Wastewater Planning
Frequently Asked Questions: Gleneden Sanitary District & the Depoe Bay Wastewater Transition
The Gleneden Sanitary District (GSD) Board of Directors understands that customers have questions about the future of wastewater treatment services following the City of Depoe Bay's decision to terminate the long-standing treatment agreement. This document answers the most common questions and summarizes the work being done to protect reliable sewer service for our community.
Q. Can the City of Depoe Bay shut off Gleneden Sanitary District's sewer connection?
A. No. The City of Depoe Bay cannot legally discontinue wastewater treatment service unless and until a lawful alternative is in place for Gleneden Sanitary District. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the regulatory agency overseeing wastewater treatment, is aware of this situation.
Q. What has GSD done since receiving the termination notice?
A. Since receiving the termination notice in 2022, the Board has actively pursued multiple solutions, including planning for a new wastewater treatment facility, evaluating alternative sites, participating in mediation efforts, exploring regional partnership opportunities, and working with state and local agencies. A detailed project timeline is available under the News section of the District's website: www.glenedensanitary.com
Q. Why hasn't construction of a new treatment facility started?
A. Developing a wastewater treatment facility is a complex, multi-year process involving engineering, environmental review, land acquisition, permitting, financing, and regulatory approvals. Initial planning had already begun before the termination notice. Since then, Civil West Engineering completed a feasibility study identifying potential locations. The preferred Fogarty Creek site was ultimately determined to be infeasible due to significant constraints by Oregon Parks Department. The District is now pursuing property near the Gleneden Beach Airport and is working with Lincoln County on a Goal 4 exception and rezoning process, which may require additional time.
Q. Is GSD working with state and local agencies?
A. Yes. The District continues to work closely with DEQ, Lincoln County, state agencies, elected officials, and other partners to identify a legally compliant and financially responsible long-term solution.
Q. Has GSD attempted to work with Depoe Bay?
A. Yes. The District has repeatedly sought collaboration. Oregon Consensus facilitated reconciliation efforts in 2024, but the Depoe Bay City Council chose not to continue that process. The District has also shared project updates, requested meetings, and submitted an interim agreement proposal following termination.
Q. Has GSD explored a joint district or other regional options?
A. Yes. The District worked with Willamette Partnership on a preliminary feasibility study for a potential joint sanitary district. After reviewing the preliminary study, the Depoe Bay City Council voted not to proceed with a full feasibility evaluation. The District continues to evaluate any reasonable alternatives that serve its ratepayers.
Q. What is the Board's long-term goal?
A. The Board's responsibility is to secure safe, reliable, and financially sustainable wastewater treatment for GSD customers. While constructing a new treatment facility is currently the leading long-term option, the Board will continue evaluating any viable alternative that best serves the District and its ratepayers.
Q. Will customers continue receiving sewer service?
A. Yes. The District's highest priority is maintaining uninterrupted wastewater service while working toward a permanent solution. Customers will continue to be updated as significant milestones are reached.
Where can I learn more?
Project updates, timelines, Board meeting information, and other public documents are available on the Gleneden Sanitary District website. The District is committed to providing accurate, transparent information as the project progresses.