbors are aware of the upcoming blasts. The City will monitor vibration in the area to ensure that it is within prescribed limits
The Lake Down phase of the LOIS Project is scheduled to begin soon. Three meetings are planned in June to introduce neighbors most impacted by upcoming Lake Down construction to the City's contractor for the project. Representatives from the LOIS Project Team and James W. Fowler Co. will be on hand to discuss the project and answer questions.
Alder, Allen, Maple Circle Meet the Contractor Thursday, June 3
Lakewood/Evergreen Meet the Contractor Tuesday, June 8
Oswego Pointe Apartments Meet the Contractor Wednesday, June 30
Alder, Allen, Maple Circle Meet the Contractor
Thursday, June 3 - 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Waluga Jr High Library, 4700 Jean Rd.
Learn about:
- Plans for each lake access point in this area
- Traffic Plans
- Existing neighbor agreements about the project
Lakewood/Evergreen Meet the Contractor
Tuesday, June 8 - 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St.
Learn about:
- Lake Down activities
- Traffic plans for trucks leaving/entering the access near the North Shore Bridge
- Wastewater pipe relining in Lakewood Bay
- Activity at the McVey trestle/dock
Oswego Pointe Apartments Meet the Contractor
Wednesday, June 30 - 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Oswego Pointe Apartments Clubhouse
The latest LOIS Project phase involves installation of liners in
existing pipelines located in Oswego Pointe Apartments and Foothills Rd.
May 5 2010
Construction activity is ramping up at the LOIS Bryant Rd. Pump Station site this week. The section of Bryant Rd. between SW Deerbrush Ave. and Kelok Rd. is being temporarily realigned to accommodate the project's staging area. Please be aware of signs directing motorists through the zone.
Two lanes of traffic will be open. Sidewalks will be closed in the staging area.
The contractor will be installing a fence around the construction staging area and next week, you will see crews clearing plants and shrubs from the area and bringing in equipment to begin excavation and construction.
Construction work is scheduled to continue through February 2011.
April 18, 2010 updated April 23, 2010 
New! Work to continue until April 26. Lane closure on Saturday, no work planned Sunday.
In preparation for the Bryant Road Pump Station phase of the LOIS Project, crews from NW Natural will be installing valves in a natural gas pipeline on Bryant Road.
Activity will take place on Bryant Road, between Sarah Hill Ln. and Kelok Rd. Work is expected to last approximately one week. One lane of traffic will be closed for the duration with flaggers directing drivers through the zone.
Work is expected to occur weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If Saturday work is necessary, work will be performed between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
April 7, 2010
In preparation for the Bryant Road Pump Station phase of the LOIS Project, crews from Northwest Natural will conduct potholing exploration on Monday, April 12, to determine the depth and location of their natural gas pipelines.
March 4, 2010
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LOIS Project Director, Joel Komarek, |
Five contractor hopefuls gathered in Lake Oswego today to witness the Bid Opening for the Lake Down contract of the LOIS Project.
James W. Fowler Company from Dallas, OR is the apparent low bidder at $26,870,000, compared to the engineer's estimate of $37,400,000.
Bid details are as follows:
| Tri-State Construction, Inc. |
$38,375,000 |
| Stellar J Corporation | $32,578,120 |
| Don Kelly Construction, Inc. | $31,985,140 |
| IMCO General Construction, Inc. | $27,644,222 |
| James W. Fowler Company | $26,870,000 |
City Council is scheduled to award the contract on March 16.
James W. Fowler Company was also awarded the Bryant Road and Foothills Pump Stations contract in January.
Excerpt from the Lake Oswego Review, February 25, 2010
By Cliff Newell
Preparations begin for the lake-down portion of project
It has been “so far, so good” for Lake Oswego’s $100 million LOIS project.
Now preparations are starting for the crucial “lake-down” phase of the project in which Oswego Lake will be drained in order to complete work on the city’s new sewage system.
“The lake-full phase is wrapping up. We can see the light at the end of the pipe,” said Jane Heisler, communications director for the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer Project. “We used $33 million of our budget as of Feb. 1.”
To read the rest of the article please click here.
February 25, 2010
February 24, 2010
Construction is set to begin soon on two new pump stations associated with the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project. Representatives from the LOIS Project Team, Brown and Caldwell, and James W. Fowler, Co. gave a presentation on the Bryant Road Pump Station project on February 11 and another on the Foothills Road Pump Station project on February 18, 2010.
James W. Fowler, Co. is the pump station contractor at both locations. Fowler Project Principal, Mark Weisensee, introduced his firm as a family-owned, Oregon company who cares about quality and community. Fowler Project Manager, Mike McMillan, discussed the project timeline, construction details, and proposed staging area for the pump stations.
February 22, 2010
The contractor has repositioned equipment on the east end of the lake leading to Half Moon Bay. Boat traffic should stay to the north of construction for access from the main lake to Half Moon Bay. Please see the attached map for traffic patterns through this area during the next few days.
Pile driving in Blue Heron Bay is tentatively scheduled to begin Monday, March 1st. Be advised that work in Blue Heron Bay may render Blue Heron Canal inaccessible for up to a week.
February 15, 2010
Anchor drilling for the buoyant portion of the LOIS pipeline will soon be completed. The drill rig has moved into the mouth of the northeast arm. Through midday Monday, February 15, boats are requested to pass along the north side of the barge at no wake speed. The barge is scheduled to switch directions on Monday or Tuesday. As the anchor operation winds down, the pile barges will begin installing the last of the east end piles in the northeast arm.
We urge all boaters to exercise caution around all heavy equipment.
February 1, 2010
Pile drilling and installation will take place between the main part of the lake and Half Moon Bay for the next two weeks. Expect elevated levels of noise during work hours, Monday through Saturday. Work hours are 7AM to 7PM on weekdays and 8AM-6PM on Saturdays.
January 14, 2010
Pipe Bending Construction Update Video - January 2010
Click here to learn more about the LOIS construction schedule.
January 12, 2008
On Tuesday, January 5, the Lake Oswego City Council awarded the Bryant Road and Foothills Road Pump Station construction contract to James W. Fowler Co. of Dallas, OR. The general contractor's bid of $1,789,050 was below the Engineer's Estimate of $2,515,800.
