The Bend City Council approved a master plan to expand the Outback water treatment facility, which filters the city's main drinking water source. The plan includes a $50 million pretreatment system, hydropower generation, and other upgrades.
The city awaits a U.S. Forest Service decision on transferring 48 acres of land for the expansion.
- The plan aims to protect water supply from wildfires and extreme rains. - Hydropower turbines will generate 1.3 megawatts, enough to power the site.
- Environmental group Central Oregon LandWatch filed an objection over potential impacts on creek flows. - A final Forest Service decision is expected within weeks.