Natural Resources - Case Study

The City of La Grande, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and several agencies and environmental groups joined forces to restore the Tule Lake wetland complex using the City's treated wastewater. AP developed a treatment process for the wastewater by using polishing wetlands to meet water quality standards for public contact.

This project provided a cost-effective, sustainable design solution for the City of La Grande in the treatment and disposal of its municipal wastewater. At the same time, the project restored over 1,000 acres of the old Tule Lake wetlands that were drained in the late 1800s for farm use. Use of the City's treated wastewater provides the constant source of water necessary for wetland health. Because of this water, native wetland environment flourishes and provides abundant wildlife habitat. AP and other project partners took care to enhance public use of the 1,000+ acre system, including provisions for tourism and recreation through waterfowl hunting and bird watching, hiking paths, informational signs, blinds, and other features.

AP earned many accolades for this project, including the American Council of Engineering Companies of Oregon Grand Award and the National League of Cities Excellence Award.