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News Relea e Title <br /> ~ November 18, 1996 <br /> Page 2 <br /> The igh flows in the sewers have surcharged the system and created the potential for <br /> flooding of ow-lying properties. Bypassing the pump stations is necessary to protect human <br /> health and p operty from sewage backing up into homes and businesses. Direct discharge to the <br /> river under ese conditions is considered to be less of a threat to public health and safety due to <br /> the continui grain, cold temperatures, and high river flows, all of which severely reduce the <br /> potential fo exposure to the direct discharges. No significant adverse risk to aquatic life is <br /> expected fr m the direct discharges, given the large dilutions that the diverted flows are receiving <br /> in the river. <br /> The ugene/Springfield Regional Water Pollution Control Facility (treatment plant) is <br /> <br /> f~,, online and perating, treating all wastewater flows reaching the treatment plant. Maximum <br /> flows of 19 .6 million gallons per day (MGD) were pumped through the plant at 1 p.m. today. <br /> i <br /> The rated h draulic capacity of the treatment plant is 175 MGD, the higher flows were treated <br /> using backu equipment. Flow rates at the plant have declined as a result of the diversions <br /> occurring at the pump stations. <br /> i <br /> The regon Department of Environmental Quality has been officially notified of the <br /> diversions om the sanitary sewer system, and is being kept apprised of the situation. <br /> The ational Weather Service reported 2.51 inches of rain for the 24-hour period ending <br /> at 4 p.m. M nday, and additional heavy rain is in the forecast for Tuesday. <br /> <br />