In the next few weeks, the Contractor will sign and return contracts along with all required bond, insurance, and special forms for review and approval by City staff. If that paperwork is correct, the contracts will be signed by the City Manager and returned to James W. Fowler Co. At that time, any administrative submittals, if needed, will be required before a preconstruction conference is scheduled.
The LOIS Team will schedule a "Meet the Contractor" session in February for neighbors who live near the Pump Station sites.
Work is scheduled to be complete by May, 2011.
December 14, 2009 
Last week's freezing temperatures did not stop LOIS construction on the lake, but it certainly made it more interesting. Contractors took extra measures to keep construction moving forward during the extremely cold weather.
Divers are needed on nearly every aspect of the LOIS project. They were able to keep up their progress under the lake's surface in last week's bitter cold, thanks to their hot water suits. The suits provide a steady supply of hot water into the lining of the suit, keeping the divers warm in cold diving conditions. Before getting into the lake, divers sit in a tub of hot water that allows their bodies to adjust to the hot water suits. After the divers return from their dive, they sit in the tub again to warm up before changing into their out of water work clothes.
Working temperatures on the barges were below freezing last week. Crewmembers received a thermal hat and added layers to their work attire.
In some cases, the cold temperatures resulted in additional activities on an already busy day.
December 11, 2009
Notice to Mariners Video - December 2009
Click here to learn more about the LOIS construction schedule.
December 2, 2009
With increased construction activity on Oswego Lake, the LOIS Team has issued an advisory for all boaters navigating the lake.
1. It is recommended that unnecessary night time and limited visibility operations not occur at this time.
2. This week, pipe stored in the bending area near the Lake Grove Swim Park will be moved approximately 2,000 feet due east. The pipe will be floating in the lake for approximately 3 days while being installed underwater. All craft will display an orange skiing flag for warning - do not cross between vessels; steer clear of the pipeline.
3. This week, another 1,200-foot section of floating sewer pipe will be towed from the east end to the west end of the lake, near the Lake Grove Swim Park. In addition to the pipe, mariners should be aware of 2 side patrol vessels, and a head and trailing vessel. All craft will display an orange skiing flag for warning - do not cross between vessels; steer clear of the pipeline.
4. Yellow hazard buoys designate transit channels for LOIS vessels and hazardous pile locations near Springbrook-please do not enter those zones and use caution when navigating near those areas.
5. Use SAFE SPEED when operating near all construction activities.
6. South east arm: be aware of the extended No Wake Zone, trestle dock, heavy traffic, and the designated channel to the Lake Corp. boat ramp marked with red and green buoys.
7. Mid-lake: be aware of barges, divers, and No Wake buoys. Look for passage on the south side of the lake.
8. West end: be aware of divers, steel piles protruding from the lake, and a pipe storage bunk near the Lake Grove Swim Park. Pile and pipe will be marked with flashing yellow lights.
9. Dive operations can occur at any construction location on the lake and take place off small barges. Small barges may be moored alongside larger barges. Boaters should look for a red and white diver's flag or a blue and white alpha flag.
November 23, 2009
With increased construction activity on Oswego Lake, the LOIS Team has issued an advisory for all boaters navigating the lake.
November 9, 2009
Pipe Fusing Construction Update Video - November 2009
Click here to learn more about the LOIS construction schedule.
November 5, 2009
LOIS construction will close one lane of southbound traffic on Bryant Road tomorrow. The closure will occur just south of Lakeview Boulevard between Lamont and Lakeview Boulevard for one day. The partial street closure will allow construction crews to remove a drill and other large pieces of equipment from barges in West Bay.
The signal at Lakeview and Bryant will be turned off and flaggers will direct traffic through the area. The one lane closure is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday November 5th.
November 2, 2009
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Over the next few weeks, LOIS contractors will begin towing long sections of pipe to this area for bending. |
With its pipe fusing operation in full swing, the LOIS team is preparing for the next phase in the project which involves bending the fused lengths of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into an s-curve for the buoyant, tethered portions of the pipeline. The s-curve design is necessary to allow for temperature fluctuations in the lake.
Since Oswego Lake is a fairly shallow body of water, its temperature can change up to 40 degrees through the seasons. With that kind of change, the pipeline can shrink and grow up to 14 feet over the 2-mile long stretch. The LOIS system design accommodates those temperature fluctuations in three ways: tethers restrain the pipe from bowing up, attached buoyancy pipes restrain the pipe from bowing down, and the s-curve limits side-to-side movement. These measures act in unison to ensure the right grade for gravity flow to the treatment plant.
If the pipe had no s-curve, the pipe could bow to the side, causing the fixed tether to pull the pipe down several feet. That pull would alter the required grade of the pipe. The s-curve limits side-to-side bowing to a fraction of an inch, which allows the system to maintain its seven-foot slope eastward to the wastewater treatment plant.
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The s-curve begins at the buoyant portion of the pipeline. Internodal cables are attached to hold the pipe into the required curve. |
The process of bending 1,200-foot pipe lengths into an s-curve demands a space of at least 300 feet by 1,200 feet on the lake. The work area must also be away from the existing interceptor and away from the areas where piles and anchors have already been installed. With these criteria in mind, an area east of the Lake Grove Swim Park was chosen for pipe bending. A 40-foot by 10-foot barge will mechanically pull the flexible pipe into shape using winches. When the pipe has "relaxed" into the required curve, internodal cables will be attached to the pipe to keep the curve intact. The barge will then move to the opposite side of the pipe and repeat the process until the s-curve is complete for the entire pipe length.
Pipe lengths that will be pile supported won't need bending. After fusing they will be towed to the right location and 'sunk' into place. These pipe lengths will be installed during the Lake Down phase of the LOIS Project, starting in September 2010.
November 1, 2009
You can now monitor the progress of LOIS construction from your computer. Check the Construction Update page (in the column to the left) for weekly updates on ground anchor and pile installation and find how much pipe has been fused.
October 29, 2009
The LOIS team has released the second webisode in its 5-part series on the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer. This 5-minute video highlights the ground anchor and pile installation occuring currently on Oswego Lake. We've provided a lakefront view so you can see and learn about the excting work happening now. View this episode here, and check back often in the months to come for new webisodes that will provide current information about the LOIS project as construction continues.
