2017 Annual Update Spring 2018 | Volume 4 Issue 1

State of OregonDepartment ofEnvironmental Quality

Year in reviewThe Clean Water State Revolving Fund provided $37,256,625 in project assistance for state fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017). Accomplishments include:

• Signed 11 new loans with local governments for water quality projects

• Three communities received principal forgiveness totaling $1,288,383

• $1,750,000 million in funds went to green projects

• DEQ awarded $1,622,500 in increased project funding for two existing loans

Financing available for water quality projectsThe Clean Water State Revolving Fund accepts applications for below market rate loans for plans, facilities, land purchase and other activities that mitigate or prevent water pollution. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, tribal governments, sewer and sanitary districts, various special districts, irrigation districts, soil and water conservation

districts, state agencies and intergovernmental entities.

Eligible Projects

• Point Source - Includes wastewater system plans and studies, upgrades to existing wastewater treatment facilities or collection systems, new wastewater facilities, sewer replacement, combined sewer overflow correction and stormwater projects.

• Nonpoint Source - Possible nonpoint source projects include, but are not limited to, irrigation system improvements, septic system repairs, conservation tillage, riparian habitat restoration, source water protection or stormwater best management practices.

• Estuary Management - Planning or implementing activities that benefit water quality within the Tillamook Bay Estuary and the Lower Columbia River Estuary.

• Planning – May include water quality monitoring, data collection and measurement, evaluation, analysis, security evaluations, report preparation, environmental review, public education and review process and any other reasonable activity leading to a written plan.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE1 Year in review

1 Financing available for water quality projects

3 World Water Day

3 American Iron and Steel: What you need to know

4 Upcoming events

Continued on page 2

OREGON

Accepts applications anytime.

DEQ ranks eligible projects by priority on the Intended Use Plan, published three times a year.

Projects may stay on the Intended Use Plan for up to three years to complete all requirements necessary for loans.

Projects that are ready to proceed move to loan agreement. May take one-two months to complete.

Review invoices/ disburse payments.

Submits application.

Submit financial info., plans/specs. permits, and environmental review. May take up to one year, depending on project complexity and location.

Projects must begin within two years of loan or borrower may request an extension for a fee.

Request disbursement, not more often than once a month.

Project completion.

Start loan repayment 6 mos. after project completion.

DEQ Actions

Applicant’s Actions

Clean Water State Revolving Fund Timeline

Rates and terms

The CWSRF loan program charges interest rates based on criteria defined in Oregon Administrative

Rule 340-054-0065. Interest rates and other financial terms vary by loan type and repayment period.

Rates are adjusted quarterly, based on the average Bond Buyer rates of the previous quarter, as published by the Federal Reserve. Once a loan is signed, the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan. If a fee is charged, the amount is equal to 0.5 percent of the unpaid balance and is collected annually. Current rates are available on the CWSRF website.

Not ready for a loan?

DEQ offers FREE technical assistance to help you manage wastewater and stormwater and get ready for financing.

Contact us for help with common issues, including:

• Stormwater management

• Initial facility needs assessment

• Irrigation districts/water efficiency

• Pump stations

• Asset management

• Financing consultation

• Loan application requirements consultation

Look for the Water Quality Loan Application Assistance link at oregon.gov/deq/wq/cwsrf or call 503-229-6312.

CWSRF 2017 Annual Update Spring 2018 | Volume 4 Issue 1

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Upcoming application deadlines

By close of business on Friday:

• April 13, 2018

• Aug 10, 2018

• Dec. 14, 2018

Application details available at oregon.gov/deq/wq/cwsrf or by calling 503-229-LOAN.

World Water DayUtilities worldwide will spend $104 billion this year on wastewater infrastructure, according to a 2017 United Nations World Water Development report. Oregon alone will need $3.89 billion in wastewater infrastructure funding over the next 20 years, estimates the American Society of Civil Engineers. World Water Day, March 22, is a great time to reflect on how communities can conserve, protect, treat and reuse water. This year’s

theme is “The Answer is in Nature,” highlighting global examples of water conservation and reuse, and how restoring ecosystems improves water quality.

Management of wastewater and stormwater varies across Oregon and the flexibility of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund allows communities to design a system that works best for them. In addition to traditional wastewater facilities, the program finances projects that mimic or enhance natural systems to use resources efficiently. Examples include planting native trees to reduce stream temperatures, constructed wetlands and recycling water.

One such project is the Ashland Creek Ponds Riparian Restoration. With a planning loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Ashland designed a project to restore natural systems that limit erosion, improve wildlife habitat and reduce water temperature.

