![](icons/tidoh2.jpg)
On this day, September 1, 1836, Protestant missionary Dr. Marcus Whitman led a party to Oregon. His wife, Narcissa, was one of the first white women to travel the Oregon Trail.
Post an Event![](icons/push-pin.jpg)
OREGON STATE FAIR |
Monday, September 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm |
STATE FAIR IS RUNNING NOW UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2.
Make sure and visit the Americans for Faithful Election booth. |
Salem, Oregon |
![](icons/push-pin.jpg)
2024 Gathering of Eagles |
Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 am |
Click for more info
|
Ames Ranch, Turner |
View All Calendar Events
“Oregonians deserve better than the reckless tax and spend policiesâ€
Senate Republicans across Oregon have announced plans for re-election to their current Senate seats. Barring litigation on Constitutionality of
Measure 113 nine Senators -- 10 Republicans and 1 Independent -- will no longer be able to file to run for their seats.
Senators Tim Knopp and Dennis Linthicum have sent a letter to Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade asking for a declaratory ruling on
Measure 113 on whether Senator Knopp and Senator Linthicum will be allowed ballot access for the 2024 election. This is being done to lay the foundation for a Republican lawsuit to have the measure invalidated -- most likely based on the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution.
Republican Senators Eligible for Re-election Based on M113 |
David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) |
Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) |
Fred Girod (R-Lyons) |
Senators Not Eligible for Re-election Based on M113 |
Lynn Findley (R-Vale) |
Bill Hansell (R-Athena) |
Tim Knopp (R-Bend) |
Art Robinson (R-Cave Junction) |
Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) |
Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook) |
Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) |
Cedric Hayden (R-Roseburg) |
Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) |
Brian Boquist (I-Dallas) |
“Oregonians are fed up with the national Democrat agenda.†Knopp said. “They are tired of out-of-control crime and drug use making their neighborhoods more dangerous. Oregonians deserve better than the reckless tax and spend policies driving up the cost of living and inflation across Oregon. They desperately want balance. Senate Republicans are looking forward to vigorous debates over the course of the campaign season.â€
Senators Dick Anderson and David Brock Smith did not participate in the walkout. Senator Fred Girod had a well-documented medical reason for his absences.
Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) Senate District 1, Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) Senate District 5 and Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons) Senate District 9 have announced for 2024. and are not barred from running in 2024. Additionally, Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) Senate District 27 and Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) Senate District 28 will need a successful challenge to
Measure 113 in order to file for election.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-07-26 15:50:30 | Last Update: 2023-07-26 16:12:16 |
Rebate amounts vary based on the project
The Oregon Department of Energy
has announced that it is now accepting incentive reservations through the agency’s new
Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program. Under this new program, owners of rental homes and manufactured dwellings or recreational vehicles in a rented space may receive incentives for installing energy efficient heat pumps and related electrical upgrades.
The heat pump program was established at ODOE by the Oregon Legislature with bill
SB 1536 following the 2021 heat dome event, during which at least 100 Oregonians died of heat-related illness – often in their own homes.
Heat pumps, which move heat rather than create it, are becoming more popular in Oregon homes thanks to their efficient heating and cooling, lower energy use, and potential incentive savings (including a
federal tax credit.
Oregonians interested in installing energy efficient heat pumps in their rental properties should contact an
approved program contractor, who will be able to reserve rebates on behalf of their customers. After completing installation, the contractor will submit project completion information to receive the rebate from the agency. The full amount of the savings must be passed on to the customer.
Rebate amounts vary based on the project, and higher incentives are available for homes with tenants who have low or moderate incomes. For rental homes, rebates are available between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the efficiency of the heat pump and the income level of the tenants. For a manufactured home or recreational vehicle renting space in a manufactured home or RV park, rebates are available between $2,000 and $7,000 depending on heat pump efficiency and income level.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Grants are also available for associated upgrades alongside the heat pumps, such as electrical wiring. For homes where tenants meet low- or moderate-income eligibility, up to a $4,000 grant is available. For those who are not low- or moderate-income, up to $2,000 is available.