October 14, 2009
The star of the LOIS Project, the pipe, will make its debut on the lake this week. Delivery of the 50-foot-long sections of pipe to the McVey staging site will begin in October. Over 300 pieces of pipe will be fused into the 200- to 1600-foot lengths required for the interceptor project. Fusing will take place from October through January 2010
The fusion equipment uses heat and pressure to connect the pipes. The trestle dock at the McVey staging site was constructed in part as a place to fuse the pipe. When the proper lengths are reached, construction crews will tow the long pipe to an area on the south side of the lake for storage. Eventually, the contractor will tow each section to its ultimate destination along the interceptor alignment. Once there, the buoyant portion will be lowered and connected to tethers under the water. The pipe for the pile-supported portion will be sunk in place, ready to be hoisted onto pile supports when the lake is drawn down in September 2010.
Some of the activities that you will see include:
October 7, 2009
LEAGUE OF OREGON CITIES PRESENTS GOOD GOVERNANCE AWARD TO MAYOR HOFFMAN
The League of Oregon Cities honored the City of Lake Oswego with The Good Governance Award on October 3, 2009 at its annual conference in Portland. The award recognizes city programs or events which have a specific purpose of reaching out to and/or educating citizens. The Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) communications program, proclaimed as "a blueprint for local governments," earned the award for its public outreach and education efforts involved with the wastewater interceptor replacement project.
In less than one year, the LOIS Communications Team hosted over 60 public outreach meetings with neighborhood and business groups, instituted a telephone hotline, launched a comprehensive website, produced the first of five documentary webisodes, set up informational displays at City events, established a new media presence on Facebook and Twitter, delivered 48 electronic newsletters, and coordinated door-to-door neighborhood advisories.
The League of Oregon Cities is a voluntary association representing all 242 incorporated Oregon cities. The League helps city governments better serve their citizens by providing legislative services, technical assistance, publications, conferences and training (www.orcities.org).
September 22 2009
LOIS construction will close one lane of southbound traffic on Bryant Road next week. The closure will occur just south of Lakeview Boulevard between Lamont and Lakeview for 5-7 hours. The partial street closure will allow construction crews to remove large pieces of equipment used for manhole rehabilitation in West Bay.
The signal at Lakeview and Bryant will be turned off and flaggers will direct traffic through the area. The one lane closure, scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is anticipated to occur on Monday, 9/28.
Schedule details will be posted here as soon as information is available.
September 11, 2009 
The project's summer construction schedule was limited on the weekends per the City's agreement with the Lake Oswego Corporation. Starting this week (after Labor Day) Saturday work is allowed between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The new six day work schedule will allow the team to complete work in time for next fall's 2010 lake draw down. It will continue through the end of the Lake Full Work in June 2010.
A tight construction schedule must be maintained to keep the lake accessible for lake residents and easement members during the summer. This is an important goal of the project as is the need to keep public costs down. Weekday work is limited to between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
August 31, 2009
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Lake Full Construction Update Video - August 2009 Click here to learn more about the LOIS construction schedule. |
Revised August 25, 2009
(Original Post August 19, 2009)
Vibratory hammer and construction barge.
Installation of 321 new piles into the lake bed has begun and will continue for approximately six months. Ultimately, these piles will support 4,000 feet of new interceptor sewer pipe that will be hoisted onto the piles during the lake draw down that starts in September 2010.
Pile work started in the west end of the lake and will generally move east. Given the geology of the lake bed, most piles can be vibrated into place to the depths needed for seismic strength. A vibratory hammer will be used as much as possible to minimize the need for more conventional and noisy pile driving equipment. When the construction crew encounters large boulders or when the pile needs to be driven into bedrock, a traditional pile driver will be used and neighbors can expect increased volumes of intermittent noise at those times.
After a handful of piles are installed, the contractor will cut them off well below the lake surface at the required height to support the new pipeline. The contractor will repeat this process until all piles are installed. Any piles temporarily protruding from the lake will be protected by barges or clearly marked so boaters can avoid them.Detours may be required for boaters in the shallower west end of the lake, but navigation ways will be maintained during the summer season and into the fall. Navigation in Blue Heron Canal may be limited mid-October to November.
Vibratory hammer.
Most of the piles will be installed in the west end of the lake near the southern shoreline. Pile installation in Blue Heron Canal will occur toward the end of October and will extend as far as South Shore Blvd. In December and January, pile installation will continue in other areas, including near Twin Points, Diamond Head, Springbrook Creek, Lost Dog Creek and Half Moon Bay.
August 21, 2009
The Lake Oswego School District has reached agreement with the City of Lake Oswego that will allow contractors for the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer Project to cross the Lake Grove Swim Park on foot in order to access small work boats that will dock at the swim park seawall. This access will be allowed only during the months when the swim park is closed, and will not interfere with summer use of the park.
Details of the agreement are as follows:
August 18, 2009
The City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission approved LU 09-0017, a request by the Interceptor Sewer Project to build a new pump station, at its meeting last night.
Construction of a new sewer pipeline under Kelok and Bryant Road has been underway since early this year. This section of pipe will be operated by a pump station off Bryant Road near the Woodside Condominiums. Construction will likely begin this winter.
The Bryant Road Pump Station design was approved by the City's Development Review Commission (DRC) on August 4, 2009 and the Findings, Conclusions and Order was signed at the August 17th meeting. The findings list all of the requirements that the City will need to fulfill, both prior to obtaining a building permit as well as during and after the project, to ensure that code requirements are met.August 13, 2009
LOIS construction will close one lane of southbound traffic on Bryant Road this week. The closure will occur just south of Lakeview Boulevard between Lamont and Lakeview Boulevard for one day. The partial street closure will allow construction crews to load a drill and other large pieces of equipment onto barges in West Bay for manhole rehabilitation.
The signal at Lakeview and Bryant will be turned off and flaggers will direct traffic through the area. The one lane closure is scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The partial closure will occur after the current paving project is complete on Bryant Road (between Sarah Hill and Cardinal) which is anticipated to conclude on Wednesday August 19.
Changes to that schedule will be posted here as soon as information is available.
August 10, 2009
As construction work begins on Oswego Lake, manufacturers around the region are hard at work fabricating, assembling, and testing parts for the new interceptor sewer. Several local companies are preparing materials for the project. Here is a glimpse at a few.
Stainless steel tether brackets at GTE in Canby.
