Sewer Interceptor and Trail Project FAQ
Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sewer interceptor?
A sewer interceptor is a large pipeline that collects (intercepts) wastewater from the smaller neighborhood sewer pipelines and transports that wastewater to a treatment plant. The Boeckman Creek sewer interceptor collects and transports wastewater generated from the east side of Wilsonville to a sewer lift station in Memorial Park, where the wastewater is then pumped to the Wilsonville Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Why is the project needed?
The existing sanitary sewer line that runs along Boeckman Creek is not big enough to handle the increased wastewater flows that are expected as the area continues to grow. This project replaces the existing line with a bigger one to expand capacity to accommodate growth. The trail is part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and provides a connection for pedestrians and cyclists between Boeckman Road and Memorial Park.
Why are these two projects being combined?
The sanitary sewer line and trail run along the forested Boeckman Creek corridor. The project includes an access way that will accommodate service vehicles and equipment necessary to perform regular cleaning and inspection of the sewer pipe. This maintenance access will also function as the regional trail connection for pedestrians and bicyclists. Constructing the trail and sewer line at the same time reduces the disruption to the neighborhood and the environment while saving time and money during design and construction.
Is this Project different than the Boeckman Road Corridor?
The two projects are separate capital projects for the City. The Boeckman Road Corridor brings the road up to urban standards and makes the road safer and easier for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to use. The Boeckman Interceptor and Trail project increases sewer capacity and access and provides a link to the regional trail system. The two project teams will collaborate to gain efficiency in areas where the two projects intersect.
How will the City access the sewer line?
Sewer maintenance access for cleaning and inspection equipment will be needed for the larger sewer line. During the design phase of the project several alternatives are being evaluated to provide access to the sewer line.
Where is the trail being built?
The trail route under consideration roughly parallels Boeckman Creek from Memorial Park to Boeckman Road. Final location and trail amenities will be determined with community input at upcoming events and as the design phase of the project progresses.
Where are the planned access points for the utility maintenance access and public trail?
Currently, the access points will be located at Boeckman Road and at Memorial Park. The existing pedestrian/bicycle crossing of Boeckman Creek between Wimbledon Circle and Meadows Loop will be incorporated into the project. Additional access locations are being considered and will be presented for community input at upcoming public events.
What kind of amenities may be included in the trail project?
The project team will be engaging with the community at upcoming events on the types of amenities, like trash cans, benches, wayfinding, interpretive signage, as well as other design details to incorporate into the project. Lighting is not planned as part of this project, in part, to minimize the disruption to wildlife habitat.
How will the project impact natural area and wildlife?
Impacts to Wilsonville’s natural environment are a key consideration in the design of the project. As part of the pre-design process the project team is performing a tree inventory, wetland delineation, and geotechnical analysis of the Boeckman Creek corridor. This information will be used to help reduce impacts to significant trees, vegetation, water quality, wildlife, and slope stability with the goal to seamlessly integrate the sewer pipeline and trail into the natural environment.
Wilsonville is at the forefront of incorporating design for movement of wildlife through an urban landscape and is regarded by the region as a leader in maintaining habitat connectivity within local wildlife corridors. In preparation for the project, the City has been monitoring wildlife movement through the Boeckman Creek corridor over the last couple of years. This information will be used by the project team to incorporate wildlife design considerations into the project. This work, along with the removal of invasive plant species and habitat restoration planned with this project as well as the Boeckman Bridge construction and associated stream restoration will improve wildlife movement and habitat within the Boeckman Creek corridor as compared to its current condition.
Additionally, the maintenance access/trail will allow the City to more effectively manage invasive plant species within the Boeckman Creek corridor moving forward, ensuring wildlife habitat continues to remain healthy and diverse. Upon completion of construction, the City will continue to monitor movement of wildlife through the corridor and will be able to make adjustments where impacts are identified.
What kind of security measures will be implemented for the trail?
The trail will follow the same rules and monitoring that are in place for other trails that currently exist within Wilsonville. Off street trails are subject to Wilsonville Park Rules, which can be found at parks and recreation. Park rules are posted at Memorial Park and Murase Plaza with additional signage locations to be considered as part of this project. In addition, the project team will be meeting with emergency services providers and incorporating their feedback as the project moves through design. Proposed security measures being incorporated into the project will be shared with the community for feedback at upcoming events.
How will the trail be maintained?
Maintenance of the Boeckman Creek Trail will follow the same standard maintenance protocol as all other Wilsonville parks and trail systems. Design details such as inclusion and location of garbage receptacles into the project will be determined as design of the project progresses and further input from interested community members is received through upcoming public engagement opportunities.
I live along the Boeckman Creek corridor, so can I install a fence in my backyard?
Installation of a fence within the Significant Resource Overlay Zone (SROZ) is not allowed. However, most of the residential lots along the Boeckman Creek corridor are within the SROZ Impact Area, a 25-foot buffer that is beyond the SROZ. Fences within the SROZ Impact Area are allowed in consultation with the City. The Wilsonville Natural Resources Manager, Kerry Rappold, is available to consult with property owners and residents for construction of fences and other structures within the SROZ Impact Area to help ensure there is no encroachment into the SROZ and no permanent impacts to the resource area. Please contact Kerry by phone at (503) 570-1570 or by email to schedule a consultation.
How much does the project cost? How is it being paid for?
The overall cost for this project is estimated to be around $9 million. The project is to be funded using Sewer Operations funds.
How is the City keeping the community informed and engaged in the project?
The City values public input and is committed to keeping the community informed. There are multiple opportunities for community members to learn more about the project. In addition to this project website, the City will be providing project updates, open houses, and community events.
To stay up to date on the project:
- Sign up for the project e-newsletter
- Get text alerts on your mobile phone: text INTERCEPTOR to 866-935-0125. Standard data and messaging rates apply.
- Read the Boones Ferry Messenger