“Renters are often limited in making significant energy improvements at home since they don’t own the property,†said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “The Oregon Department of Energy looks forward to helping rental home owners across the state make the switch to energy efficient heat pumps, which will make their tenants’ homes more comfortable – and safer – in the heating and cooling seasons.â€
More information and a list of approved contractors is available on
ODOE’s website. The agency also continues to recruit contractors statewide to participate in the program. Interested contractors can also
register online.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-26 10:22:37 | Last Update: 2023-07-26 11:17:01 |
Approximately 4,000 valid signatures are due August 9th
There is
now an ongoing effort to avoid yet another devastating tax in Oregon, this time in the state's capital city, Salem. Oregon Business & Industry (OBI) has launched an effort to refer the city of Salem’s recently adopted payroll tax to voters.
On July 10, the Salem City Council voted 5-4 to adopt a nearly 1% payroll tax despite overwhelming opposition during public comment.
OBI says the new tax will be a significant burden for employees, exacerbating the effects of steadily rising inflation and providing an incentive to seek work outside of Salem or stop coming to Salem for portions of work as they otherwise might have. For employers, the tax will create a significant compliance burden, especially for those with employees who work on the road, at various job sites, or on hybrid schedules.
“OBI is headquartered in Salem, and we care deeply about this community. We have no problem with Salem or any other city asking voters to support levies for important local services. However, this proposal is vague, the tax is high, the administrative burden is significant, and there is little assurance as to how funds will be spent. At a minimum the community deserves a chance to vote,†said Angela Wilhelms, OBI’s president and CEO.
Preston Mann, OBI’s director of political affairs and a Salem resident, filed the petition on July 14. The city approved OBI’s petition that same day. Approximately 4,000 valid signatures from Salem voters are due Aug. 9 to refer this to the November 2023 ballot.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
To account for possible errors and ensure success, OBI says they aim to submit 6,000 signatures. OBI stressed that time is of the essence, if the effort to avoid the tax is to be successful.
Those who are interested can find out more on the Let Salem Vote website, including how to sign a petition, circulate a petition among neighbors and friends, or contribute to the campaign
OBI is a statewide association representing businesses from a wide variety of industries and from each of Oregon’s 36 counties. In addition to being the statewide chamber of commerce, OBI is the state affiliate for the
National Association of Manufacturers and the
National Retail Federation. They boast 1,600 member companies, more than 80% of which are small businesses, and they employ more than 250,000 Oregonians.
Oregon’s private sector businesses help drive a healthy, prosperous economy for the benefit of everyone.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-25 14:28:11 | Last Update: 2023-07-25 14:58:51 |
The application deadline is August 9th
The
Newport City Council is seeking applications from residents interested in filling the vacancy of mayor on the Newport City Council. The vacancy was created by the resignation of former mayor Dean Sawyer. The selected applicant will fill the remainder of Sawyer’s term, which will expire on Jan. 6, 2025.
The mayor presides over and facilitates council meetings, preserves order, enforces council rules, and determines the order of business under council rules. The mayor is a voting member of the council and has no veto authority.
The mayor shall appoint committees and boards as provided by code, ordinance or council rules. The mayor shall sign all records of council decisions and acts as the representative of the city at all ceremonial events, but may delegate this responsibility.
Council members, including the mayor, receive no pay or other compensation, but may receive reimbursement for attending conferences, or other expenses in accordance with council rules.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Applicants must be qualified electors and have resided within the city limits for at least one year immediately prior to appointment. In addition, the mayor may not be employed by the city.
The application deadline is Aug. 9 by 5 p.m. The city council will conduct interviews of the applicants at a work session open to the public on Aug. 14, beginning at 3 p.m. An appointment to fill the vacancy may be made by the city council at a special meeting on Aug. 14.
Anyone interested in applying to fill this vacancy shall apply using the city’s
committee application found online. The completed form can be submitted electronically. It can also be printed and hand delivered to the city manager’s office at Newport City Hall, 169 SW Coast Highway.
Questions may be directed to Melanie Nelson
by email or by calling 541-574-0603.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-24 13:24:48 | Last Update: 2023-07-24 13:51:42 |
Grants in biking and walking facilities that are “off systemâ€
The Oregon Department of Transportation
has now announced that they are spending $34.6 million on 25
Oregon Community Paths (OCP) projects approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission. It was approved at the meeting last week in Pendleton.