GTE Metal Fabricators - Canby, OR. GTE is manufacturing the stainless steel tether brackets that connect the sewer pipe to the two buoyancy pipes on either side (see picture). GTE will also construct the internodal cable brackets which will keep the interceptor in the proper alignment, the carbon steel pile caps for the pile supported part of the pipeline, and manhole caissons which will be used to access the interceptor for maintenance after construction is complete.
Cascade Rigging - Clackamas, OR. Cascade is fabricating the stainless steel tether and internodal cables that connect the tether brackets to anchors in the lake bed and hold the interceptor in a serpentine shape.
HDPE pipe sections.
Stainless Steel Manhole.
Ferguson Waterworks - Portland, OR and Washougal, WA. Ferguson is fusing the end caps on the buoyancy pipes and providing the fusing machines for the new sewer. There are about 850 buoyancy pipes in the project with two caps on each. Ferguson is fabricating all of the special attachments to the pipe required by the project design.
Performance Pipe - Reno, NV. Performance Pipe, a supplier to Ferguson Waterworks, is extruding two million pounds of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe for the Project. At their plant, they can produce five, 50 foot sections of the largest size pipe needed per day. They will ship four sections of pipe daily on a truck for the trip to Lake Oswego.
Marks Brothers - Boring, OR. They are making the stainless steel manholes that will be below the surface of the lake. They will deliver the first of seven new manholes by the end of September 2009. Aluminum caissons, or tubes, manufactured by GTE will attach to these manholes allowing access to the interceptor with the lake full.
PSI (Professional Service Industries, Inc.) - Portland, OR. PSI will be testing many of the materials used in the project to make sure that components are built to withstand handling and installation, seismic and operating forces and the lake environment throughout the 100 year expected design life.
July 30, 2009
Construction of a new sewer pipeline under Kelok and Bryant Road has been underway since early this year. This section of pipe will be operated by a pump station off Bryant Road near Woodside Condominiums. The City of Lake Oswego Development Review Commission will discuss LU 09-0017, a request by the Interceptor Sewer Project to build the pump station, at its next meeting on August 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. If approved, construction will likely begin this winter.
The station will be located on common property of the Woodside Community Association, adjacent to Bryant Road and Oswego Canal. A pump station inside a residential area requires a conditional use permit and a Development Review Permit. The site is inside a natural resource area and requires the deliniation and establishment of a protection area. Construction will remove 20 trees and plant 38 more trees. The area from which the trees will be removed will be outside of the delineated Resource Conservation tree grove. Of the 20 trees that will be removed, the condition assessment indicates that all are in either 'fair' or 'poor' condition. Staff coordinator is Debra Andreades, Senior Planner.
July 27, 2009
The next major activity at the McVey staging site (near the Lake Corporation Marina) is the construction of a temporary dock or trestle. Trestle construction is expected to begin this week and last through late August. The structure will remain until Summer 2010.
Serving as "supply central" during the Lake Full portion of the LOIS Project, the trestle will be a platform for cranes to load equipment on barges and as an area to fuse pipe segments for the interceptor pipeline.
The contractor will use a "down hole hammer" to drill holes for the 18-inch diameter steel pipe piles that will support the structure. The trestle dock must be robust enough to support heavy loads such as cranes and trucks.
At this time there are no plans to use impact pile driving equipment for the trestle construction. While the "down hole hammer" is considerably quieter than a traditional pile driver, people near the site will experience intermittent periods of loud noise from the drill and its compressor.
The map below shows the orientation and scale of the completed trestle as well as barge activity in the area. Please use extreme caution while boating near the site.
July 20, 2009
LOIS has made her presence known on the lake in the form of a large barge. This floating "hamlet" is setting the ground anchors for the buoyant portion of the LOIS system. In late June, it moved into the lake to begin its operation. It contains two drills, construction materials, an office and a filtration system to clean any water, drilling fluids and sediment from the operation. The anchor drilling barge will be in operation on the main lake through the end of the year.
July 7, 2009
This is an update to apprise you of current and upcoming LOIS activity happening in the East End of Oswego Lake.
Barges on Lakewood Bay
You have undoubtedly noticed several barges on the lake. The smaller barges are being used to rehabilitate some existing manholes in Lakewood Bay. The larger is a downhole hammer barge, which will install the 25 support piles for a large trestle dock to be constructed near Oswego Lake Dam. During rehabilitation work, the sewer will be diverted to bypass pumps on Third Street. Parking will be limited, but access will be maintained. The system will be installed in late July and operate there into August.
Read more to learn about trestle construction in the east arm and possible traffic delays on McVey Avenue.
Trestle Construction in East Arm
Cranes will remain at the McVey site and on the trestle during pipe
fusing operations. Serving as "supply central" during the Lake Full
portion of the LOIS project, the trestle will be a platform for cranes
to load equipment on barges and as an area to fuse pipe segments for
the buoyant and pile-supported pipeline.
Construction of the trestle will occur from mid-July through late August 2009, and the structure will remain until Summer 2010. Pipe fusing will take place during Fall/Winter 2009-2010.
Traffic on McVey Avenue and State StreetAccess to Pioneer Court will be blocked between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2009 by construction on Bryant Road. A meeting was held with neighbors last week to explain the closure. The Bryant-Kelok sewer Contractor will have a small area set aside for Pioneer resident parking, but space is limited. Public street parking is also available on Cardinal Drive.
June 29, 2009 
Please observe posted signs and warnings around construction areas. They are posted for your safety and to allow contractors to work as efficiently as possible.
ALDER CIRCLE
On Alder Circle, improperly parked vehicles have blocked contractor access to the Alder Staging site, which stalls construction work and forces heavy trucks to sit on the street while they wait for site access.
MCVEY STAGING AREA
An illegally parked car interfered with a crane-loading operation at the LOIS McVey staging area, causing delays and traffic stoppages. Please observe the marked "No Parking" Zones on McVey, near the Lake Corporation Offices.
BRYANT ROAD CONSTRUCTION AREA
The section of Bryant Road between Sarah Hill Lane and Cardinal Drive is closed temporarily for LOIS in-ground wastewater line installation. This is an active work zone with heavy equipment throughout the area. Pedestrians have been entering the site and causing disruptions to service.
