For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Feb. 7, 2007

EWEB keeps public access to College Hill Reservoir

The top of College Hill Reservoir will remain open to public access following action by EWEB commissioners Tuesday night (Feb. 6).

On a unanimous vote, commissioners voted to install a security fence only around the “head house” – the small building on top of the reservoir that provides access to the water inside the reservoir. The action, which also includes providing an electronic intrusion-detection device for the fence, is aimed at increasing security at the reservoir while still allowing public access to the reservoir’s top.

Several College Hill area residents attended Tuesday’s meeting and expressed their thanks to EWEB for involving them in a process to come up with a security solution that is satisfactory to the neighborhood. A number of neighbors had opposed an initial EWEB proposal to fence the main reservoir and close off public access to its top.

The board essentially adopted the recommendations of EWEB staff, as contained in a Jan. 31 memorandum. In addition to the fence around the head house, the board directed staff to:

• Seal the roof slabs against water intrusion and wear.
• Armor the expansion joints between the roof slabs with steel plating.
• Work with the city and/or Friendly Area Neighbors to obtain funding for a ramp that would meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Work with the city parks department to install a pet waste station, waste removal and signage urging cleanup by pet owners.
• Remove and manage vegetation at the site to improve visibility.
• Assist the neighborhood in establishing a better Neighborhood Watch program to keep an eye on the reservoir.