The project, a partnership among the City of Ashland, Lomakatsi Restoration and the Bear Creek Watershed Council, continues to attract community volunteers and serve as a living classroom for students.

CWSRF 2017 Annual Update Spring 2018 | Volume 4 Issue 1

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American Iron and Steel: What you need to knowAmerican Iron and Steel, known as AIS, has been a required component of revolving fund loans since 2014. Mandated by congress, AIS requires that iron and steel used in treatment works projects be produced in the United States. This includes the construction, alteration, maintenance or repair of a public water system. EPA offers guidance on requirements, including:

• AIS applies to products made of

greater than 50 percent iron or steel, measured by cost

• Only materials permanently incorporated into the project are subject to requirements

• Mechanical and electrical components are exempt

• All manufacturing processes must take place in the United States, with some exceptions

• Raw materials do not have to come from domestic sources

DEQ requires borrowers to submit AIS certification. A sample is available on the program website.

Verification includes:

• List of the specific products delivered to the site

• Locations of the place the products were manufactured

• Name of the project and location

• Signature of the company (manufacturer) representative

• Reference AIS requirements

There are some exemptions for minor components and, in rare cases, EPA will grant a waiver. EPA can provide assistance in locating AIS-compliant manufacturers. Borrowers may also want to contact other communities for referrals.

For full details, visit EPA online or the Oregon Clean Water State Revolving Fund website, or call 503-229-5696.

Photo: View of Ashland Pond from pond-loop trail.

“The DEQ’s loan helped to fund and facilitate a very successful project at Ashland Pond/Creek site. This project would not have happened without this support.” - Jeff McFarland, City of

Ashland interim parks superintendent

MISSION STATEMENTOregon’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program supports communities by funding projects that improve water quality and environmental outcomes for the State of Oregon. The program is dedicated to working with small communities and on projects that increase financial and environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, and water and energy efficiency.

- Program Charter

Clean Water State Revolving Fund700 NE Multnomah, Suite 600Portland, OR 97232Phone: (503) 229-LOAN (5626) (800) 452-4011Fax: (503) 229-6037CWSRFinfo@deq.state.or.us

Upcoming eventsThe Oregon Association of Water Utilities

Details at oawu.net MARCH Water and Wastewater Field

Operations & Safety Sunriver, OR

MARCH Wastewater Treatment/Wastewater Collections Certification Review Salem, OR

APRIL 10 Preparing for a Water System Survey & Wastewater System Inspection Independence, OR

Clean Water State Revolving Fund Contacts Northwest Region Covering the counties of: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Tillamook

PROJECT OFFICEREvan Haas, 503-229-5924

Mailing address: 700 NE Multnomah, Ste 600 Portland, OR 97232-4100

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEChris Bayham, 541-687-7356

Mailing address: 165 E. Seventh Avenue, Ste 100 Eugene, OR 97401

Western RegionCovering the counties of: Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill

PROJECT OFFICERSJaime Isaza, 541-687-7341 Bob Haberman, 541-687-7359

Mailing address: 165 E. Seventh Avenue, Ste 100 Eugene, OR 97401

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEChris Bayham, 541-687-7356

Mailing address: 165 E. Seventh Avenue, Ste 100 Eugene, OR 97401

Eastern RegionCovering the counties of: Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Wasco, Sherman, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler

PROJECT OFFICERBonnie Lamb, 541-633-2027

Mailing address: 475 NE Bellevue, Suite 110 Bend, OR 97701

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCETodd Hesse, 541-633-2026

Mailing address: 475 NE Bellevue, Ste 110 Bend, OR 97701

DEQ HeadquartersAnita Yap, Community and Program Assistance Manager, 503-229-6896

Lee Ann Lawrence, Program Coordinator, 503-229-5622

Kathy Estes, Loan Specialist

Chris Marko, Program Analyst

Jennifer Kenny, Program Analyst

Mailing address: Clean Water State Revolving Fund Headquarters, Operations Division 700 NE Multnomah, Ste 600 Portland, OR 97232-4100

Accessibility Documents can be provided upon request in an alternate format for individuals with disabilities or in a language other than English for people with limited English skills. To request a document in another format or language, call DEQ in Portland at 503-229-5696, or toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-452-4011, ext. 5696; or email deqinfo@deq.state.or.us.

MAR 6 Rural Community Assistance Corporation

Budgeting for Public Water Systems Online

Details at rcac.org

MAR 8 Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Oregon Bandon, OR

Details at rd.usda.gov

APRIL 8-11 Water Environment Federation

Collection Systems Conference Virginia Beach, VA

Details at wef.org

APRIL 13 Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Spring Application Deadline

Details at oregon.gov/deq/wq/cwsrf