Salem-News.com Willamette River articles Page 3

Task Force on Salem River Crossing Project to Meet Tonight

Task force meetings are open to the public and include time for public comment.

(SALEM) - A task force comprised of area stakeholders that is considering the Salem River Crossing Project will meet from 5:30-8:00 PM on Wednesday, at ODOT, Region 2 Complex, Building B, Mt. Jefferson Room (455 Airport Road SE, Salem).

The agenda will include a discussion of funding options and context, a presentation on the alternatives development process and finalization of the Evaluation Framework.

The Salem River Crossing Project is being conducted by the City of Salem and ODOT to develop solutions for crossing the Willamette River in the Salem-Keizer metropolitan area.

City of Salem Receives Grant For Railroad Bridge

This is the first private foundation grant the project has received and the city hopes it will encourage other private donors to join the effort.

(SALEM) - The City of Salem is the recipient of a $2500 grant from the Cycle Oregon Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation to assist in the conversion of the historic Union Street
Railroad Bridge into a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility.

The bridge crosses the Willamette River in downtown Salem, and when converted it will provide a critical half mile link in the local and regional bicycle and pedestrian transportation system.

The project connects with the state-designated Willamette River Water Trail.

Wheatland Ferry Back in Operation

(SALEM) - The Wheatland Ferry is now back in operation .

Willamette river levels are down and equipment maintenance upgrades have been completed.

The ferry is located one mile north of the Yamhill–Polk county border,and shuttles passengers across the Willamette River, linking Marion with Yamhill and Polk counties.

Recent Rains Results in Sewer Overflow Into Willamette River in Salem

Signs have been posted warning people to avoid contact with the water in the Willamette River due to potentially high levels of bacteria.

(SALEM) - Recent rainfall combined with saturated ground conditions have resulted in the City of Salem overflowing diluted raw sewage into the Willamette River.

The gates at the North River Road diversion structure were opened at approximately 8:44 AM.

Additionally, the Union Street diversion structure activated at approximately 10:06 AM.

DEQ Completes Clean Water Plan For Willamette Watershed

The plan is required because portions of the Willamette River and its tributaries do not meet water quality standards for mercury, temperature, and bacteria.

(SALEM) - The Oregon DEQ has issued its clean water plan for the Willamette River watershed. The Willamette Basin Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Order signed by DEQ Water Quality Administrator Lauri Aunan requires pollution sources to implement actions to improve water quality.

Through this, the DEQ expects to reduce mercury with a goal of removing fish consumption advisories; protect people from bacteria during water contact recreation; and protect threatened and endangered fish species.

Canby Man Falls Near River`s Edge

Steep, winding trails, an injured patient, and plenty of Poison Oak made for a challenging but successful recovery.

(CANBY) - Canby Firefighters responded to a report of a leg injury at Molalla River State Park Sunday afternoon around 4:30. The park is located on the Willamette River near the Canby Ferry crossing.

Division Chief Troy Buzalsky of Canby says that when fire crews arrived, a friend of the victim met them at the entrance to a steep and narrow trail.

Volunteers Sought For Albany River Cleanup Event

The event is one of two river cleanups held each year in Albany.

(ALBANY) - The City of Albany is sponsoring the annual fall river cleanup event taking place Saturday, September 16th, from 9:00 AM to noon.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the cleanup which will focus on removing debris from local rivers and streams, as well as marking city storm drains to prevent water pollution.

Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Be Aware! Buena Vista Ferry to Close Next Week

(INDEPENDENCE) - Due to low river level readings, the Buena Vista Ferry will be closing on Wednesday, June 28th, for dredging and will reopen at completion of the project.

The river conditions have restricted the ferry's load ability and until the completion of the dredging project, it can only carry two vehicles at a time across the river. All heavy equipment that people wich to transport is at the discretion of the ferry operator.

Notifications will be made when the ferry is back in operation and Salem-News.com will release that information immediately.

Willamette River Among America`s Most Endangered

The river is #3 on American Rivers' annual list released Wednesday.

(PORTLAND) - A loophole in state regulations that allows "toxic mixing zones" gives the green light to factories and cities to dump millions of pounds of pollution into Oregon`s Willamette River, which American Rivers named Wednesday as America`s #3 most endangered river for 2006.

The annual America`s Most Endangered Rivers report highlights ten rivers facing a major turning pointing the coming year, where action by citizens can make a huge difference for both community well-being and river health.

Home to more than 70% of the state`s population, the Willamette River Valley is the heart and lifeblood of western Oregon, but a loophole in state regulations allows companies to exceed state standards for pollutants in short stretches of the river in "toxic mixing zones." These zones are not marked to keep out swimmers, anglers, or boaters, and the state does not even have a good record of where these toxic mixing zones occur or how many there are, according to the report.

Identity of Deceased Man Found Near Dayton Remain a Mystery

(McMinnville) - The remains of a man found in the Willamette River near Dayton February 18th, remain unidentified after a legal medical examination. A jogger found the remains of the unidentified adult Caucasian male around 3:00 last Saturday, in a log jamb in a portion of the Willamette River known as the Lambert Slough South of Dayton.

Investigators from the Sheriff`s Office responded to the scene and conducted a preliminary investigation at the river site. The body was taken to the State Medical Examiners Office in Portland for further examination.

Sheriff Jack Crabtree says illegal circumstances could exist...