Well & Septic News and Resources
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Well & Septic News and Resources

ByTom Atkinson

Well water testing vouchers available again If you sustained losses or damage due to the 2020 wildfires, you may be eligible for free or subsidized private well testing. Oregon Health Authority will provide vouchers for private or “domestic” water testing to fire-impacted well owners. Vouchers will cover testing for Arsenic, Nitrate, Bacteria, Lead and, depending on damage…

Local Policy Makers Visit Blue River Water District
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Local Policy Makers Visit Blue River Water District

ByTom Atkinson

Today a group of local elected Representatives, Environmental Groups & Agencies visited the Blue River Water District Wellhead to discuss the effects of the fires and the plans for reconstruction and expansion of the District to include a new Sanitation District. Water District board member Alice Bonasio, Water District Superintendent Al Artero and Jason Carman…

Wildfire Recovery Funding is a Huge Win for the McKenzie Community
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Wildfire Recovery Funding is a Huge Win for the McKenzie Community

ByTom Atkinson

“The funding is a huge win for the work we’ve been doing.  It is literally the largest fundraising win we have ever got.” Chris LaVoie, Director, McKenzie Community Development Corporation and McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce It is with great joy that we are able to share some fantastic news this week, reminding us that…

USDA Seeks Applications to Help Build and Repair Household Water Systems in Rural Communities
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USDA Seeks Applications to Help Build and Repair Household Water Systems in Rural Communities

ByTom Atkinson

Source: USDA.gov Agency Expands the Eligible Use of Funds to Include Septic Systems to Help Rural America Build Back Better WASHINGTON, June 4, 2021 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is seeking applications for grants from qualified organizations to create loans to help rural homeowners finance household water systems….

Senate Bill 745 Passes Unanimously to the House Floor
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Senate Bill 745 Passes Unanimously to the House Floor

ByTom Atkinson

Update 19th May Senate Bill 745 (full details below) has passed out of committee and onto the House Floor for further consideration! This a great step forwards for our fire-ravaged communities. We Need Your Voices NOW to Help Pass Senate Bill 745! Visit the link below to view the legislative history of Senate Bill 745…

Wildfire-Impacted Domestic Well Testing
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Wildfire-Impacted Domestic Well Testing

ByTom Atkinson

Source: Oregon.gov Water Testing Voucher/Reimbursement DEADLINE Fast approaching – open now through May 15th. Vouchers Expire June 7, 2021. If you sustained losses or damage due to wildfires beginning September 7, 2020, you may be eligible for free private well testing.  Beginning in February 2021, The Oregon Health Authority will provide vouchers for private or “domestic” water…

Some Planning and Permit Fees to be Waived + Retroactive Reimbursement
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Some Planning and Permit Fees to be Waived + Retroactive Reimbursement

ByTom Atkinson

Source: McKenzieRebuilds.org **Please Read Carefully** The Lane County Board of Commissioners has approved a fee waiver program for Holiday Farm Fire survivors to help people rebuild. The fee waivers will be available for a five-year period to the original owners of dwellings at the time they were destroyed. The fee waivers are also available to…

Senate Bill 745 Offers Wildfire-Affected Communities Water & Sanitary Options
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Senate Bill 745 Offers Wildfire-Affected Communities Water & Sanitary Options

ByTom Atkinson

On the 29th March Oregon Senate Bill SB-745, which would allow the Blue River H2O District to incorporate a Sanitary District under its governance, was heard at the Senate Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Wildlife Recovery (SNRWR) and passed to the Senate Floor for consideration. While SB-745 doesn’t resolve the immediate problems we all face…

Wells, Septic Systems May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance
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Wells, Septic Systems May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

ByTom Atkinson

Oregon residents who lost access to waterand sewer servicethrough their private wellsand septic systemsdue to the September wildfirescould be considered for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individualsand Households Program. Residents in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties designated for federal assistance to individuals and households due to 2020 wildfires may be eligible…