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After serving Eugene for over 80 years, the 15-million-gallon (MG) College Hill Reservoir has reached the end of its useful life. EWEB will dismantle the leaky and antiquated reservoir and replace it in the next few years with new, modern drinking water storage tanks built to withstand major earthquakes.
Why is this project necessary?
EWEB's College Hill reservoir—which serves all Eugene homes and businesses, and provides emergency water for critical community needs, including fire suppression—is nearing the end of its useful life and fails to meet current seismic standards. It is unlikely to survive a major earthquake, resulting in Eugene losing critical supplies of safe drinking water in the event of a disaster.
In addition, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is requiring EWEB to rehabilitate or decommission the reservoir because of leaking roof joints, which creates the potential to degrade the water quality. And from an operations standpoint, the College Hill reservoir does not drain and fill effectively, which impacts water quality.
Decommissioning the existing facility and building new water storage tanks at College Hill is the most cost-effective solution long-term and will improve water quality and resiliency for all Eugene residents.
Explore this webpage: Notice of Demolition Work (7/2024) | Public Involvement | New Tank Design | Timeline | News & Updates | Ask a Question | Frequently Asked Questions
Demolition work to begin July 22 (7/18/2024)
On July 22, 2024, EWEB contractors will begin demolition work at EWEB's College Hill Reservoir. The City of Eugene requires EWEB to deliver this notice to adjacent neighbors and to provide the following information:
- Address: 2400 Lawrence Street, Eugene OR 97405
- Date: July 22, 2024
- Name of Contractor: Staton Companies
- Contact: Laura Farthing, Principal Engineer, Eugene Water & Electric Board, 541-685-7464, laura.farthing@eweb.org
What to Expect
The week of July 22, contractors will begin the demolition process. The work beginning next week will include:
- Cutting passageways into the side of the tanks to allow workers and equipment to get inside the structure. The access points will be secured with fence panels anchored into the face of the reservoir.
- Removing asbestos from the roof and wall joints and from inside the tank (see below for more information).
- Installing erosion control measures to prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff, protecting water quality, preserving the integrity of the construction site, and complying with environmental regulations.
EWEB is committed to being a good neighbor during demolition and construction by completing projects as safely and efficiently as possible. However, noise, dust, and truck traffic are unavoidable with a major public infrastructure project like this.
Here are some disturbances area residents and visitors are likely to experience:
Increased Traffic from Workers and Trucks: Multiple contractors will be involved in this project, which will result in increased traffic and noise as well as frequent coming and going of trucks and heavy machinery. Parking for workers will be provided onsite and, if needed, at the elevated tank site. Street parking is not allowed in the reservoir vicinity.
Noise: The demolition process will involve use of heavy machinery and tools, which can generate significant noise. Truck noise such as beeping is not easily mitigated as that is an OSHA-required safety feature and needs to be loud enough for someone to hear while wearing hearing protection. However, when possible, trucks will use a route that avoids the need to back up.
The City of Eugene noise ordinance does not allow construction noise before 7 AM. However, construction crews will often arrive at the site before 7:00. You may hear vehicles arriving and people talking as workers prepare for the day.
Vibration: The use of heavy machinery can cause vibrations that might be felt in nearby buildings. While we take precautions to limit these vibrations, some minor shaking may occur.
Dust and Air Quality: Dust can be generated during demolition. To mitigate this, we will implement dust control measures such as continuously spraying the area of work and regularly spraying down the site. However, some dust may still be present in the air.
Traffic Impacts: Roads will remain open, but there may be lane closures. "No Parking" signs will be installed along Lincoln Street.
There may be intermittent, temporary road closures or detours in the vicinity of the site to ensure the safety of both workers and residents. We will provide clear signage and advance notice of any changes to traffic patterns.
Access Restrictions: For safety reasons, the entire College Hill site is restricted to authorized personnel only. The sidewalk on the west side of Lincoln will be closed from 23rd Ave. to near 25th Ave. for the duration of construction. This is to protect the public and to facilitate the safe entry and exit of dump trucks.
Utility Disruptions: There might be temporary interruptions to water or electric services as we carry out necessary adjustments and connections related to the project. We will notify you in advance of any planned outages and strive to keep them as brief as possible.
