Willamette Cove In-Water 30% Design
The conceptual design, also known as the 30% Design, was submitted to Environmental Protection Agency on Oct. 14, 2024.
What is the plan for the in-water cleanup?
The proposed in-water cleanup plan includes a combination of:
- Dredging to remove contaminated sediment from the river.
- Capping to prevent exposure to contaminated sediment. The sediment cap will be designed with a habitat layer to help organisms in Willamette Cove return to a healthy condition.
- Riverbank excavation, also known as laybacks, to remove contamination and leave Willamette Cove with more gentle slopes, which are better for wildlife and human access.
Will the river look different?
Most of the cleanup will occur in the Willamette River, and while it may not look different, it will become a safer habitat for fish.
The riverbanks, however, will look different. Currently, riverbanks are steep and contain large boulders that help to stabilize them. The riverbank excavation in the proposed in-water cleanup plan will create gentle slopes. The exact shape of the riverbanks will be determined after additional samples are collected in 2025.
These plans will continue to evolve as more investigations and analyses are conducted.
Has the in-water cleanup design been informed by community input?
Community voices have shaped the design of the in-water cleanup over the years. Focused outreach has been done to engage a mix of neighborhoods, conservation advocates, environmental justice organizations, and BIPOC communities.
Some key points that came out of engagement included the importance of river access, habitat, supporting underserved communities, and workforce equity. The in-water group continues to track community priorities by engaging in community spaces including the Portland Harbor Collaborative Group and the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group.
Learn more about the 30% design and provide feedback
The In-Water group will be presenting the 30% design from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, online via Zoom and in-person at the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Water Pollution Control Lab. Find more information and how to register.
Provide feedback
Informal feedback on the 30% design document will be accepted through Nov. 14, 2024. You can submit feedback by contacting the Willamette River Advocacy Group either on the group's website or via email at wragpdx@gmail.com.
How to Get Involved
Community voices are an important part of the cleanup process! Join our email list to stay informed about the Willamette Cove in-water cleanup by contacting miranda.mishan@portlandoregon.gov.
You can also stay connected through groups like the Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group, Portland Harbor Community Coalition, Portland Audubon, Willamette Riverkeeper, and Willamette River Advocacy Group.
Background
From the 1900s to the 1970s, Willamette Cove was used extensively for heavy industrial activity, including a lumber mill, barrel construction, and ship repair activities with significant over-water activity. The in-water, shoreline, and upland areas require environmental action to address the contamination resulting from these activities. Each area is considered a separate project area with different parties coordinating their respective efforts. The City of Portland, Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL), and the Port of Portland are designing the in-water and shoreline area cleanup. The Port of Portland and Metro are addressing the upland contamination.