Mark,
PGE is planning to postpone the completion of the Boiler Beach removal action for one year, planning to complete the project during the late summer or early fall of 2025. This postponement is due to some recent logistical challenges and a potential change in site operations on the adjacent papermill property.
In October and November of 2023, PGE successfully removed approximately 50 tons of bricks known to be contain elevated concentrations of lead. Removal of these bricks addressed the most concerning condition on the beach.
The outstanding task is to install a layer of riprap on the beach to prevent any long term erosion; PGE was unable to complete this riprap installation in 2023 before river flows increased, making site work unsafe.
Since demobilizing from the site, driftwood has come to rest on the beach, covering it as it had historically. This layer of deposited driftwood in addition to the jute matting that was installed over exposed areas of the site will prevent any significant erosion caused by rain events from occurring during this delay. The jute matting and driftwood has been in place since late 2023 and no significant erosion has been observed since the brick removal was completed, PGE sees no potential for another season to result in any significant change in site conditions that would increase erosion potential. Historically the portion of the beach planned for cap installation has not been subject to significant erosion due to being above the waterline for 99% of the time. PGE discussed this in detail in the 2022 RAAA Report, attached is a figure illustrating typical inundation of the beach over time.
We have performed an analysis on the project permit package and have concluded that our DSL Access Agreement will need an extension. All other permits stay valid through at least 2026. We have had good success getting DSL extensions on access agreements in the past and consider this to be a low risk.
During this delay PGE proposes to monitor the site for general condition and any significant erosion once every month during the months of October through May when river flows are at their highest.
With the return of the driftwood, site conditions are now very similar to historic conditions prior to the brick removal. PGE does not believe this one-year delay will cause any negative impact to the site or the project.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns about this planned path forward.
| Jacob Neal
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Pronouns: he/him Senior Environmental Specialist | 503-863-6300 |
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