7/22/09 La Pine
 
by Ariel Wesler
 
The south county water quality issue is far from over.  In fact, everyone is still searching for a solution and hoping to work together.
 
"We don't want to go forward until we here from the community," said Dick Pedersen, DEQ Director.
 
The DEQ says there has never been an emergency water quality situation in southern Deschutes County.
 
"We're trying to be proactive with the community because there are higher levels approaching that," Pedersen said.
 
One resident argued the study by the US Geological Survey which first identified high levels of nitrates in the water is outdated.
 
"If they would take the same growth rate that we've had for the last two years and input it into their computer model, that chart up there on the wall would be totally different," argued one resident.
 
The groundwater also crosses into northern Klamath County.  Deschutes County commissioners would like to see the DEQ take the lead moving forward and develop a partnership.
 
"This is a regional issue.  We are only one county.  We feel that we have done what we can but the community has spoken to us that they would like a different direction," said Tammy Baney, Deschutes County Commissioner.
 
"I'm not sure the community wants the county to partner," said Diane Shufelberger of La Pine.
 
Many south county residents have lost confidence in the commissioners--fearing decisions were made without their input.  Now, the community wants to hand it all over to DEQ.
 
"Let them handle all onsite and the groundwater protection for the entire county," said Robert Ray, head of the Citizens Action Group in La Pine.
 
Commissioners say that could result in added costs.
 
"From a one shop stopping perspective, that adds another layer," Baney said.
 
The Land Conservation and Development Commission is also getting involved--since without an exception, sewer systems can't be built outside urban areas.
 
"There are areas that can be sewered.  There are areas that can be clustered.  Yeah, if you live on 40 acres, an ATT system might be what you need," Shufelberger said.
 
Deschutes County has partnered with the Sunriver Resort to begin evaluating the area for a sewer system.  It's also preparing for sewers in its updated comprehensive plan.