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Water Pollution Control Lab (WPCL) Site Renovation Project

Label: Sewer and stormwater
Label: Active
Environmental Services is constructing a project to renovate the WPCL site. There will be increased parking, additional storage space, new security improvements, and stormwater improvements. These improvements will bring the site to ADA compliancy, increase storage, and meet fleet parking needs.
Construction began in July 2025 and should be completed by the end of 2026.
Artistic rendering of the 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

Simplified site map of Water Pollution Control Laboratory site with a square around the new parking lot and new storage building showing where tree removal area was. Map shows existing parking and existing main building with the Willamette River at the bottom of the map.

What's Happening Now

All work is weather-dependent and subject to change. 

January 2026 through March 30, 2026 (PHASE A):

Construction is during work hours between 7:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. 

  • Open trench for water and electrical in the main drive aisle area in the main parking lot.
  • Open trench for water, electrical, and sewer in the annex parking lot.
  • Complete work for the garbage shelter area, annex building, and existing bike area.
  • Continue work in the new building area.
Aerial map with graphic overlays indicating where existing bike area, annex parking and building, garbage shelter area, main parking area, main drive aisle, extended lay-down area, and new building area.

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.

Sign Up for Updates

Sign up for regular email or text message updates for the Water Pollution Control Lab Site Renovation Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service. These updates are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.


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


 

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