This webpage includes information about the design of the new earthquake-resistant water storage tanks at College Hill.
Site Plan and Tree Survey
Update - March 21, 2024
EWEB has identified an additional tree that needs to be removed to facilitate construction and protect worker safety. It is marked below in red. EWEB will begin tree removal activities the week of March 18.
It is EWEB's intention to preserve as many trees as possible. However, during the completion of design and when a contractor begins work, circumstances may change which could require additional tree removal to facilitate project completion. We will communicate all changes to the community.
Prior Information
Project Overview
EWEB will demolish the existing College Hill Reservoir 607 and build two circular water tanks in its place.
Temporary Access Road
EWEB will build a temporary access road for heavy equipment to access the site. Heavy equipment will be used for both the demolition of the existing reservoir and the construction of the new tanks. The temporary road will provide trucks with access into and out of the site without backing up which will reduce noise.
Tree Impacts
EWEB worked with a certified arborist to analyze the impact to the critical root zones of trees related to construction on site.
- If less than 30% of the root zone is impacted the tree will be preserved in accordance with City of Eugene tree preservation and removal standards. These trees are shown in green below.
- If a tree or 30% or more of its root zone overlaps the existing tank, the temporary access road, or the construction area, it must be removed to ensure the safety of the work zone. These trees are shown in gray below.
If large proportions of root zones are impacted, trees can die and fall, creating a life-threatening hazard for workers.
Pipe Rerouting
The team initially expected to reuse existing trenches for the piping to the new tanks, but that would have disrupted the critical root zones of most of the trees along Lincoln Street. As we continued the design process, the team found a workable option that reroutes the piping to save trees.
Pipe rerouting comes with some tradeoffs including a moderate increase in project cost and duration. However, the environmental benefits and public feedback about the importance of the trees to the neighborhood, served as the basis to save trees.
