Press Release: Willamette River Erosion in Harrisburg

The City of Harrisburg was contacted by Reporter Gold Meadows at KMTR who was initially interviewing the City in relation to the river erosion problems that Life Bible Church is trying to solve. Over the last three years, the Willamette River has moved it's main current closer to the riverbank, right at the very northwestern corner of the City limits. As a result, erosion has increased, and is now threatening the structures at Life Bible's campus.  They've lost a large oak tree that was on the riverbank, the hardscaping surrounding it, and the swimming pool is starting to fall into the river.  

During conversations with the Reporter, Mayor Duncan and City Administrator Eldridge shared that the City is also experiencing a more rapid erosion pattern on the City's wastewater facility property, directly north of Life Bible.  With roughly 1,700' linear feet of river bank, the City loses property and poplar trees that fall into the Willamette River on an annual basis.  After joining the team trying to help Life Bible wade through regulatory layers, the City discovered using unscientific research, that we've likely lost almost 1 1/2 acres of property over the last ten years.  That erosion pattern has now increased, as in at least one location on the bank, we've lost 8' over the last three years.  

The Willamette River at this location is still 670' from the lower lagoon of the wastewater facility; it will likely take at least 50 years before it truly threatens the wastewater facility.  The City is aware of this long-term problem, and is being proactive about finding solutions to limit erosion patterns.  The next steps will likely include a feasibility study to determine the actual amounts of erosion, and to guide the City in the best steps needed in order to limit erosion at this location.

The regulatory requirements in working with this section of the Willamette River are strenuous; the City has recent experience with the requirements in which we tried to remove the gravel bar that is informally labeled Harrisburg Beach, so that service can be restored to the boat ramp.  In 2016, this included a $230,000 price tag for just the engineering requirements needed to try to anchor a silt fence in the main current of the Willamette River, in order to meet habitat mitigation requirements from ODFW, and DSL. 

With 1,700' of bank on the upper curve of the Willamette River, it's evident that any kind of engineering solutions will be cost prohibitive.  Any study will include determining whether there are grant funds available to help fund the engineering solution at this location. 

Questions can be directed to the City Administrator, by calling 541-995-2200, or emailing meldridge@ci.harrisburg.or.us