News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Sisters residents will have six months during which they may offer suggestions on what to do with effluent from Sisters' sewer and how to use the treatment facility lands.
The Community Action Team of Sisters (CATS) will lead a series of 12 workshop meetings over six months to get public input on the uses of the land known as Section 9. There will also be three town hall meetings.
The Sisters City Council authorized a $4,117.50 contract with CATS director Ted Viramonte to facilitate the meetings and draft a report to the city on their outcome. It was not clear at the council's meeting Thursday, September 9, whether the city would pay for the contract directly or through sewer project grants.
The public meetings will determine how much of Section 9 is needed - from 160 acres to 240 acres. The size of the parcel will depend on the type of use on the land.
"We've heard a myriad of suggestions," said Mayor Steve Wilson.
Citizens have urged the city to create wildlife habitat and birding ponds that would not only attract animals, but also bring in tourists interested in bird and wildlife viewing.
Others have suggested using the site for a Sisters cemetery. There has been some discussion about moving the city public works shops out to the treatment site.
According to Viramonte, the first meeting should be held by the end of September.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has, in the meantime, proposed to issue a water pollution control facilities permit for the City of Sisters.
According to DEQ, the proposed permit will require monitoring and reporting of effluent quality and a plan for reclaimed water use to make sure public health is protected.
Written comments on the proposed permit must be received at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Eastern Region - Bend Office, Attn.: Dick Nichols, 2146 NE 4th Street, Suite 104, Bend, Oregon 97701 by 5 p.m. on. October 11.
Public hearings will be held if DEQ deems the submitted comments indicate significant public interest; a written request from 10 or more persons is received; or an organization representing at least 10 persons requests a public hearing.
For more information on the proposed permit call Dick Nichols at 388-6146, extension 251.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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