See also the page on Bear Creek.

    Purchase of a new chlorination plant for treatment of city sewage until construction of the contemplated new sewage disposal plant was authorized yesterday morning by the city council of Medford at a special meeting. The chlorination plant will cost about $1,900 and will take the place of the small plant which had been borrowed from the water department of the city.
    The purchase was made on the insistence of the city health department. The new plant, which is to be selected by the health committee headed by W. W. Allen, chairman, will use about 240 pounds of chlorine a day at capacity, whereas the capacity of the present small plant is about 75 pounds a day, an amount deemed insufficient to care for the sewage problem in warm weather.
    The cost of the chlorine is about 10 cents a pound, which would mean $24 a day if the plant must be operated at capacity. It is believed the cost will approximate $500 a month, however, during the summer season.
    Dr. L. D. Inskeep declared that the system of handling the sewage problem would be adequate until construction of the new plant.
    A bond issue will probably be brought to vote soon on construction of the $215,000 disposal plant, held to be a pressing need of this city. At present Bear Creek, into which the sewage flows, is virtually dry, and a drastic sanitary condition is arising, with the threat of lawsuits hanging over the city. The present purchase is temporary, necessitated by the delay in construction of the large plant.
Medford Daily News, May 23, 1931, page 1

    Reasons why it is necessary for the City of Medford to build a new trunk sewer line from the Cottage Street bridge to the disposal plant were outlined today by the city council health committee, as follows:
    Before Bear Creek can be cleaned up and beautified through the city, it is necessary to eliminate the outfall from four septic tanks now dumping sewage direct into Bear Creek. One of these tanks is located just above the Cottage Street bridge on the west bank of the creek and is serving the South Sea Addition. Two tanks now serve the Merrick campground, and the old tank built in 1909 located in the rear of the Gaddis and Dixon property was built for the purpose of serving the business district. All of the above septic tanks are too low to discharge the effluent into the Riverside trunk sewer.
    The present trunk sewer from the intersection of East Jackson and Riverside Avenue running north along Riverside Avenue to the septic tank is running to capacity with sanitary sewage only. No additional capacity is available for storm water. The runoff from the streets of an area of 1570 acres must pass down this line; it being unable to carry the storm water during the rainy season, the raw sewage flows down the gutters.
    This line was constructed in 1910 for the use of sanitary sewage to serve a population of 10,000 people. Our present population is 11,200 people. This line is 21 years old.
    The present sewage from the East Side is diverted into the Riverside trunk sewer at the intersection of Jackson and Riverside Avenue. This line is suspended on cables to the Jackson Street bridge. It is necessary to cut the raw sewage direct into Bear Creek under the bridge during storms. The iron pipe is constantly washing out during winter months as debris flowing down Bear Creek collects against the line and washes it out.
    A new trunk sewer is not for the use of the East Side only, as there are a total of 3840 business houses and residences within the city. There are 1446 business houses and 1657 residences on the west side of Bear Creek, or a total of 3103.   
    On the East Side there are 10 business houses and 727 residences, or a total of 737. There are also 2523 vacant lots within the city, of which 1747 are on the west side of Bear Creek and 776 on the east side.
    The question has been asked "Why not separate the sanitary sewer systems in Medford from the storm sewer?" This is not at all impossible, but to provide the new storm sewers to carry the storm water from 1562 acres would cost the city about $500,000. It is therefore unwise at the present time to make a separation.
    However, provision is made in the new trunk sewer to serve a population of 25,000 people. The additional capacity which will be available in this line can be used for storm water until such time as the city reaches the population of 25,000.
    The city is liable for damages due to the known lack of repair of sewers or its failure to maintain them to a standard of efficiency. The city is liable for any damage which may result from the inadequate capacity of a sewer (N.W. Rep. 699, Wisconsin Supreme Court).
    Washington Supreme Court case Boyer vs. City of Tacoma. City held liable for overflow of insufficient sewer--In this case, it appeared that the sewer was originally sufficient for the territory it served, but it became inadequate through growth of the territory. The overflow occurred in a period of heavy but not extraordinary rainfall.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 2, 1931, page 8


    The Mail Tribune is as interested as any business in Medford in keeping down the city tax rate. If we could see any way to solve the city sewage disposal problem, and the storm sewer problem, without increasing taxes, we would be for it ten thousand ways, for it would mean a material saving for this newspaper.
