Pacific City in northwest Oregon is receiving significant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant, announced State Director Vicki Walker today. This project will expand the system’s capacity, setting the foundation to support future growth and increased seasonal tourism while protecting local water quality.
“Rural communities across the country are faced with the challenges of maintaining and upgrading their infrastructure while protecting the natural resources valued by their residents and visitors alike,” said Walker. “This project will ensure adequate utilities for the community, protect the environment, and help support the town’s sustained economic vitality.”
The current wastewater treatment plant, operated by the Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority (PCJWSA), was constructed more than 35 years ago. Today, many components of the facility have exceeded their useful life. The system currently serves approximately 1,000 permanent residents and up to 5,000 seasonal visitors. Its present capacity provides little margin for error, resulting in several violations of the recently tightened National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements. With the town’s population projected to reach 4,259 by 2035, the wastewater system requires extensive upgrades in order to meet the needs of its current and future customers while also protecting the environment.
With assistance from a USDA Rural Development loan of $8.7 million and a grant of $1.9 million provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Program, PCJWSA will convert the existing system into a sequencing batch reactor. The reactor will treat wastewater flows in phases for filling, aerobic reaction, settling, and decanting. These upgrades will enable to city to meet heightened environmental requirements, improving water quality in the nearby Nestucca River. In addition, these improvements will position the community for continued growth and a vibrant tourist economy.