Portland's critical Bull Run Filtration Project has hit a snag after Multnomah County’s land use permit decision was sent back for further review by the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). The project, pivotal for complying with federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, aims to enhance the resilience and safety of the city's drinking water system against wildfires, seismic events, and other natural disasters. It is to be completed by September 30, 2027, according to the City of Portland.
According to a statement to the Portland Water Bureau, LUBA's January 2025 decision followed an appeal to Multnomah County’s November 2023 approval of land use applications. The remanded issue necessitates further definition of "natural resources" within the county code, a clarification that appears to temporarily stall the project. The remand, which remains in effect due to the absence of any appeal within the 21-day window, has led to the Water Bureau beginning to wind down and pause construction for the duration.
Mayor Keith Wilson publicly advocated for the continuation of construction, stating, as per the City of Portland, "Construction of the Filtration Facility is the right thing to do to protect public health." Wilson underlined the city's long-term vision for the site, purchased almost 50 years ago, and reassured citizens of the city's transparency and fidelity to that vision. The mayor voiced a determination to efficiently address the remand issues and to resume work on the project as swiftly and cost-effectively as possible.
Deputy City Administrator for Public Works Priya Dhanapal expressed concern over the delay’s implications, stating, per the City of Portland, "Portland’s commitment to safe, clean drinking water remains unwavering." Dhanapal emphasized the financial and compliance risks increased by the holdup, conveying the city's dedication to swiftly resolving the remand issue to continue to safeguard the water infrastructure. Amidst ongoing concerns about climate and environmental threats, the project's prompt completion is to inevitably protect a resilient water system.