    But frankly we can see no way out. The sewage situation, not only from the standpoint of pollution of Bear Creek, but from the standpoint of city health, is a critical one. As the recent flooding of city streets during the June rains demonstrated, the storm sewer situation is also a critical one.
    We have looked at this problem from all angles, and we are convinced that an improvement of our sewage system is absolutely imperative, and the sooner it is done, the better for all concerned.
    To delay action for a year or two, as we see it, would do no material good, and might do serious harm, for we repeat the situation is a critical one, and while we don't care to go into the horrible details at the present time, we suggest that anyone who doubts this, communicate with the state board of health or the city health department, and find out from an impartial source just what dangers such a delay would involve.
    In this controversy as in all others affecting the welfare of this city we have one supreme desire, to do everything in our power to give the people of the city the TRUE FACTS. For we are convinced that if they have the facts--if they know just what the situation is--they will feel toward these sewage bonds precisely as we do.
    As previously pointed out in this column, there has been a misapprehension regarding this issue, many getting the idea that a vote for the bonds would mean a vote for the "water tax" method of financing them.
    This is entirely untrue. There are two questions to be decided at this election. First, whether or not Medford is to improve its sewage situation to meet its present needs. Second, whether or not the water tax or property tax system of payment is to be used.
    The first question is entirely separate from the second and is the only question with which this paper is vitally concerned.
    We believe the defeat of these bonds would be highly unfortunate at this time, that under the circumstances the city council could then do nothing but call a second election, adding to the delay and increasing the expense. And we further believe that such a defeat might result in very serious consequences, both from the standpoint of legal complications and community health.
    We ask no one to take our word for this. All we ask is that anyone who believes an improvement of the city sewage system is NOT NECESSARY at this time take the trouble to look up the facts, communicate with the state board of health, the city health officer, or for that matter consult their own family physician.
    With the facts in their possession we have no doubt whatever how the people of Medford will vote in the coming election.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 5, 1931, page B2

    For tomorrow afternoon's special election on the sewer bond question the polls will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and all regularly registered citizens are entitled to vote. The voting places are as follows:
    First Ward: Public market building on South Riverside Avenue.
    Second Ward: Public library on West Main Street.
    Third Ward: Fichtner's Garage corner Fir and Sixth streets.
    Fourth Ward: Upstairs city hall, corner Front and Sixth streets.
    The populace of Medford is better informed today on the merits of the bond issues to be voted on tomorrow afternoon for a new sewage disposal system and trunk sewer because of the mass meeting held in the city park last night, attended by hundreds of citizens to hear the talks of city officials and State Sanitary Engineer Carl E. Green on the present deplorable sewage situation and why the voters should vote for the bond issue.
    The talks were interspersed with selections by the Elks band, and the remarks and music were broadcast over KMED, thus carrying into the homes of many more citizens the sewage situation and bond issue information. Many neighborhood radio parties were held to listen in.
    The speakers in the order named were as follows: Mayor E. M. Wilson; W. W. Allen, chairman of the city council health committee; C. A. Meeker, chairman of the council finance committee; City Engineer Fred Scheffel; Dr. L. D. Inskeep, city health officer, and Carl E. Green, state sanitary officer.
    Each speaker covered briefly one phase of the situation, and probably the most informative address was that of sanitary engineer Green on the necessity for the sewage disposal system to eliminate what he declared to be a "gross nuisance and public health hazard."
    "Many of the citizens of Medford have been led to believe that the matter of sewage disposal for the city has not been given sufficient study and that action should be delayed. We are forced to immediate action," said Mayor Wilson.
    "Let me say that this subject has been considered by your councils for years past without definite action, and that two years ago former Mayor Pipes, myself and others visited Klamath Falls for inspection of that plant and system costing over $300,000, going into detail with their engineer, Mr. Kennedy. Our study of the problem has continued since that time and has been intensive since the present council assumed their duties in January.
    "One of the first communications received by me in entering upon my duties as mayor was from the state board of health, being then advised that something must be done to correct Medford's sewer situation.
    "Realizing the seriousness of the matter, our health committee, with W. W. Allen as chairman, has made a thorough investigation; has worked out all preliminary details in accordance with requirements of the state board of health at little cost to the city; has submitted the preliminary details and specifications to four different engineers, including Mr. Kennedy of San Francisco, Pierce, Greeley & Hansen of Chicago, and Burns, McDonald & Smith of Los Angeles. These engineers have approved our tentative plans and estimates.
