Coos Bay wastewater plant No. 2 is under a mandate from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to update its operations at the end of Fulton Ave., in the Empire District by Nov. 23, 2016 or face financial penalties. City officials developed a plan that the DEQ approved; however, some members of the city council have delayed the start of the project wanting instead to investigate other proposals, specifically one calling for privatization of the city’s wastewater system. The debate has led to heated arguments and the resignation of one council member, Tom Leahy Tuesday night following what he described as a very “contentious” meeting. During that meeting, one citizen was escorted from the chambers. The council did vote 4-3 to form a three-person subcommittee to draft a Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding privatizing the system despite the concerns of city staff and the objection of members of the public. The city has reportedly already spent more than $100,000 investigating the option under consideration. The Charleston Sanitary District also utilizes Plant No. 2 and will be impacted financially by whatever direction the City of Coos Bay decides.