Visual Impact: The appearance of the area will change, with construction equipment, materials, and fencing visible around the site.
Hours of Work: Workers, trucks, and equipment will generally begin arriving by 7 a.m. which will create some noise from vehicle engines and workers preparing for the day. Demolition and construction equipment will start at or after 7 a.m. We will only do work during hours that the City of Eugene noise ordinance allows and we will communicate work hours as the work progresses.
Asbestos Abatement
A certified asbestos inspector determined there is no asbestos in the concrete. However, non-friable asbestos was detected in the roof and wall joint sealing materials.
Non-friable asbestos is bound within the material and does not easily release fibers into the air. This type of asbestos poses a much lower risk compared to friable asbestos. Examples of non-friable materials include vinyl floor tile, black mastic, cement water pipe, cement siding, roofing, or paneling.
This material will be removed by licensed asbestos abatement professionals following strict protocols set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Encountering non-friable asbestos in older construction materials is not uncommon. Similar projects are routinely and safely completed by following established protocols.
Process overview:
- Certified asbestos abatement professionals will be wearing hazmat suits.
- A tent will be placed in the area of work.
- Workers will saw-cut the joints on the roof and walls. They will use water for dust control.
- Asbestos from the roof and wall joints will be put into drums which will be placed into a dumpster. The dumpster will be picked up and hauled to the landfill as needed.
- The same process will be followed to remove joint sealing material in the reservoir.
- The outside work will have continuous air monitoring.
The contractor estimates that asbestos abatement will take about 8 weeks to complete.
Demolition: What Comes Next?
We anticipate the next stage of demolition--removal of the reservoir roof and walls--to begin in August. We will share more details about the demolition process soon.
Here are some questions we can address at this time:
What demolition methods will be used?
Hydraulic excavators with concrete crushers will break concrete into smaller pieces, which can then be removed.
Will blasting be used?
Blasting will not be used during the demolition process. However, controlled underground blasting is expected to be used during the excavation and earthwork phase to crack subsurface rock into smaller pieces that can be removed. EWEB will provide detailed information about controlled underground blasting well in advance.
How will the concrete be removed?
Dump trucks will carry the concrete offsite to be used as fill for other projects.
What route will dump trucks use?
Trucks will use 29th Avenue to Lincoln Street to enter and exit the site. A more detailed map is shown below.
How can I stay safe around the demolition zone?
Remain outside of the fenced work zone. When nearby the work zone, make sure to check your surroundings, including overhead. Be sure to make eye contact with truck drivers to confirm you are seen. Remember that construction equipment can move suddenly and quickly.
Truck Route
More Details to Come
We understand that this construction will have an impact on the neighborhood, particularly regarding noise, traffic, and other disruptions.
We want to assure you that we are committed to minimizing these inconveniences as much as possible and to keeping you fully informed throughout the process through:
- Regular Updates: We will send out regular updates via email, providing detailed information about upcoming construction activities, schedules, and any changes that may occur.
- Website Information: The project website will be updated frequently with the latest project news and schedules.
- Community Meetings: We will host community meetings to discuss the project and provide a forum for your questions and feedback. Dates and times for these meetings will be announced well in advance.
- Project Team: You can reach out to the project team by phone or email. We will respond promptly to your questions.
Project Team
To reach the project team, email water.storage@eweb.org or call 541-685-7899. Your message will reach:
- Laura Farthing, Principal Engineer & Project Manager
- Jen Connors, Communications Supervisor
- Claire Wray, Communications Specialist
- Hanna Ashcraft, Communications Specialist
- Wally McCullough, Water Engineering Supervisor
- Mike Masters, Water Operations Manager
- Chris Irvin, Sr. Engineer & Pipeline Project Manager
Public Involvement
EWEB recognizes that College Hill is a valued gathering place for nearby residents and recreators. We are seeking the public’s help in memorializing the history of the reservoir and planning for future recreation on site. Click below to learn more about each input opportunity.
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Historic Mitigation
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Landscaping & Amenities
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The Historic Mitigation and Landscaping & Amenities plans will come together to inform the public spaces on site.