    "When the bond issue has been authorized, and I am sure it will be next Wednesday, we will be in a position to employ some sanitary engineer who will prepare final estimates upon which to base a call for bids for all features of construction, and the work could be begun early this fall and continued during the winter, in a measure relieving unemployment.
    "You have chosen a council in whom you must have confidence. This council has assumed a trust in which much responsibility lies, and a diversion of funds from an intended purpose will never be permitted. Our consolidated improvement fund provides for retirement of improvement bonds for which the city is responsible. Water funds will take care of water bonds if conserved and income increased according to the desire heretofore expressed by the people. Our new water system was constructed for $50,000 under the authorized bond issue. The Cottage Street bridge was constructed for §3200 under the estimated cost, due to competitive bidding. Sewer funds will be conserved in a like manner.
    "In constructing the proposed disposal plant and trunk sewer the final expenditure will depend upon the determination of an engineer specializing in such construction. If possible to save in the type of plant or in any feature of construction such will be done. Competitive bidding may also save in construction costs. Be assured that only such portion of the bond issue as is necessary to accomplish the purpose will be sold.
    "The sewage plans outlined cover a completed system for the city and for certain near future annexations; also for the immediate care of storm overflows and for the elimination of four septic tanks now bordering Bear Creek above the city's present septic tank.
    "Those sanitary improvements are essential to the health and dignity of the city.
    "The council up to this time has assumed the responsibility for contagion and sanitary damage but after Wednesday next the responsibility will rest with the people. Fully consider this responsibility in casting your vote Wednesday."
    "Unfortunately, the city council, and particularly the health committee of the council, have been accused of various crimes against the voters of Medford, high-pressure methods used in trying to sell the bond issue to the people and lack of judgment in bringing the election at this time," said W. W. Allen, chairman of the city council committee on health.
    "Answering the first criticism, let me state, ladies and gentlemen, that nothing could be farther from the truth," he continued. "Early this year the council instructed its health committee to go into this problem and obtain data and other information pertaining to construction costs, etc., of a modern sewage disposal plant.
    "The committee has held many meetings and interviewed several well-known sanitary engineers who have come to Medford from as far away as Chicago, at no expense to the taxpayers. These engineers have checked the preliminary plans and estimates furnished by our city engineering department, and have congratulated us on the work so far accomplished, This information is all a matter of record and you can easily check and confirm this statement.
    "It has been said that we should not have brought the election at this time. Other speakers on the program will go into this phase of the program."
    "Let your conscience be your guide. Think it over and vote accordingly," said Clarence A. Meeker, vice mayor and chairman of the council finance committee, in concluding his address, which was mainly devoted to the financial ability of the Medford public to well withstand voting the bond issue.
    "Two things are necessary for the health and happiness of a city--pure water and good sanitation, We have long had the pure water; now a modern sewage disposal system is absolutely necessary. We have passed bond issues before in Medford's history for purposes that we could possibly have done without. I say this without any intention of criticism, but a new sewage disposal system is not in the class I refer to. It is a municipal necessity, that we can no longer do without. It means safety for the lives of a large proportion of our citizens."
    Mr. Meeker stressed the fact that Medford's general taxation record is good, and that the city's taxation is low compared with other Southern Oregon cities. He said that Medford has the lowest general taxation of any municipality in Jackson County.
    "Come to our office and we will be pleased to explain plans on the proposed new sewage disposal system and give figures and costs on the plans," said City Engineer Fred Scheffel, at the conclusion of his remarks.
    Mr. Scheffel explained the present inadequate situation, dilated on the plans for the new sewage disposal system and trunk sewer in connection, told of the various types of septic tank processes in use in other cities. The present plans provide for expansions as needed in the future, and for the complete separation of the sanitary and storm sewage at some future time when the city can afford the enormous cost that would be entailed in effecting such a separation.
    "Medford is known throughout Oregon as having the best water, and the filthiest sewerage," said Dr. D. L. Inskeep, city health officer, in opening his address.
    In pointing out the necessity for the building of the new sewage system--septic tank and trunk sewer for which tomorrow's bond issue is up to the vote of the people--Dr. Inskeep stated that a complete and comprehensive survey has been made of the city and its environs by competent sanitary engineers, and the city administration.
    The proposed system will care for storm and sanitary purposes for 15,000 people without house meters, or for 24,000 people with meters, he said. He related that the proposed system will abolish four septic tanks, and sewer cleanup nuisances.
    He declared the proposed system is designed to provide for future expansion, as the city grows, so that if at any future time any immediate adjoining communities, like Berrydale, should be annexed to the city the added communities could be easily connected up with the city's fine sewer system, if the bond issue passes, and enjoy the benefits of that system.
