Press Release - Cities of Sweet Home and Lebanon File Tort Claim Notice against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2024

CITIES OF SWEET HOME AND LEBANON FILE TORT CLAIM NOTICE AGAINST U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

The cities of Lebanon and Sweet Home, in partnership, filed a tort claim against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, citing significant damages resulting from the Corps’ negligent management of water resources at Green Peter Reservoir.

The claim focuses on the Corps’ actions during a 2023 drawdown at the Green Peter Dam, which caused elevated turbidity levels in the South Santiam River, affecting the municipal water supplies of both Lebanon and Sweet Home. The increased sediment load severely impacted the water treatment systems of both cities, leading to heightened operational costs, equipment damage, and the need for costly pretreatment system upgrades.

“The damages we’ve sustained are substantial and ongoing,” said City Manager Ron Whitlatch from Lebanon. “Together with Sweet Home, we are seeking accountability for the harm caused to our infrastructure and the significant costs we’ve incurred to ensure safe drinking water for our communities.”

In addition, both cities have officially declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of potential impacts to water quality. City Manager Jason Ogden stated, “This declaration ensures that we are fully prepared and have all necessary resources to protect our community’s water quality during this critical time.” The emergency declarations are a proactive step to ensure both cities can effectively address any challenges that may arise. The declarations enable the cities to work closely with state and federal agencies and access additional resources to safeguard the safety and reliability of their water supply.

Both cities are working together to seek compensation for damages, which exceed $26 million in Lebanon and over $11 million in Sweet Home. These costs reflect the anticipated upgrades necessary of the water treatment facilities to handle current and future drawdowns, ensure long-term water safety, and address the strain the drawdowns have placed on the community’s resources.

PRESS CONTACTS:

Jason Ogden
Sweet Home City Manager Pro Tem
541-367-8969
jogden@sweethomeor.gov 

Ron Whitlatch
Lebanon City Manager
541-258-4969
ron.whitlatch@lebanonoregon.gov