“We had another round of outstanding applicants, requesting a total of $80 million,†said Alan Thompson, OCP program manager. “All 57 of them addressed needs for off-road paths or as necessary alternatives to busy roadways.â€
The
OCP program, created by the large transportation funding program
HB 2017, is a program that is intended to provide federal and state grants in biking and walking facilities that are “off system,†meaning facilities that are not primarily on or along a roadway.
ODOT says they will now develop agreements with the successful applicants allowing the projects to start after October 1. Grantees will then move forward with their various construction and planning projects.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
ODOT says that staff reviewed and ranked applications according to procedures approved by the
Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The staff scored an initial list of projects as follows:
- Those that addressed needs in the highest transportation-disadvantaged areas.
- Those that addressed safety barriers.
- Those that had a high probability of project completion within five years.
The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee then reviewed all applications for this second round of funding and recommended the list of applications to the Oregon Transportation Commission for approval.
More information about the program is available on the
Oregon Community Paths Program website.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-23 13:52:17 | Last Update: 2023-07-23 15:02:38 |
Many increases will be phased in over time
The Willamette National Forest
is proposing fee changes at multiple campgrounds, group campgrounds, cabins, and lookouts.
“These fee increases will help us maintain the sites to the level and quality people have come to expect. Many of the proposed fee increases will be phased in over time, rather than all at once. We are also excited to bring on two new cabins into the popular program,†said Dave Warnack, Forest Supervisor for the Willamette National Forest.
The proposed fees by site are listed in the tables below.
Cabins/Lookouts | Existing fee | Proposed |
Timber Butte Cabin | $80 per night | $90 per night |
Warner Mountain Lookout | $85 per night | $90 per night |
Indian Ridge Lookout | $75 per night | $90 per night |
Box Canyon | $70 per night | $75 per night |
Gold Butte Lookout | $80 per night | $90 per night |
Marion Forks Guard Station (new) | $0 per night | $85 per night |
Gold Lake Cabin (new) | $0 per night | $85 per night |
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which allows the Forest Service to retain 80% of the revenue from these proposed recreation fees to operate, maintain and improve facilities.
Raising the revenue collected through recreation fees would help keep up with rising maintenance, utility and staffing costs. The fees help provide and ensure quality recreation opportunities and creates a more financially sustainable developed recreation program.
Campgrounds | Existing fee | Proposed Year 1-2 | Proposed Year 3 |
Alder Springs | $10 per night | $14 per night | $16 per night |
Blair Lake Campground | $14 per night | $16 per night | $20 per night |
Daly Lake | $5 per day $0 extra vehicle fee | $14 per night $6 extra vehicle fee | $16 per night $6 extra vehicle fee |
Elk Lake - Single site | $12 per night | $14 per night | $16 per night |
Double site | $22 per night | $26 per night | $30 per night |
Harralson Horse Camp | $5 per day $0 extra vehicle fee | $14 per night $6 extra vehicle fee | $16 per night $6 extra vehicle fee |
Horse Creek Group Camp | $75 per night | $100 per night | $125 per night |
Indigo Springs Campground | $12 per night | $14 per night | $16 per night |
Kiahanie Campground | $14 per night | $16 per night | $20 per night |
Piety Island - Single site | $12 per night | $14 per night | $16 per night |
Double site | $22 per night | $26 per night | $30 per night |
Roaring River Group Camp | $50 per night | $60 per night | no change |
Sacandaga | $14 per night | $16 per night | $20 per night |
Scott Lake Campground | $5 per day $0 extra vehicle fee | $14 per night $6 extra vehicle fee | $16 per night $6 extra vehicle fee |
Shady Cove - Single site | $12 per night | $14 per night | $16 per night |
Double site | $22 per night | $26 per night | $30 per night |
Skookum Campground | $5 per day $0 extra vehicle fee | $14 per night $6 extra vehicle fee | $16 per night $6 extra vehicle fee |
Timpanogas Campground | $14 per night | $16 per night | $20 per night |
Trail Bridge | $16 per night | $18 per night | $20 per night |
All fee changes are reviewed by a citizen’s advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Pacific Northwest Regional Forester about whether to approve the proposed changes. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the developed recreation program.