    In dwelling on the deplorable unsanitary conditions along Bear Creek, caused by the antiquated and inadequate main septic tank, Dr. Inskeep said:
    "Do not take my word for it. Go out and look over the situation for yourself. You will quickly realize the necessity for a new sewage disposal system, and vote the bonds for it."
    Imperative reasons for the passage of the new bond issue were given by Carl E. Green of Portland, state sanitary engineer, in his remarks which plainly show that Medford's reputation is at stake, and that it the city does not voluntarily remedy its present sewage disposal situation steps will be taken by the state on health grounds to compel remedial measures. His remarks follow in part:
    "The state board of health has general oversight of water supplies and sewerage systems of the state. State law requires that all plans of the construction of water and sewer systems must be submitted to, and be approved, by that board before construction may begin.
    "It also says that no sewage may be discharged into any body of water used for a public water supply unless it is first passed through some known system of purification approved by the state board of health.
    "The present city septic tank is not approved by our office for the following reasons: The Rogue River below Medford is used by the cities of Gold Hill and Grants Pass for drinking water purposes. A nuisance exists along Bear Creek caused by Medford sewage.
    "The creek water is used for the irrigation and washing of vegetables, which are sold in the city of Medford. This is a dangerous practice and no doubt has resulted of cases of dysentery and typhoid fever. The organic matter of the sewage so depletes the oxygen of the creek that fish life is destroyed.
    "The Medford city officially were advised last January to proceed immediately with the design of a modern sewage disposal plant providing for adequate treatment. Our office will not approve of any plans which do not provide for complete treatment.
    "Extensions to or modification of the present septic tank will nut be approved.
    "The term 'septic tank' has been improperly used in connection with the proposed new sewage treatment plant. Septic tanks are considered by competent sanitary engineers to be obsolete and inadequate for cities of any size. Septic tanks still are the most practical of all treatment plants for private homes and small institutions, especially where the tank effluent may be disposed of underground by subirrigation.
    "The effluent from a septic tank is not harmless, as so many have been led to believe. Its bacterial content may equal that of the incoming raw sewage. Though it is often said that one may safely drink the tank overflow, only the foolhardy will risk
the danger involved.
    "During the last ten or twenty years much has been learned about the treatment of sewage. Tried and proved modern methods of sewer treatment are at our command, and there is no reason why the older, inadequate methods should now be used. Though there are different processes used to accomplish the required results, they all provide for different units, which have different functions and accomplish the same results. These functions are sedimentation, digestion and oxidation.
    "Their processes are carried on separately and not in intimate contact. Herein lies the chief difference between the old septic tank and the modern methods of treatment.
    "The estimated cost of the proposed sewage disposal plant for Medford is reasonable. The city of La Grande in Eastern Oregon has at present the most complete treatment plant in the state. The effluent is practically always 100 percent stable, that is, incapable of producing conditions of putrefaction in the stream to which it is allowed to flow. This plant was designed for about 10,000 population and cost $106,000. It should be borne in mind that this cost does not include trunk sewer, but is for the plant alone. The cost is proportionately the same as Medford's cost, the added amount being necessary to provide a trunk sewer which is needed here.
    "The people of Medford should vote the bond issue to eliminate the gross nuisance and public health hazard. The task of supplying a city with water does not stop when the used water enters the sewer. The used water, which is sewage, must be disposed of so as to not be a menace to the health and comfort of the city."

Medford Mail Tribune, July 14, 1931, page 1


    The following statement on the bond election result was made by Mayor E. M. Wilson this noon:
    "While the result of our sewer bond election was against the project, the prevailing national depression, and particularly our state sentiment, foretold the result.
    "From the standpoint of the city council, I can say that every councilman feels that his duty has been performed and that the project as submitted to the voters was a construction plan as nearly perfect as six months of intensive study could make it. Only 40 percent of the registered vote was cast, which cannot be regarded as representative.
    "In the cities of La Grande and Walla Walla sewer improvements were first turned down and heavy damage claims were secured against each city before the people supported bond issues and built systems equaled by no other. This will, no doubt, be the result in Medford.
    "Regarding submitting the question again to the people, the council at this time has no definite plan of procedure. We may be forced by the state board of health to call another election at once. If we can provide a fund in October for our next budget to secure complete detail and design of a plant from a consulting engineer I would prefer waiting until this can be done before submitting the question again. The surveys and information we now have are of great value.
