Press Release - Halting of the 2024 Green Peter Drawdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2024

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ANNOUNCES HALT TO 2024 GREEN PETER DRAWDOWN IN RESPONSE TO CITY'S REQUEST

On behalf of the City of Sweet Home and at the request of Police Chief / Interim City Manager Jason Ogden, we are incredibly pleased and excited to share that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has officially halted the Green Peter Reservoir drawdown, effective immediately. This decision comes in response to coordinated efforts by the Cities of Sweet Home, Lebanon, and Albany, who raised concerns about the potential impacts of the drawdown on municipal water systems and community health.

Recently, Sweet Home identified increased strain on our water treatment plant due to heightened sediment and turbidity levels from the drawdown. One of our three filters experienced a mechanical issue as a result. However, the other filters remain fully operational, and Sweet Home's water quality has remained safe and reliable throughout this time.

The City took proactive action by submitting a formal letter to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and USACE to advocate for a halt to the drawdown. This decision to pause the drawdown and begin refill operations reflects the importance of addressing the needs of downstream communities like ours while protecting critical infrastructure.

The City of Sweet Home is grateful to USACE for recognizing the importance of these concerns and to our regional partners in Lebanon and Albany for standing united in this effort. Thanks to our swift decision to alert the USACE to our concerns, the City has been successful in ending this year’s drawdown. While it is unknown what this may mean for future years, the City of Sweet Home considers this a victory.

The health and safety of Sweet Home residents remain the City's highest priority. The City will continue to work closely with USACE, OHA, and neighboring communities to safeguard our water systems and ensure they remain strong and reliable for the future.

Thank you for trusting us to advocate on your behalf. Together, we are securing Sweet Home’s future and protecting the resources that matter most.

Any questions may be sent to WQInfo@sweethomeor.gov or directed to 541-367-8969. A copy of the City's letter to the Oregon Health Authority and USACE may be found attached below.