New Tank Design
Learn more about the design of the new earthquake-resistant water storage tanks at College Hill.
Timeline
EWEB "decommissioned" (drained the water) the College Hill Reservoir in winter 2023, after the successful completion of the replacement water storage project at E. 40th Ave.
The public will continue to have access to the top of the existing reservoir until July 8, 2024.
We anticipate demolition to begin in late July or early August. The process of removing the existing structures and preparing the site for construction will take approximately 8-10 months.
College Hill Reservoir Replacement Project Estimated Timeline (6/2024)
| Build replacement water storage at E40th | 2021 - 2024 |
| Permanently drain College Hill Reservoir | Winter 2023 |
| Collect public input on historic mitigation | Winter 2023, Spring 2024 |
| Begin collecting public input on future landscaping and amenities | Spring 2024 |
| Complete historic mitigation planning | Summer 2024 |
| Close reservoir to the public, begin demolition and earthwork | Summer 2024 |
| Begin tank and pipeline construction | 2025 |
| Complete community input process | 2025 |
| Complete tank and pipeline construction | 2026 |
| Landscape and restore site | 2026 or 2027 |
| Reopen site (outside of fenced tanks) for public use | 2026 or 2027 |
News and Updates
We are committed to keeping our customer-owners informed about this project. In addition to information posted on this website, we will share regular updates through email, social media (follow us @EWEButility), traditional news media, and other channels.
Email Updates
July 18, 2024: Notice of Demolition Work Beginning July 22
June 26, 2024: Official Closure Scheduled for Monday, July 8
June 6, 2024: Photos, Stories, and News Coverage of Our Fond Farewell
April 29, 2024: You're Invited: College Hill Reservoir Farewell Celebration
April 26, 2024: Info on upcoming pothole work, native plant repurposing, and the farewell event.
Board Meetings
April 2, 2024: College Hill 607 Reservoir Replacement Update memo and recorded presentation.
Sept. 5, 2023: College Hill Construction and Public Outreach Plans memo and recorded presentation.
News Stories
The Register Guard, June 2, 2024: Eugene says goodbye to 80-year-old College Hill Reservoir. Here's what happens next
KVAL, May 31, 2024 EWEB holds celebration to bid farewell to College Hill Reservoir
KEZI, May 31, 2024 College Hill neighborhood bids farewell to College Hill Reservoir
KLCC, May 31, 2024 Friends and neighbors bid farewell to Eugene’s College Hill Reservoir
Ask a question and offer input
We are tracking questions and input from the public. If you are curious about a specific aspect of the project or want to submit a comment, email the EWEB project team at water.storage@eweb.org.
Frequently asked questions
What would happen to College Hill in an earthquake today and will the new water tanks be built to withstand a Cascadia level event?
The current facility was built without any consideration of seismic events and we can’t say for sure what will happen, but it would likely fail to hold water under any significant earthquake event. The new tanks will be built to the highest level of resiliency to withstand and provide drinking water after a major earthquake.
Why can’t EWEB repair tank?
The 80-year-old structure would require significant retrofitting and expensive maintenance to protect the drinking water inside. Even after these investments, the tanks would still be vulnerable to earthquake damage.
Is there any way to drain the tank and leave it in place?
No. Our community needs the stored water at College Hill to meet demand and ensure there is sufficient pressure in the system for firefighting and other public uses. To ensure everyone in Eugene has safe, reliable water, the existing tanks must be replaced with new storage.
Can we build replacement storage somewhere else?
No. College Hill is part of a network of tanks that must be at exactly 607 feet in elevation for Eugene’s gravity-fed water system to function. Vacant property at the right elevation is nearly impossible to acquire and it would not be practical or a responsible use of customer dollars to abandon College Hill.
Where will the new tanks be located and what will they look like?
This will be determined during the engineering planning process over the next several months. Our hope is that the tanks can be located mostly within the footprint of the existing reservoirs on the site with about the same amount of the tank visible above ground as the existing structure. EWEB will provide architectural renderings to help show what the site will look like with the new tanks in place.
Will the public be able to use the surface of the new tank(s)?
No. Contemporary public health standards require that drinking water facilities need to be secure to protect water quality. The new tanks will have decorative fencing/landscaping around the perimeter.
