Jefferson Way Stormwater Outfall Bioremediation

The Coalition’s Water Action Team, in partnership with the OSU Ecological Engineering Student Society (http://groups.engr.oregonstate.edu/eess/), researched, developed preliminary designs, created partnerships with OSU and others, and applied for funding to create a demonstration area on case to show how stormwater can be treated by natural means before it enters a local stream.

DEFINITIONS

Jefferson Way is the westerly extension of Jefferson Street in Corvallis as the street extends through Oregon State University Campus. Jefferson Way dead ends to the west behind the E.P.A. Building and the OSU Wave Building.

A Stormwater Outfall is the point at the downstream end of a stormwater pipe where the water falls out of the pipe and enters the next part of its downward journey. Generally, stormwater outfalls are adjacent to streams or rivers. Sometimes they drain to a treatment plant. Sometimes to a wetland. Sometimes into a ditch that carries the water to a stream or allows it to infiltrate into the ground.

Bioremediation - The use of biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, or green plants, to remove or neutralize contaminants, as in polluted soil or water. Bacteria and fungi generally work by breaking down contaminants such as petroleum into less harmful substances. Plants can be used to aerate polluted soil and stimulate microbial action. They can also absorb contaminants such as salts and metals into their tissues, which are then harvested and disposed of.

 

The Stormwater Outfall of Jefferson Way is at the lower left-hand portion of the stormwater pipe illustration to the right. The stormwater system drains agricultural land, institutional land and residential areas, all of which include paved roads draining volatile organic compounds from automobiles. The outfall drains about 200 feet above Oak Creek, one of the few outfalls in the City of Corvallis that does not feed directly into a stream or the wastewater treatment center. The 200′ channel between the outfall and Oak Creek provides a unique opportunity to incorporate bioremediation for treating the quality of the stormwater drainage before it enters the stream. The location on OSU campus also provides a unique opportunity for research and community education.

Approval & Funding

The Project was approved by the Corvallis City Council in 2010 to be included in the 2011 Capital Improvement Project (CIP). As the result, the design and construction of the stormwater biological treatment facility is fully funded by the City’s Stormwater Fees program (not by taxes).

The City Public Works Department will be responsible for the final design and construction of the facility. The Water Action will be primarily responsible for the Outreach portion of the project. Current letters of support and partnership have been signed with the Corvallis School District, the Marys Peak Watershed Council, Freshwater Trust and various Natural Resources and Engineering Departments within OSU.

 

 

Water: Vision

The Vision of the Water Action Team is that water conservation efforts will decrease the amount of water City residents use by one-half and will result in local streams that are clean and support sustainable populations of cold-water native fish.


Water: Goals

1. By 2050, there will be a 50% reduction in the water flow (quantity) from 2008 annual levels through the Corvallis minicipal water systems, currently including the Taylor and Rock Creek Water Treatment Plants, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and storm water drainage system.

2. By 2050, the Corvallis watersheds will be revived to conditions that provide healthy habitat characteristics that support reproducing populations of cold-water native fish in Corvallis principal streams.

Water: Current Projects

 1. Three Waters – Plan and install a Sustainable Water Demonstration Site at the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op South Store to demonstrate to the public how businesses and residences can reduce tap water use plus wastewater and stormwater discharge into municipal systems by 50% while maintaining current standards of living, health and convenience.

2. Dixon Creek Citizen Engagement - Engage property owners adjacent to Dixon Creek in the health and functioning of the stream. The City government has received EPA grant funding and has assumed primary responsibility for this project.

3. Jefferson Way Outfall Bioswale Project – Plan and construct an area along the west end of Jefferson Way at OSU that can treat the stormwater flowing out of the end of City stormwater pipes and treat the stormwater using natural biological methods prior to it entering Oak Creek.