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existing in- stream and riparian area habitat in all of Amazon Creek are threatened by <br /> development. Current research indicates the best strategy to improve watershed health <br /> and the associated beneficial uses is to protect and further enhance the best stream habitat <br /> within a watershed. It is illogical to destroy the headwaters while attempting to restore <br /> downstream portions of Amazon Creek. The City of Eugene should continue to educate <br /> local residents by protecting the headwater area. Development of the headwater area of <br /> Amazon Creek would result in further degradation of downstream areas requiring even <br /> more money to be spent on downstream restoration efforts. In addition to these costs, <br /> there is the high cost to taxpayers of infrastructure development. The cost of purchasing <br /> this land as parklands could be less of a financial burden to local residents. <br /> Development of this area in southeast Eugene would place an additional burden on a <br /> sanitary sewer collection system already at risk of failure. The consulting engineering firm <br /> CH2M Hill conducted an analysis of the sanitary sewer collection system for the entire <br /> area served by the Eugene/Springfield Water Pollution Control Facility. The sanitary <br /> sewer collection system in the Amazon Creek basin downstream of the parcel under <br /> consideration has been identified as one of the areas most in danger of sanitary sewer <br /> system overflows during times of wet weather. An overflow of the sanitary sewer system <br /> would result in a significant risk to public health and is a significant pollution hazard for <br /> Amazon Creek. To correct the existing risk of sewer overflows will require a significant <br /> investment of both public and likely homeowner funds. The construction of additional <br /> homes in this headwater area would place an additional burden on a sanitary sewer system <br /> already in danger of failing during wet weather periods. It is inappropriate to expand the <br /> sanitary sewer system in this area while the existing system is currently at risk of creating <br /> public health and environmental problems due to overflows. <br /> Another consideration is the future livability of the City of Eugene. Protecting and <br /> enhancing green spaces is essential for the future of our city particularly the opportunity to <br /> experience densely forested areas with streams within the city's boundary. As densification <br /> occurs in the future, the quality of life for all city residents will in part be dependent on <br /> maintaining natural forested areas. <br /> I feel these concerns are critical factors that need your attention as the City Council <br /> decides the future of this important forested area of the city. I urge you protect the <br /> environmental integrity of the headwaters of Amazon Creek by acquiring as public <br /> property the area between Nectar Way, Garnet and Dillard Roads. I believe it is in the <br /> best interest of the City of Eugene to purchase this property for parklands so that the <br /> beneficial attributes of the area will be maintained for all the citizens of Eugene. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Al 7o n <br /> 3 <br />