The comment period is set to end by close of business on September 15, 2023. You can
email your comments, or mail them to: Willamette National Forest, Attention: Matt Peterson, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite D, Springfield, OR 97477. Comments can also be
provided online.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-23 10:07:22 | Last Update: 2023-07-23 10:13:24 |
Oregon liquor consumers are choosing higher-priced liquor options
Over the course of the past two years, the
Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, under the direction of Marvin Revoal, has provided $620.7 million dollars to cities, counties and public health programs. This funding provides communities and statewide public health and safety programs with vital resources that benefit Oregonians daily and is a key benefit of Oregon's control state model for liquor.
At its regularly scheduled meeting on July 20th, Commissioners received the perspective of Rick Garza, Former Executive Director of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board in a presentation on Washington State. Garza spoke to how in Washington – which formerly operated as a liquor control state prior to 2012 – consumers felt the effects of privatization in terms of higher prices and reduced selection for smaller brands. Garza additionally fielded Commissioners questions on compliance efforts, delivery and operations in the state.
According to the OLCC, Oregon liquor consumers are "buying up" and choosing higher-priced liquor options. This resulted in 2.4 percent increase in revenue over the prior year. This was an increase in profitability for the agency, but notably without an increase in consumer consumption. Information on the agency's budget can be found on the OLCC website.
The city of Portland's
Cannabis Policy Oversight Team, an advisory group within city's Bureau of Development Services, provided the Board of Commissioners with a review of their annual report from 2022. The report focused upon issues facing Portland's cannabis industry as well as a summary of its Cannabis Emergency Relief Fund. Commissioners asked that the city work with the OLCC and industry partners to find consensus on improvements that could benefit the industry overall.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
With the legislative session complete, the Commissioners initiated rulemaking to respond to several bills that passed during the 2023 legislative session. The legislative changes include developing more robust requirements for alcohol delivery to consumers and technical changes to both the marijuana and alcohol programs. Staff will hold advisory committee meetings and public comment periods to allow industry and the public to weigh in on the proposed changes. Commissioners also finalized a relaxation on artificially derived cannabinoids to allow the industry more time to come into line with the requirements.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-07-23 06:02:30 | Last Update: 2023-07-22 13:55:14 |
The university has a unique geothermal heating and hot water system
Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech)
have now announced that they have successfully secured $18,160,000 in state bond funding to complete a full renovation of the university’s unique geothermal heating and hot water system at its Klamath Falls campus. This crucial funding will renovate the existing geothermal system that supplies the entire campus. Oregon Tech says that despite routine maintenance, the 60-year-old system was at risk of a full system failure.
In 1964, Oregon Tech relocated to its current location to tap into this valuable resource, which has made the university a leading institution in renewable energy.
“We take pride in our Klamath Falls campus that relies solely on renewable energy for heating, which saves the university over $1.4 million in annual energy costs,†Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan said. “We are grateful for the legislature's bipartisan support and investment in helping Oregon Tech be proactive in renovating our system, as it allows us to continue conserving resources and provides an exceptional teaching and research tool for our faculty and students.â€
Oregon Tech says that the renovation project addresses urgent repairs, identified by a professional engineering firm in June 2022, needed to avoid imminent system failure and maintain life safety standards on campus.
Oregon Tech states that the consequences of a system failure would be catastrophic, causing no heat or hot water on campus, flooding in buildings, and power disruptions. The school insists that maintaining the system and addressing the deficiencies is substantially cheaper than replacing the system using electricity or gas.
“Future generations of students and faculty can look forward to a safe and sustainable learning environment at Oregon Tech for the next 75 years,†added President Naganathan.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Oregon Tech stated that they deeply appreciate the dedication and tireless efforts of both Representative Emily McIntire (R-Eagle Point) and Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), who were crucial in securing the funding.
“As a member of the House Committee on Higher Education and the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education, I’m proud to have the state’s only polytechnic university in my district,†said Representative McIntire. “This funding will not only keep the heat on for students, it will further research and learning. My biggest thanks to all the stakeholders who worked so hard to get this funding request across the finish line. It is our partnership that makes these happen.â€
“Investing in critical community projects is the right way for the government to return Oregonians’ hard-earned tax dollars. I am pleased to join Representative McIntire in announcing this historic funding for the Oregon Institute of Technology,†said Representative Reschke.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-22 14:41:39 | Last Update: 2023-07-22 15:06:15 |
Most voters become registered through this process
Secretary of State Lavonne Griffin-Valade has announced that
minor revisions have been made to the Oregon Motor Voter manual -- for the most part to account for the new software.