    "As to contagion and property damage, I am much concerned from the standpoint of health. A death traceable to Medford's sanitary conditions would result in irreparable injury to the family and a serious damage action against the city. We now have a property damage case before us. Others are threatened. In yesterday's election the responsibility for existing conditions to continue has been transferred from the council to the people. This is one feature of the election the council is thankful for."
    "The people of Medford expressed themselves most emphatically on the septic tank bond proposition, and though the result was in a measure disappointing to the city government, the majority rules, and we gracefully abide by the decision," said W. W. Allen, chairman of the city council health committee, upon whom and the other members of that committee has rested the burden of placing the sewer bond question up for vote after months of study of the question, in an interview today.
    "We have done our best, as we see it, and now that the bonds are defeated, will continue within limited means at our disposal to do so, in regard to the septic tank situation. The situation now faced by the city administration is a puzzling one, but the voters shifted the main responsibility from our shoulders."
    President O. O. Alenderfer of the chamber of commerce had no comment to make today on the result of the election and future resumption of steps to remedy the septic tank situation, beyond the fact that in view of the depression and general abhorrence of most property owners of increasing their taxes, it was not surprising that the bond issue was defeated, even though a meritorious measure.
    He further added that when the election commotion has died away and the people had resumed their normal state of mind, no doubt the city officials and other leading citizens would decide the future course to be pursued in bringing about septic tank reformation. In the meantime he recommended that everyone go on about his or her daily business and forget all sewer talk.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 16, 1931, page 1


    Suit was filed in the circuit court this afternoon by Horace E. Peyton and his wife, Mildred G. Peyton, against the city of Medford for alleged damages accruing from the sludge from a broken sewer pipe and overflow from the septic tank upon his land, consisting of three lots lying on the Bear Creek bottoms, near the northern city limits. It is said to be the first of several similar damage suits contemplated. The Peytons are represented by the law firm of Crews & Codding.
    The Peytons allege in their complaint that by reason of the sludge overflow their land has been rendered worthless for gardening, that they have been forced to move their home because of the stench, and that their pasture has been ruined and they were forced to move their cows.
    The complaint also sets forth that the land is valuable for residential and gardening purposes but is rendered well-nigh worthless under the present conditions, and that the city has been "carelessly, willfully and wantonly negligent" in remedying conditions.
    It is stated that the Peytons for some time have been endeavoring to have the city alleviate the conditions.
    The land involved in the suit consists of three lots in the John R. Crews subdivision.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 3, 1931, page 1


    A new plan to take care of the sewage disposal situation was broached to the city officials at last night's council meeting by a self-constituted committee of public-spirited and well-known citizens, who believe that the present septic tank situation is a municipal menace to health and an emergency, which must be rectified as soon as possible.
    The citizens' committee decided on the tentative plan at their meeting June 24, and C. E. (Pop) Gates, the chairman of the committee, laid its details before the council last night. The proposed plan met with the informal approval of the four city councilmen present--P. M. Kershaw, J. O. Grey, C. C. Furnas and Geo. W. Porter, and Mayor E. M. Wilson. The absence of Councilmen C. A. Meeker, W. W. Allen, D. R. Terrett and C. C. Darby prevented the council having a quorum, and action on the plan will be taken at a meeting of the council tonight.
    In brief, as outlined by chairman Gates, the plan is to have the city employ the services as soon as possible of a skilled outside sewer engineer of reputation, to draw up plans and specifications for a new sewage disposal system, and for the city in accordance with these plans to build a possible emergency unit as the first construction of the new system, to remedy the worst evils of the present inadequate septic tank sufficiently to get by in the present emergency.
    To employ such an engineer and to build the emergency unit, the city could borrow the money from the banks, put the estimated cost in the city budget for next year, and pay back the money to the banks out of next year's taxes. Following out of this plan would avoid any unnecessary delay, the committee points out.
    Mr. Gates said that the city government had borrowed money for municipal emergency matters in past years, successfully, and notably during his own terms as mayor.
    "We are up against an emergency, and it is time to act," said Mr. Gates in his introductory remarks. "The people would be with you in making use of such a plan."
    He further explained that the committee of citizens had taken up the sewage disposal situation in efforts to help the city administration out of a bad dilemma--the city government not having the money on hand to construct a new disposal system, and the bond issue of $235,000 for that purpose having been defeated. The committee would cooperate with the city officials in every way, he pledged, if their services were agreeable.
