OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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From: Capital Planning and Construction
Impact Information:
Walk Path from Simpson Lot:
The walk path to/from the Simpson lot will stay open and passable for walking and biking but large dump trucks supporting the construction will be crossing over the pathway. In addition, starting this coming Monday (7/1/24) Knife River will need to close the road to the Oval Green to vehicular and pedestrian access near the CETS1 metal building to excavate and install utilities to serve the new Mechanical Node 1 Plant and future campus expansion. This closure as detailed in the image below will be in place through Friday (7/29/24). During this closure time all pedestrian and vehicular traffic should access the Oval Green near the Ray Hall Outdoor Classroom only. Use caution, stay alert, follow flagger direction and signage in/around the pathway and construction areas.
Construction Information:
You have likely seen the heavy earth moving equipment and the temporary construction fences our general contractor, Knife River, has setup around the campus. Knife River has begun excavating and sorting the construction and demolition waste in areas of the landfill north of the Century-Chandler parking lot. As we begin this work we want to inform you about the nature of the work, important safety measures we are taking, and the things you can do for your own safety.
The nature of the work:
This section of the demolition landfill is largely made up of sawdust, cut ends of wood, and boiler ash from Bend’s previous sawmills. It also has some tires, carpet remnants, drywall, roofing, and other items someone would come across when they demolish a home or building. We are excavating this material, sorting it and re-landfilling it using modern techniques in another landfill area in the northwest corner of campus adjacent to the Simpson parking lot. Additional reclaimed soil, which will not include landfill materials, will be used to further fill in the pumice mine beyond the oval green.
Important safety measures:
Pedestrian safety – As noted above pedestrian traffic to and from the Simpson parking lot will be in close proximity to large trucks and other construction equipment moving between the two landfill areas. Knife River will have flaggers on duty in the crossing where construction and pedestrian traffic meet. Please stay on the path, follow the flaggers direction, and watch for construction vehicles while walking in this area. This is not the area of campus to walk with your head down, focused on your phone or with earbuds in.
Air quality – Some of the waste in the landfill being cleaned up is hot and will generate visible steam, especially in cold weather. Heat builds up in this landfill as wood in the waste breaks down naturally, similar to what happens in a compost pile but on a larger scale. Knife River will be using water to control the heat and to keep dust to a minimum. As part of the health and safety plan developed by our environmental engineering firm in coordination with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, contractors will also be monitoring air quality at the excavation site and with monitors stationed around the perimeter of the work area. The monitoring data helps us identify and control any unforeseen air quality impacts from the work
Project Links:
This is an exciting milestone in the expansion of the campus, and we hope you enjoy watching the work while staying safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the construction team at the email/phone numbers below.
Who to contact with questions/concerns:
Oregon State University – Cascades, 541.706.2163
Oregon State University – Cascades, 541-706-2205
