1. Are there rats in the sanitary sewer system?
Because Oak Lodge Sanitary District’s sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems are not combined, there are seldom any rats in the sanitary sewer system. In areas with combined sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems (such as in Portland) rats have easy access into the sanitary sewer system from the storm sewers. It is important that all sewer cleanout points are kept tightly capped, and that any broken cleanouts or lines are repaired promptly to keep rats and other vermin out of the system.
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2. Does the Oak Lodge Sanitary District wastewater treatment plant produce “biosolids”, and what is this product?
The Oak Lodge Sanitary District wastewater treatment plant produces a Class B Biosolids product that is suitable for spreading on pastures and farmland. Biosolids are a perfect soil enhancer for the heavy clay type soil prevalent in this area. District biosolids are distributed in rural Clackamas County on DEQ approved sites. There are specific regulations, enforced by the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), regarding uses of land on which biosolids have been spread, and the use of animals that have grazed on pastures which have been fertilized with biosolids. Before biosolids can be applied to any site, that site must be inspected and approved by DEQ. District staff annually reports all applications of biosolids to DEQ, including a map of each site with the report.
The biosolids produced at the District’s wastewater treatment plant is a cake product. It is produced from digested biosolids that have been dewatered using a polymer product and filtering processes. It is transported in a tanker truck specially designed to spread the material on agricultural fields.
If you would like more information on the product, or would like to take a tour of the Solids Handling Building (or any other District facility), please call the Administration Office at 503-653-1653. You will be connected to a staff member who can arrange a tour for you.
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3. What is in the District's biosolids?
Because there is a very minimal amount of industry within the Oak Lodge area, the biosolids produced at our wastewater treatment plant is low in heavy metals and other industrial waste. The product meets all requirements.
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4. Is Oak Lodge Sanitary District’s biosolids product safe?
The biosolids produced and distributed by Oak Lodge Sanitary District is safe within the limits of “Best Management Practices” and “Scientifically Applied Risk Based Assessment”. This product is not “sludge”. Sludge is a raw and untreated product with no pathogens removed. Oak Lodge Sanitary District produces a biosolids that has undergone treatment and digestion processes, has been dewatered, and has undergone pathogen removal. When the biosolids are applied to farmlands all requirements for quality of biosolids, set backs and buffers to protect the public, application rate, and land use restrictions are observed.
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5. Is the river safe?
River water safety is a relative thing. It is not advisable to drink untreated water from any surface stream. You should contact DEQ in Portland regarding water safety in the Willamette River at specific times.
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6. Is the plant effluent safe?
The plant effluent meets or exceeds the requirements placed on the wastewater treatment plant by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit issued to the District by DEQ.
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