Water Pollution Control Lab (WPCL) Site Renovation Project

View full size image of Rendering of new boat house

In addition to increased number of parking spaces that will bring the site to ADA compliancy, there will be a new boat storage building, fleet parking, and new security improvements. A new secure fence and gate will be installed. The project will be constructed in phases with the hopes of minimizing the disruption to employees and visitors at the Water Pollution Control Lab located at 6543 N Burlington Ave in the Cathedral Park Neighborhood.

Simplified Project Map

View full size image of simplified map of Water Pollution Control Lab site renovation project.

What's Happening Now

All work is weather-dependent, and dates are subject to change. 

Phase B: April through July 2026

• Continue underground work in the main parking area, including Maintenance Hole 1, Monitoring Vault 2, and stormwater planters.
• Continue construction of the new building.
• Complete work in the garbage shelter area and existing bike parking area.
• Please note: During the weeks of July 6 and July 13, crews will use heavy equipment and a large hydraulic breaker to remove buried concrete. This work will create loud pounding noise, and nearby businesses and residents may feel occasional vibrations during work hours.

Phase C: August through mid-September 2026

• Complete underground work in the main parking area, including Maintenance Hole 1, Monitoring Vault 2, and stormwater planters.
• Finish construction of the new building.
• Grade the site and prepare for paving.
• Install sidewalks, curbs, and gutters.
• Complete landscaping and planting.
• Repair sidewalks outside the construction fence.
• Install electrical service for the automated entry gate.

Phase D: Mid-September 2026

• Grind and pave Drive Aisle 1, the southwest parking lot, and the new parking lot.

Phase E: Mid-September through early October 2026

• Demolish and reconstruct the remaining half of the parking lot and ADA-accessible walkway.
• Install electrical conduit and trenching for future EV chargers.
• Construct concrete foundations for EV charging stations.

Final Phase: October 2026

• Complete all remaining paving, pavement striping, and final site improvements.

What to Expect During Construction

You can expect the following activities and impacts during construction:  

• Noise, Vibration, and Dust: Construction creates noise, vibration, and dust, and disrupts normal activity. 
• Equipment Storage: Equipment and materials will be stored nearby overnight. 
• No Parking: There will be limitations to parking during certain phases of the project.
• Pedestrian Access: If temporary crosswalk and sidewalk closures are necessary, signage will indicate the alternate way for pedestrians to proceed. 
• Services Maintained: Sewer, water, and other utilities are expected to remain in service during construction. 
• Schedule Changes and Inactivity: Construction schedules can change due to a variety of factors, including conditions underground, weather, traffic impacts, subcontractor schedules, and availability of materials. These same variables may cause periods of inactivity during construction phases.  

We Want To Hear From You

Please let us know if you have a concern or question about construction. 

Sewer Emergency: In the event of a sewer backup or basement flooding, call the Maintenance hotline immediately at 503-823-1700. It is staffed all hours and all days, 24/7.

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This project will help protect the health of Willamette River Watershed.