Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wastewater Collection and Treatment

The Silverton Wastewater Treatment Plant, located on Schemmel Lane, treats all the residential, commercial, and industrial wastewater via the over 30 miles of collection piping system along and eight lift stations. The City conducts over 3,100 laboratory tests each year on wastewater throughout the treatment process. The City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit has very strict standards for treatment and discharge of treated effluent. Many of these tests are conducted on site, while others are conducted by certified independent laboratories.

Treated effluent from the plant is pumped to the Oregon Garden, up to 1 million gallons a day, to be used for landscape irrigation and wetlands supply. The rest of the effluent is returned to the Silver Creek after meeting all the permit requirements. Treated solids (biosolids) generated in the treatment process are currently being reused as a soil conditioner for local grass seed farm land.

Plant Tours

Tours of the Wastewater Treatment Plant are available by appointment. Call (503) 873-5439 to schedule a tour.