Please observe "Sidewalk Closed" and "Road Closed" signs and avoid the area for your safety.
June 17, 2009 
Construction of the Kelok portion of the new underground wastewater pipeline concluded in May and work along the Bryant Road section is now scheduled to begin.
The section of Bryant Road from Sarah Hill Lane to Cardinal will be closed to through traffic from July 17th to August 31, 2009. The road must close because of the size of the trench.
Three sewer lines will be installed under Bryant Road.
The new pipelines will alleviate overflows in Cardinal and the Main Canal once the line is connected to the new interceptor.
Construction of this portion of the line was scheduled during the summer to minimize conflicts with school-related traffic.
For more information about the Kelok Road and Bryant Road Pipeline project, including the construction of the Bryant Road pump station, click here.June 16, 2009
This week, construction barges will be assembled in the lake for construction of the new interceptor. Barges will be seen in the west end of the lake, Lakewood Bay and Half Moon Bay.
| How to Maneuver Around the Ground Anchor Barge |
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Read more to learn about what you can expect.
June 12, 2009
The City of Lake Oswego recently removed two existing homes on McVey Avenue to provide access to the lake for interceptor sewer construction. Unlike a typical demolition project where everything is taken to a dump site, for this project, the City hired a specialized contractor to identify and remove materials for reuse. The City kept 85-90% of the demolition project out of landfills and saved 25%-35% in cost as compared to demolition.
Don Burke Excavation & Construction, Inc. (DBEC) performed deconstruction services.
The following items were reclaimed, reused, recycled or sold:
| Fixtures | Water Heaters |
| Appliances | Cabinets |
| Windows |
Pavers |
| Doors |
Landscape Plants and Trees |
| Hardware |
Yard Lights/Planters/ Decor |
| Siding |
Shutters |
| Decking |
Vent covers |
| Fireplace Inserts |
Insulation |
| Wood Beams |
Wood |
| Furnaces | Metal |
| Roofing | Glass |
| Paper/Cardboard |
All rubble debris, concrete and asphalt was transferred to a staging area to be crushed and recycled as crushed aggregate material for use in future projects.
Both properties received hazardous materials inspection and removal in anticipation of deconstruction activities.
No decisions have been made about the use of these properties after sewer construction is complete.
June 9, 2009
At 9:00 am today, a 50-ton rubber tired crane will be delivered to Alder Circle for the LOIS project. According to the spokesperson for the trucking company, the planned route is Highway 43 to McVey to South Shore to Alder Circle.
June 4, 2009 
The section of Bryant Road between Sarah Hill Lane and Cardinal Drive will be closed from June 17 to August 30, for continuing work on the LOIS Project.
Click on the image for a full size map of the detour route [PDF 738 KB].
June 2, 2009
Five Waluga Junior High students - James Wells, Andrew Liu, Vincent Chia, Wren Hensgen and Sean Kelly - who call themselves Team S.A.V.E. (Super Awesome Video Game Engineers) developed a video game about the interceptor sewer. The team's game won them 2nd prize in the Oregon Game Programming Challenge, organized by TechStart Education, on Saturday, May 16.
The team worked with project engineers and City staff to
understand the project and incorporate community concerns. In the game,
players have to fix LOIS before they run out of oxygen while attacking
sucker fish or pollution reaches a maximum. The game also monitors
"community goodwill," which starts at 50 percent.
May 29, 2009 
At two events this past week, Advanced American Construction, the selected contractor for in-Lake work, met with neighbors to discuss the project, answer questions and address concerns.
Residents in the east end of the lake, including Lakewood Bay, Half Moon Bay and the east arm were invited to meet vice president of operations, Mike Johns, and project manager, Sam Barchus at Starbucks Coffee on State Street. On May 27th, a larger group of west end residents gathered at Bryant School to meet Mr. Barchus and AAC President, Dee Burch. Both sessions provided a personalized interaction for community members most directly impacted by lake full construction.
To view handouts from the meeting, click here.
May 28, 2009 
Paving was completed on Maple Circle this morning and continues south down Kelok Road Friday. All paving should be complete by Friday afternoon.
If you live in the immediate area, please remove your vehicles from the street before
7 a.m.
May 20, 2009
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At a recent visit to Bryant Elementary School, project staff invited 3rd and 4th graders to design their own bumper stickers for the interceptor sewer project. Here are a few of the creative results.
May 18, 2009
Recent coverage in the Oregonian newspaper discusses the City of Lake Oswego's decision to issue bonds to fund the first stages of sewer construction and the impact on municipal sewer rates.
City Selling Bonds for Sewer Interceptor
by Yuxing Zheng, The Oregonian, Monday May 11, 2009
Lake Oswego will next month sell $60 million in full-faith and credit bonds to pay for a large portion of the sewer interceptor project.
Lake Oswego residents to see sewer bills jump 30 percent
by Yuxing Zheng, The Oregonian, Wednesday May 13, 2009
Lake Oswego residents will see a 30 percent increase in sewer bills starting July 1.
That means the average family now paying $60 every two months will see its bill jump to $78.
Mrs. Margie Beckett knows about the LOIS project first hand. She lives on Kelok Road where sewer pipe installation has meant living with construction for several weeks. Mrs. Beckett
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Click play to find out how the construction team located the laterals that lead to homes along Kelok Road. |
recently shared her gratitude for LOIS team member Pat McDougal and the contractor hired to complete the project, Canby Engineering. Here's what she said:
"Canby Excavating has done an amazing job on our street. Because the entire crew has been so hard working and so thoughtful of the residents in our area, what could have been a nuisance has turned out to be a very pleasant experience. We have been very impressed with the speed of the work, the competency of all of the workers, and the thoroughness of the cleanup. They have been most cooperative with residents when we needed to access our homes and driveways and that has been really helpful! I am quite impressed that the city hired such a competent company to do this work. I have never seen a construction crew before that worked so efficiently. Based on the work done on our street, I call them the "Les Schwab" of construction companies!"
Keep up the good work LOIS!
Read on to see all of Mrs. Beckett's letter.
April 24, 2009
The LOIS team has just released the first webisode in a 5-part series on the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer. This 5-minute video highlights the history of water use in Lake Oswego and provides a brief introduction and overview of the project. View this episode here now, and check back often in the months to come for new webisodes that will provide the most current information about the LOIS project as construction continues.