The amendment to
OAR 165-005-0170 adopts current revisions to the Oregon Motor Voter Registration Manual. Revisions include changing how information is presented, clarifying the Secretary of State Elections Division information processing, and technical fixes necessary to conform to the new ORVIS (formerly Oregon Votes) centralized voter registration system.
The
Motor Voter Manual is a key part of Oregon's elections process because most voters become registered and have their information updated through this process.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-07-22 11:12:32 | Last Update: 2023-07-22 11:29:53 |
Serve in your local county government
Clackamas County Commissioners
are seeking interested residents to serve on county Advisory Boards and Commissions (ABCs). These ABCs offer residents the opportunity to become very involved in specific activities and the goals of Clackamas County.
Individuals interested in this opportunity can
apply online or via a paper form that can be obtained from the Public & Government Affairs Department by calling 503-655-8751.
Milwaukie Center Community Advisory Board
The board has three (3) openings, which carry a three-year term. The board is the primary policy advisor regarding the activities and operations of the Milwaukie Community Center.
The Milwaukie Community Center is a North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) facility. The community center provides programs that address the needs of senior citizens, people with disabilities, and others within NCPRD boundaries.
The board meets on the second Friday of each month at the Milwaukie Community Center. Board members must either live or work within the NCPRD boundaries.
Application deadline is Aug. 2, 2023. For more information, please contact the Milwaukie Community Center
via email or by calling 503-794-8013.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Enhanced Law Enforcement District Advisory Board
The Board of County Commissioners and Sheriff Angela Brandenburg are seeking seven (7) residents to serve for three-year terms on the Enhanced Law Enforcement Service District Citizen Advisory Board.
The eleven-member advisory board represents the various geographic and demographic interests of the service district. The board assists the Sheriff with identifying public expectations for the district, recommending service priorities, and supporting the Sheriff’s Office outreach functions. The committee meets every 2 months.
The Enhanced Law Enforcement District was approved by Clackamas County voters in November 1994 to increase the level of sheriff’s patrols and meet the increased demand of urban Clackamas County. The district serves the residents in unincorporated Clackamas County within the Urban Growth Boundary (as it existed in 1995), as well as the city of Johnson City.
Interested individuals must live within the unincorporated areas of Clackamas County and within the Enhanced Law Enforcement District. To find out if you live within the District, please call Sarah Comstock
via email or at 503-785-5020. This application deadline is Sept. 13, 2023.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-21 16:35:35 | Last Update: 2023-07-21 16:48:34 |
“Their solutions disrespect libertyâ€
The
Sheriff's Office of Sherman County, Oregon has now put out a statement following the recent court ruling on Oregon's controversial gun control Measure 114. Sheriff Brad Lohrey expressed his concern over the absurdity of the recently proposed law.
His statement reads as follows:
Citizens of Sherman County and other supporters,
I would like to thank you all for the support you gave me and my office on resisting Measure 114.
Measure 114 is an attack on one of our most beloved civil liberties, the right to keep and bear arms.
It is
an attack on our ability to defend ourselves and our communities. Sherman County had the wisdom to
vote an overwhelming 89% NO on this measure. However, a slight majority in the State of Oregon didn't
feel the same way and they voted to take away the rights of the minority and surrender their own.
Disgraceful.
As you likely know, I and others took the fight to Federal Court because this measure is clearly
unconstitutional and it should not become law. After my team and I battled in Federal Court, U.S. District
Judge Karin Immergut ruled against us on July 14th.
Judge Immergut ruled that the ban on the sale or manufacture of large-capacity magazines and the
requirement for a permit to purchase a gun are both constitutional. The existing case law from the U.S.
Supreme Court and both the State and Federal Constitutions are plainly worded and any reasonable
reading of these documents would show how the Judge is clearly wrong.
Here is the thing, there a are a lot of people out there that don't care what these documents say. They have
an agenda and they are not comfortable with citizens exercising firearm rights. They want barriers to
these rights. I'm sure they think they are protecting children and making their communities safer, but they
are completely wrong and their solutions tend to also make it harder, or not even possible, for law-abiding
citizens to defend themselves. Their solutions disrespect liberty.