Will the public be able to use other areas of the site?
Yes. We plan to maintain open public space at College Hill.
What will happen to the trees along Lincoln Street?
No final decisions have been made about the trees along Lincoln Street, however, EWEB is committed to doing everything we can to minimize tree impacts. The team is getting underway on developing engineering and construction plans for the tanks. Once those plans are set, EWEB work with a local certified arborist to determine which trees will need to be removed to facilitate the safe and efficient construction of the tanks.
Can I provide ideas and suggestions for public uses of the site?
Yes. However, decisions that affect water quality, safety, and engineering (such as tank size, siting, elevation, and security measures) must be made by qualified staff to comply with regulations.
The valuable opportunities for public input involve site aesthetics and amenities. For property retained by EWEB and not used for storing and protecting drinking water, site neighbors and other residents will be invited to participate in decisions that involve:
- Landscape design such as trees, shrubs, berms and other vegetation features
- Public amenities (outside the fenced tanks) such as paths, ground surfaces, and spaces for recreational activities
- Honoring College Hill's history such as documenting the site, interpretive displays, and educational events
Opportunities for public input will be widely advertised on EWEB’s website, through neighborhood association newsletters, email communications, and other channels. Currently, you can use the “Submit a Comment” link on the Landscaping and Amenities webpage or email your input to water.storage@eweb.org. Input is tracked and published on the website in batches for public viewing. Later in 2024 and continuing into 2025, we will engage in a more formal public engagement process.
Will blasting be used during demolition and earthwork?
Geological reports indicated that controlled drilling and blasting may be necessary to loosen and fragment rock materials to a size that can be removed, transported, or crushed. If blasting is confirmed to be a necessary step, neighbors will be informed in advance, including a safety plan, vibration monitoring plan, and work schedule. Pre-blast inspections of structures and privately-owned residences will be offered to neighbors within 300 feet of the areas to be blasted. The purpose of the inspection is to document the condition of structures, foundations, and windows prior to exposure to potential vibration from blasting. EWEB will work with the contractor to contact property owners to schedule pre-blast inspections. There is no charge to the property owner and inspections are optional, but highly encouraged.
What routes will be used by construction vehicles?
This will be determined by the contractor. As soon as truck routes are determined, EWEB will share this information publicly.
What are the hours of work?
Work will typically begin at 7 a.m. and conclude by 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will only do work during hours that the City of Eugene noise ordinance allows and we will communicate work hours as the work progresses.
Will the future site include a flat, hard surface for roller sports and similar activities?
Decisions about future site design and public uses will be made after a public engagement process and will be based on several factors including:
- Safety - Public spaces must be safe, accessible, and welcoming to all users. Features that could become an attractive nuisance will be avoided to encourage safe and positive use of the space.
- Water Quality - The design of public spaces must support the efficient operation of water infrastructure by providing unimpeded access to the tanks by EWEB personnel and restricting public access to the tanks to protect water quality.
- Cost - All EWEB customers share in the expense of these improvements. Our goal will be to maximize the benefit of public spaces while minimizing costs. This includes both up-front and long-term costs such as ongoing maintenance and repair.
- Environmental Considerations - The design and construction of public space will consider environmental impacts in urban settings. This includes considering the use of sustainable materials, reducing the carbon footprint of construction activities, managing stormwater runoff to prevent pollution, and promoting green infrastructure such as permeable surfaces and native landscaping to enhance urban biodiversity and reduce heat island effects.
- Community Considerations - We will strive to identify and gather perspectives from a diverse group of customers, including those who live and recreate at the reservoir as well as customers who live outside the College Hill neighborhood but are impacted by the project through water rates, quality, safety, and reliability.
Related Programs
E. 40th Water Storage Project
We are building two new 7.5 million gallon earthquake-proof tanks on an undeveloped 10-acre site.
Emergency Water Stations
We are working with community partners to develop an emergency water supply program that includes several permanent distribution sites located throughout the community using groundwater wells, as well as mobile water trailers.
Electric reliability projects
EWEB's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for major infrastructure investments to rehabilitate, replace, and install new infrastructure will ensure we meet the current and future needs of our community, while maintaining reliable service.