April 22, 2009
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Jane Heisler encourages students to think about where water comes from. |
LOIS project staff took the project on the road visiting a local elementary school Friday to share information about the sewer replacement project. Jane Heisler, Communications Director, made a presentation to 3rd and 4th graders at Bryant Elementary School on April 17th. Students were introduced to the importance of clean water and learned how water travels from their homes to the treatment plant.
Ms. Heisler shared information about the condition of the aging interceptor system and talked about how the new LOIS improvements will assure the safe transfer of waste during their lifetime and beyond. They saw images of the different machines, equipment, and pipe materials that would be used in the LOIS construction process.
Bryant students were invited to draw bumper stickers to convey messages about the LOIS project and clean water. Select images will be displayed on the LOIS website, and some may be made into real bumper stickers or a banner displayed at the construction site.
Construction on the Lake Full portion of work is anticipated to begin in May/June 2009.
April 8, 2009
No one likes utility rate increases, especially in tough economic times like these. As the numbers began to come together two weeks ago in preparation for sale of bonds for the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) Project, anticipated 10% annual increases for 10 years gave way to 25-30% increases for the first three years, with increases falling off to the level of inflation after that. Some of the factors contributing to the sharper early increases include:
New project estimate of $124 million rather than an earlier $100 million estimate.
The need for adequate debt coverage during the first two years when the bonds will be sold.
Bond insurance and project completion bonds. While completion bonds may not need to be sold, the authority for selling them is required up front and must be covered by utility revenues.
Lower systems development charge revenue anticipated in the wastewater fund due to the lower pace of building.
Some positive news in the midst of this came on Thursday, April 2, when the City received bids for the largest phase of the project, the "Lake Full" work. The lowest bid of $26.2 million was nearly $16 million lower than the engineer's estimate. Project cost estimates, now at $110 million rather than $124 million, will help to keep rate increases toward the lower end of the 25-30% range. More specific rate information will be available following a rate study to be completed in June.
Starting in July, for the average residential ratepayer who currently pays about $30 per month, will see wastewater rates rise to $37-$39 in 2009/10, $48-$51 in 2010/11, and $62/$66 in 2011/12. Increases after 2012 should mirror inflation.
The City has worked very hard at every stage to reduce rate impacts on residents. The project team has:
April 7, 2009
The City announced their intent to award the Lake Full portion of LOIS construction to local company, Advanced American Construction on Friday. After carefully reviewing bids from four companies, the City determined the Advanced American submittal was responsive and responsible. The decision to enter a contract will be made by the City Council at a meeting scheduled for April 14, 2009.
April 2, 2009
Four construction companies vied today for the largest segment of the LOIS Project - the Lake Full contract. The apparent low bidder, Advanced American Construction, offered to complete the project for $26,158,373, substantially lower than the engineer's estimate of $42,000,000.
The LOIS engineering team is now checking the bid and hopes to announce by Friday, April 3, a ‘Notice of Intent to Award' the contract to Advanced American. The bids received ranged from a low of approximately $26.2 million to a high of $56.2 million.
"The economy may be a factor in this low bid. Steel, fuel, and other materials costs are down substantially from last year and the larger construction firms are trimming profit margins just to keep skilled workers employed rather than be caught short handed when the economy recovers ," said Joel Komarek, Project Director.
City Council is scheduled to award a contract on April 14. On April 7 they will be authorizing issuance of wastewater revenue bonds to cover the total cost of the project. Given the lower-than-expected bid, the total amount Council will need to authorize could be lower as well.
March 11, 2009
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Buoyant tethered system only feasible
in deeper portions of the lake. |
Project engineers presented updated cost estimates to the City Council on Tuesday March 3rd. The new estimates have increased from $100 million to $124.5 million, from preliminary planning level estimates prepared in February 2007. This increase is largely due to:
Additional information regarding lakebed sediments and the type of environmental permits that the City was able to acquire. This led to a large design change from the buoyant tethered system in the shallower portions of the lake to 6,000 feet of pile-supported pipe;
An additional phase of the project that includes relining pipes in West Bay , Lakewood Bay and the Main Canal, to extend service life by 50 years or more; and,
Design refinements to improve reliability and longevity of the system.
Bids for the Lake Full portion of the project are due late March. Lake Full work includes setting anchors for the buoyant tethered portion of the system, setting piles for the pile support pipe work, and fusing and deploying 19,000 feet of pipe into the lake.
February 27, 2009
Contractors had to remove excess ground water to facilitate the installation of a manhole at Maple Circle this month. Watch the video to learn more about the temporary system that filtered and discharged the water.
Work concludes on Maple Circle soon and construction crews will begin moving south on Kelok Road in early March. Stay tuned to LOIS News for additional updates.
February 9, 2009
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| Workers from Canby Excavating encountered excess amounts of water as they began the manhole installation process. |
The Maple Circle wastewater line, sump and manhole work has begun. On Thursday, contractors found it more difficult than anticipated to keep up with disposal and handling of the amount of water entering the trench as it was being dug. Friday afternoon was spent testing the rate at which water was flowing into the trenches. With this information, the contractor will arrive at a solution for proper removal, cleaning and handling of the water so that excavation can continue.
One solution could be to pump water from the trenches into large tanks where it can settle and then be discharged according to the City's requirements. These tanks may be placed at the Maple Circle Easement. The LOIS team will keep you informed as plans are developed.
Maple Circle and Kelok Residents Learn about Construction Plans
January 23, 2009
Kelok and Maple Circle neighbors gathered at Westridge Elementary School on January 15th to meet the contractor who will be working on their street for the next couple of months as part of the Kelok-Bryant Wastewater Sewer project. The contrctor, City staff and members of the engineering team answered questions about what part of the street would be affected, schedule, tree protection, access for emergency and service vehicles among other important topics.
Neighbors were introduced to the City staff who will oversee the construction work and who will be available on the street to answer their questions. Neighbors were encouraged to use the project hotline number anytime day or night if they had a question or concern.
Invitations to the meeting were mailed to all residents along the construction route from Maple Circle (near the swim easement) down Kelok Road to Bryant Road and emailed to the Blue Heron and Bryant Neighborhood Association chairs just after the new year. The meeting summary was emailed to anyone along the alignment who is on the project email list.
