Metro created videos to explain the background of the future Metro South project and how it would improve garbage and recycling services for greater Portland.
The Future Metro South Community Advisory Group wrapped up their work in May. The group brought together Clackamas County residents of diverse ages, backgrounds and nationalities to learn about the garbage and recycling system, and to provide input on the opportunities and impacts of the project.
After meeting 11 times since August 2020, the group created a community lens that provides community-based criteria for Metro staff to use in siting, designing and constructing a future facility.
Read more about the advisory group and their community criteria
From May to June, Metro conducted a community survey that asked for feedback on the Jennifer St. site as a potential location for a new transfer center. The survey received over 1,200 responses, many from those living in Clackamas County. Survey results will be summarized and posted on the Future South project website.
Due diligence work continues at the Jennifer St site. Phase I and II environmental site assessments have been completed and 10 soil borings found no environmental contaminants that would require clean-up before building. Due to the close proximity of the Clackamas River, there will be additional soil and groundwater testing to better understand how groundwater currently flows through the property.
A geotechnical investigation has also been completed, giving Metro a better understanding of how and where future construction might be most appropriate on the site.
An initial traffic analysis at Jennifer Street and the nearby intersections has been completed. The study showed that Jennifer St. can handle existing traffic and future customer traffic to a potential facility. In response to local community concerns regarding traffic impacts in this area, Metro will collect more data to determine if a traffic signal should be added and consider what other ways they could make road improvements if this project is built.
Metro staff have also heard concerns about protecting the Clackamas River, which is near the Jennifer St. property. Metro is working with an engineering firm to incorporate stormwater best practices into the planning of the new facility. Through this work, the Future Metro South transfer center will be designed to protect waterways and soil from potential pollutants.