While the measure is not in effect yet due to another lawsuit, I wouldn't be surprised if the pattern of
rights violations continues. Unless there are some serious changes to how the measure is written, there
is no way a permit can or will be issued. Even if I wanted to comply with the measure, the logistics and
process make it impossible. You won't be able to buy a in gun in Oregon (at least legally) and you will have
to worry about how many bullets you carry in your magazines (if you worry about unconstitutional laws).
I want to thank the following law enforcement leaders that cared enough to fight Measure 114 that they
actually joined the lawsuit: Sheriff Cody Bowen, Sheriff Terry Rowen, Sheriff Brian Pixley, and Sheriff Brian
Wolfe (retired). These gentlemen are true patriots that support the communities they serve.
A huge shout out to Kevin Starrett with Oregon Firearms Federation, who lead the charge. Attorneys
Leonard W. Williamson and Stephen Joncus, and all the other attorneys on the team, did a great job. This
fight is not over and there will be an appeal. Rest assured, we will not surrender our freedoms.
Sheriff Brad Lohrey
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Attorney James L. Buchal has filed notice to appeal the recent ruling in U.S. District Court in Portland on behalf of the gun rights groups.
The Sherman County Sheriff is responsible for maintaining the peace within the county and is directly accountable to the people.
Sherman County lies between the deep canyons of the John Day River on the east and the Deschutes River on the west in north central Oregon.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-07-19 19:09:17 | Last Update: 2023-07-19 19:34:34 |
Oregon State researchers say they are developing new technology
Researchers in the Oregon State University College of Engineering
now say they are developing technology to convert wastewater into a product that would simultaneously irrigate and fertilize crops.
The three-year project led by Xue Jin, assistant professor of environmental engineering, will be supported by $750,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will involve partnerships with farmers, wastewater treatment plants and USDA scientists.
“Agricultural activity accounts for 70% of all available freshwater,†Jin said. “Worldwide, demand for food production continues to grow along with the population. As droughts become more frequent and severe, there is a critical need for effective treatment technologies that provide safe reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation.â€
The project also aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, which are produced by mining and manufacturing processes that consume limited natural resources and create significant environmental impacts. Further impacts occur after fertilizers are applied to fields.
“Fertilizer runoff is a major source of pollution for surface water,†Jin said. “This results in algal blooms that contaminate drinking water sources and produce further harmful ecological effects downstream.â€
The researchers are developing a two-stage, hybrid membrane filtration technology to treat the murky liquid discharge from anaerobic digesters, a type of bioreactor used in water treatment plants and on some larger farms. The digesters rely on bacteria to break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
In the first stage, an electrically charged membrane attracts ions such as ammonium, phosphorus and potassium and concentrates them into a fertilizer-rich brine. In the second stage, a forward-osmosis membrane removes contaminants such as bacteria, and the bacteria-free water is then recombined with the brine to produce a nutrient-enhanced solution that can be applied to crops.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
“In laboratory-scale testing, we were able to recover 80% of the water,†said Quang Ngoc Tran, a graduate student who has been a key participant in the research. “When the technology is scaled up with optimal operating conditions, that number could go even higher. The output is basically pure water, with a little bit of dissolved salts that are the plant nutrients.â€
Tala Navab-Daneshmand, an associate professor of environmental engineering at Oregon State, and David Bryla, a research horticulturist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Corvallis, will conduct greenhouse studies to evaluate both the effectiveness of the treated water in plant growth and the biosafety of the resulting crops.
OSU says the team will also perform economic feasibility studies. Jin says the technology could potentially be deployed directly on farms that operate their own anaerobic digesters, or even on high-tech vertical farms situated adjacent to municipal treatment plants. Vertical farming refers to growing crops in stacked layers rather than just using the ground.
“We are examining multiple prospective use-case scenarios,†Jin said. “The fiscal impacts of this technology will prove to be a key consideration in whether it becomes widely adopted. The goal is to make agriculture more sustainable not just environmentally but economically as well. If we can develop an affordable system that will effectively reduce the costs of crop production, that could be very attractive to farmers.â€
--Keith HautalaPost Date: 2023-07-18 19:12:50 | Last Update: 2023-07-18 21:43:12 |
Read More Articles