Wastewater from Eugene and Springfield homes and businesses has been flowing to the regional wastewater treatment plant on River Avenue for three decades. Last year, the regional system handled approximately 12 billion gallons of wastewater using a multi-part process that results in a final discharge that’s as clean as or cleaner than the Willamette River to which it is piped.
To mark the plant’s 30th anniversary and increase public knowledge about this vital but often overlooked public health system, the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) offered free tours to the general public.
Plant operators from the City of Eugene acted as tour guides. The tours included the pretreatment area where sewage is received, primary treatment, secondary treatment, final treatment, and sludge conditioning. The MWMC is a partnership between Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County in providing regional wastewater service. For more information about MWMC, visit www.mwmcpartners.org.