Clean Water Services project transforms former lakes into free-flowing stream

Hillsboro, OR — September 12, 2006 — Clean Water Services began construction on a project at NW 185th and NW Cornell Road earlier this month that will improve water quality and fish habitat by re-establishing a free-flowing stream channel in Bronson Creek. The stream channel was obstructed about 40 years ago when Bronson Creek was dammed to create three large lakes. Over the years, the lakes filled up with sediment and the water quality deteriorated. According to Kendra Smith, Sr. Water Resources Program Manager for Clean Water Services, ten years of water quality data showed the lakes increased water temperature, decreased dissolved oxygen levels and impeded fish passage upstream. This project is a high priority as part of Clean Water Services’ plan to improve water quality in streams throughout the Tualatin Basin.

The project will include the reconstruction of off-channel lakes at the request of property owners who surround the former lake site. The lakes were dewatered in the summer of 2006 to dry out the site. Permits for the reconstruction were obtained late this summer and construction on the lower lake along SW 185th is currently under way. A berm is being built to establish a stream channel along the south edge of the lake and the lake will naturally refill over the winter. The perimeter of the lake and stream will be enhanced with native vegetation to minimize erosion, provide shade, and aquatic habitat.

The middle and upper lakes will be constructed next summer. Environmental regulations allow instream construction to occur only between July 1 and September 30 to protect fish habitat and water quality.

Clean Water Services is a water resource management utility for more than 480,000 people in urban Washington County and small portions of Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Lake Oswego, and Portland. Clean Water Services operates four wastewater treatment facilities, constructs and maintains flood management and water quality projects, and manages flow in the Tualatin River to improve water quality and protect fish habitat. Although Clean Water Services maintains a close working relationship with Washington County government, it is a separately managed and financed public utility.

# # #