Download notes from the meeting here:For a great introduction to the LOIS project, you can now watch the Community Closeup feature from Tualatin Valley Community Television on this website by using the player below. Joel Komarek, Project Director and Jane Heisler, Communications Director for the LOIS Project provide important basics about LOIS:
January 12, 2009
Clean water and working sewers are two main reasons for replacement of the Interceptor sewer line in Oswego Lake. Last week, severe rainstorms provided a reminder that the main sewer line in the lake is under capacity, causing tributary line back up.
On New Year's Day about 2:30 pm, the City recognized that the wastewater system was not working correctly. According to the City's Overflow Response Plan, the Maintenance Services Department began to create a containment area around a wastewater manhole in Cardinal Drive.
The rains continued
and, by 11pm, intermittent overflows did occur into the Blue Heron
Canal, when vacuum trucks could no longer keep pace with the flow. By
midnight, three wastewater manholes in the Main Canal began to
overflow. By 7am the following day, the upsets were contained. The
area on Cardinal was thoroughly cleaned. The City estimates that over
75% of all diluted wastewater was intercepted by the vacuum trucks.
The new
Interceptor Sewer and current sewer construction underway in Kelok Road
will address conditions like those experienced on Cardinal and the Blue
Heron Canal last week. Currently, wastewater from several hundred homes
in the Westridge/Palisades area flows through the sewer line in
Cardinal Drive. The Bryant Road and Kelok Road sewer project, that is
underway now, will remove those flows from the line in Cardinal to help
eliminate the overflows. Of course, upsizing the interceptor in the
lake will also provide greater capacity for the entire system, which
will also help eliminate backups.
December 29, 2008
"Lake Oswego Stainless Steel Covers Will Cost $631,000"
The Oregonian, December 25, 2008
"Lake Oswego has agreed to pay $631,000 for stainless steel manholes from Marks Brothers Inc., of Boring....
Engineers had estimated the manholes would cost about $805,000, but the city benefited from falling prices for raw materials and skilled labor."
Click here for full text of this article.December 22, 2008
Bryant Area Trip Tips
Do you live in or travel through the Bryant or Blue Heron Neighborhoods in the southwest part of town? If so, you'll want to know what to expect with the Bryant/Kelok/Maple Circle sewer project which starts in January. The contractor for the Bryant/Kelok/Maple Circle sewer installation, Canby Excavating, will begin work on Maple Circle and then move to Kelok Road. A 200 foot 'moving' work zone will provide maximum convenience for Kelok residents.
To accommodate workers and equipment and protect public safety during construction expect to see:
For your safety and the safety of others during construction please:
After work is complete on Kelok Road, the contractor will begin work in a small section of Bryant Road between Cardinal Drive and Sarah Hill. This section of sewer line will be installed between June and the end of August 2009.
Part of the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer Project (LOIS), this new pipe will reroute flows from the Main Canal sewer line, which is the first to back up during periods of heavy rain. The LOIS Project will protect public health and improve water quality for more than 28,000 Lake Oswego residents by greatly reducing the chance of overflows.
December 3, 2008
"Lake Oswego: Public works project benefit in tough times"
The Oregonian, Dec 3, 2008
"The tanking economy has at least one winner: the City of Lake Oswego.
More construction companies, including some that focus on housing when that market is strong, are competing more aggressively for the few available public works projects. That's good for cities, such as Lake Oswego, which recently secured bids significantly lower than the engineer's estimate.
Most notable is the city's Kelok pumparound, a small portion of the $100 million Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer project, that engineers estimated at $2.8 million. The winning bid to install the sewer pipe along Kelok Road came in at $947,000 -- a third of the estimate"
Click here for full text of this article.November 24, 2008
The bid opening for the Kelok/Bryant/Maple sewer work provided a pleasant surprise to the LOIS team and City Council on Tuesday, November 18. While all 15 bids received came in under the engineer’s estimate of $2,800,000, the low bid of $947,439 was only 34% of the estimate! This is great news for the project budget.
The Council will review the bid award recommendation on December 2. It is anticipated that a contract could be signed later in December, 2008.
October 21, 2008
What if you couldn't use your sink, shower, toilet or washing machine for six months? Well, thankfully, this won't have to happen during the replacement of the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS). The project has been designed so that essential sewer service will continue uninterrupted throughout the project. Thanks to 'bypass pumping,' residents can go about their daily lives without sewer interruption.
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| An example of a bypass sewer set up in downtown Portland |
Bypass pumping will be needed during the lake down work as manholes are being worked on. The contractor will disconnect the existing sewer line and pump the contents to a separate bypass sewer line. This allows the contractor to upgrade an existing sewer manhole or install or connect a new segment of pipe to a manhole while allowing sewer flows to continue.
Here is a simplified explanation of the bypass pumping process:
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| Maintenance Project in the 1980's Near Alder Point |
Careful design and the use of modern materials mean fewer maintenance requirements for the LOIS replacement. The existing system has manholes that are spaced at up to 2,700 feet along the line while the new system will have a maximum manhole spacing of 1,600 feet. The shorter distance means less equipment and effort required to clean the pipeline. The non-corroding, high density polyethylene pipe material in the new system will also lead to reduced system maintenance. The new system will have a joint every 1,500 fee, while the existing system has a joint every 32 feet. This adds up to fewer opportunities for joint failure in the new system.
Here's a summary of the periodic maintenance requirements for the new system:
The existing interceptor manholes extend above the lake surface. The
new manholes are below the lake surface and require use of access
structures called caissons. Other, similarly designed systems beneath
Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish in the Seattle area have used this
access method for over 40 years.
The existing interceptor line has had intermittent inspections by divers over the years. There have also been a couple of major maintenance projects that involved draw downs. These won't be necessary with the new system.
For a great LOIS project introduction, watch the Community Closeup feature on Tualatin Valley Ccommunity Television channels during the month of November. Joel Komarek, Project Director and Jane Heisler, Communications Director for the LOIS Project provide important basics about LOIS.
