Translate
The Kellogg Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility, brought online in 1974, serves WES customers in Happy Valley, Johnson City, Milwaukie, and nearby unincorporated communities. Every day, the facility cleans nearly 7 million gallons of wastewater before it is safely released into the Willamette River.
How Treatment Works
The facility uses primary and secondary treatment processes to clean wastewater:
Initial Screening & Grit Removal
Wastewater first passes through screens that remove large debris such as rags and sticks. It then enters a grit chamber where heavier materials—including rocks, sand and silt—settle out.
Primary & Secondary Treatment
Primary clarifiers remove a large portion of solids from homes and businesses. Remaining solids move into the secondary treatment system, where aeration basins and naturally occurring microorganisms break down pollutants. Secondary clarifiers then allow solids to settle before the cleaned water moves on to disinfection.
Disinfection & Resource Recovery
The final step is ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, which neutralizes harmful microorganisms before the treated water is returned to the river. The facility also uses anaerobic digestion, a biological process that breaks down solids and supports energy and resource recovery.
Upgrading the Facility
A Focus on Recovery, Not Waste
The name “Water Resource Recovery Facility” reflects the industry shift toward transforming wastewater into valuable resources—including clean water, biosolids and energy. This name also reflects WES’ mission to protect local watersheds and support a healthy environment where people can live, work and play.
Award-Winning Performance
In 2023, the Kellogg Creek facility received the Peak Performance Gold Standard Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). This honor recognizes facilities that operate for a full year with zero permit violations, demonstrating excellence in reliability, safety and environmental protection.
Facility Upgrades: Investing in the Future
The Kellogg Creek Improvements Project received a 2021 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for leadership in resiliency, infrastructure and sustainability. Recent upgrades ensure the facility can continue delivering reliable, cost-effective service for decades.
Key Improvements
- Odor Control Enhancements: WES prioritized being a good neighbor by installing covers on aeration basins, significantly reducing odors.
- Modernized Infrastructure: Crews replaced aging pipes, pumps and electrical systems to improve performance and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
- Ongoing Refurbishments: Continued upgrades help extend the life of facility components and support efficient operations.
More improvements are planned to keep the facility running at top performance and protect community resources.