The following are the dates, times and channels when the program will be broadcast:
| Channel | Date | Time |
| 21 | Friday November 28, 2008 |
11:30 a.m. |
| 21 |
Tuesday December 2, 2008 |
1:00 p.m. |
| 21 | Wednesday December 3, 2008 |
6:30 p.m. |
| 21 |
Monday December 15, 2008 |
10:00a.m. |
| 11 | Saturday December 20, 2008 |
12:30 p.m. |
| 21 |
Wednesday December 24, 2008 |
6:30 p.m. |
Protecting the public's health and safeguarding the environment are the two primary purposes for reconstructing the sewer interceptor in Oswego Lake. The current system is susceptible to earthquakes and cannot provide the capacity needed to avoid overflows, which are not good for humans or the environment.
Good environmental stewardship also requires that construction activities occur in a sensitive way. A comprehensive environmental review process has ensured that the LOIS Project meets or exceeds all environmental safeguards.
The LOIS project team has turned to federal and state agencies including the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Oregon Department of State Lands (ODSL), and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for expertise in protecting the lake. As stewards of important federal and state legislation like the Clean Water Act and the Removal-Fill Act, these agencies provide the best knowledge and expertise in waterway and natural habitat protection. Scientists and biologists from the environmental firm, Anchor Environmental, were hired to conduct research, submit permit applications and coordinate construction activities with the USACE, ODSL, and ODFW as well as:
Through the permit process, all of the above agencies have supported the proposed construction practices for the LOIS Project. The project is in compliance with federal and state regulations and has been granted all required environmental permits to begin construction. Click here for examples of project approvals the project has obtained.
One of the top priorities of the LOIS team is to give community members access to as much information about the project as possible. The LOIS communications team has been conducting town hall meetings with stakeholders and other interested parties and is working on a “traveling information show” that will bring the project details to a location near you. Among other communications efforts, boat tours are being scheduled of the LOIS pipeline replacement route for City Council and Mayoral candidates so they can gain a better understanding of the details and scope of the project.
The new Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) combines state-of-the-art design and technology -- because the City deserves nothing less. So it might be logical to ask: Will it work? The answer is yes. Using rock solid laws of physics, courtesy of such science heavyweights as Newton and Archimedes, the City's design engineering team, including consulting engineers from Brown and Caldwell*, can assure you the LOIS system being designed will perform as intended for many decades to come.
What are those laws of physics behind this nearly two-mile length of buoyant, tethered, gravity sewer line? Some of them include gravity, buoyancy and thermal expansion.
Gravity: Gravity sewers have been in place since before the apple fell on Newton's head. The Romans installed the first sewer 2500 BC. Even earlier, Roman aqueducts depended on gravity to deliver water to citizens. Without an opposing force in the way, if something is heavy, it will fall, or, in the case of sewage, flow downhill. Following this logic, the new interceptor will be kept at a slope that will allow gravity flow along the length of the pipe, all the way to the treatment plant. How can we be sure the pipe will maintain this constant downward slope? Read on.
The tethered pipeline system ties a floating pipeline directly to bedrock.
Thermal Expansion: Another factor to overcome in the design of the system is thermal expansion. Since the lake is a small, fairly shallow body of water, its temperature changes about 40 degrees through the seasons. With that kind of temperature change, the pipe will shrink and grow about 14 feet over the 2-mile long pipe. In the LOIS design, the tethers restrain the pipe from bowing up, the buoyancy pipe restrains the pipe from bowing down and the s-curve limits the side to side movement. These elements acting in unison ensure the right grade all the way to the treatment plant.
The interceptor has been designed with these physics lessons in mind, to provide decades of essential sewer service to Lake Oswego residents and businesses. Want to learn more? Look at the Oswego Lake Interceptor Sewer Upgrade Project Predesign, Phase 1 – Executive Summary [PDF 7.5 mb].
(*Brown and Caldwell provides engineering design services for the interceptor sewer project.)
The City of Lake Oswego announced today that it is revising certain aspects of the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) schedule in order to ensure the City's number one public works project meets the highest quality standards and delivers the best value. The changes will lead to a later start date for the "lake-full" aspects of construction, but will not affect the City's commitment to complete the project according to the schedule agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Project Director Joel Komarek said the lake-full portion of the work, once targeted for a fall 2008 start, will be started in fall 2009, with the drawdown work to follow in 2010/11.
"We always anticipated that there might be timing or sequence adjustments as we moved forward," Komarek said. "The most important priority is to maintain the highest quality construction at the best value and with the least impact on residents. This change allows us to do that."
There are two primary reasons for the change, Komarek said. First, access to a critical staging area for the project, the Lake Grove Swim Park, is not yet secured. This site is needed so that the lake-full portion of the work can begin and end on time, prior to the lake drawdown. Moving the lake-full work to fall 2009 provides additional time to ensure an access point is secured and ready for use.
Second, the revised schedule gives the City time to seek the best possible construction management firm. The City contracted with Barnard Construction Company, Inc (BCCI) of Montana for preconstruction services in September 2007.
Mayor Judie Hammerstad said, "This project is designed to last 75 years or longer. We need to do it right and get the best value in quality and price for the public. We have a responsibility to use the best contractor at the best price and that's what we will do."
July 16, 2008
With input from citizens all over the City, the Lake Oswego City Council voted in August 2007 to construct a new in-lake buoyant system. The City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Corporation then set to work identifying ways to lessen the impact of project construction on lake residents and users while protecting water quality and controlling costs. An important milestone was reached this March. A cooperative agreement was signed by the City and the Lake Oswego Corporation.
The major agreements include:
The agreement opened the way for finalizing project design and construction plans. The focus of the project team's design work is to ensure the new system is reliable and economical. Currently, permits are being obtained and a detailed construction schedule is being defined. Barnard Construction from Bozeman, Montana, is working closely with Brown and Caldwell engineers and City engineering staff to develop complete design documents and cost estimates. A final construction schedule and cost estimate will also be completed and available to the public in July.
With cost and schedule information in hand, the City will be better able to engage the community in a discussion about financing options prior to making a final financing decision before the project begins.
Engineer Recommendation
The City Council recently received a City Engineer recommendation to select the in-lake buoyant gravity system to replace the current Oswego Lake Interceptor System. The City Council took public testimony and voted to approve the City Engineer's recommendation on July 10, 2007.
Compared to the around-the-lake pumping option, the in-lake buoyant gravity system:
Three important issues, with essentially identical requirements regardless of which option is selected, do not need to be decided at this time, but are nonetheless critical to successful completion of the project are: are access to Oswego Lake, the duration and timing of lake drawdown, and project financing.