    He told of the meeting of the 12 public-spirited citizens at which the plan was evolved. Twenty such citizens had been invited to the meeting, but only 12 attended.
    It was the consensus of opinion of that committee, he said, that in defeating the bond issue the voters were not opposed to the mayor, council, or City Superintendent Fred Scheffel, but were opposed only to passing such a big bond issue at this time.
    He declared that it was an injustice to City Superintendent Scheffel that he should be called on to outline a new sewage disposal system. That was a job solely for a sanitary specialist engineer, he said, and such an engineer must be employed, in the estimation of the committee, to draw the plans and specifications of the sewage system, of which Medford is in such dire need.
    "Most of the cities up and down the coast are up against this problem of establishing new sewage disposal systems," said Mr. Gates, in referring to the Medford situation, "and we think that considering the urgent necessity of taking remedial measures to do away with the worst features of the present septic tank until a new disposal system can be built, the plan we have suggested despite the fact of the city lacking ready funds for the purpose, is possible.
    "Most any person or organization can do a thing in an ordinary way, but this is an extraordinary problem and there is a way out, as we have outlined. Sufficient money can be borrowed from the banks to employ a specialist engineer and get rid of the worst features of the present septic tank system, until an entire new sewage disposal plant can be constructed."
    In the informal talk that followed on the suggested plan between members of the citizens' committee and city officials, it was fairly tentatively agreed that the citizens' committee would enlarge its membership from 12 to 16 members, which enlargement would be reported back to the city council meeting tonight, and that the latter committee would cooperate in selecting an engineer specialist and also in the future in solving the sewage problem.
    The outlook is that the city council tonight will formally adopt the citizens' committee proffered solution plan.
    The proposed enlarged citizens' committee is as follows:
    W. J. Warner, Geo. Schumaker, C. E. Gates, V. J. Emerick, Ray Tucker, F. N. Cummings, E. C. Koppen, Olen Arnspiger, Paul B. Rynning, Dr. E. B. Pickel, Dr. R. E. Green, Dr. A. E. Dodson, Eugene Thorndike, F. E. Wahl, Scott V. Davis and J. S. Orth.
    The members of the original citizens' committee, which met June 24th, was as follows: W. J. Warner, Geo. Schumaker, C. E. Gates, Ray Tucker, F. C. Cummings, E. C. Koppen, H. O. Olsen, Paul B. Rynning, Dr. E. B. Pickel, Dr. R. E. Green, Dr. A. E. Dodson and Eugene Thorndike.
    The following is the formal resolution adopted by the citizens' meeting on July 24th:
    "Resolved, that it is the consensus of this committee that the city council should employ a competent consulting engineer, one who makes a specialty of outlining and planning sewerage disposal systems, for the purpose of making plans and specifications for a sewerage disposal system sufficient for the present and also the future needs of the city of Medford and the estimated cost of same; a system which would take care of our future needs and outlined in such a manner that we could build at once, or as soon as advisable, that part of the system that is necessary at the present time, and that it should be planned in such a manner that when the need arose for any additional work, it could be proceeded with from the plans submitted without any further engineering expense.
    "It is also recommended that the finances necessary for the employment of said engineer be raised immediately and the same be placed in the budget this fall and collected and paid for out of next year's taxes."
Medford Mail Tribune, August 5, 1931, page 1


    Suit was filed today in the circuit court by Alex Benson and wife against the city of Medford for $5000 damages alleged to have been caused by the septic tank overflow. It is the second suit of a similar nature, for the same amount, to be filed against the city within the week. Attorney Allison Moulton represents the Bensons.
    Benson, a dairyman and small farmer living near the north city limits, alleges in the complaint that owing to the overflow of sludge from the septic tank and sewer, his land has been rendered unfit for cultivation, and the water of Bear Creek contaminated to such an extent that his cows cannot drink it. He further alleges that he has been forced to move, owing to the unsanitary conditions.
    The Benson place is a quarter of a mile below the septic tank.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 7, 1931, page 1


    It developed today that the city council decided within the past week to forgo putting any appropriation in the budget for next year's expenses paving the way for construction of a new sewage disposal system, or improvement of the old septic tank, and that the city budget committee of eight prominent citizens, which has been holding frequent meetings the past two weeks on budget matters, is divided on the question, or was until early this afternoon, as half of them were in sympathy with the city council's attitude.
    The citizens' budget committee, however, visited the septic tank and vicinity early this afternoon to study the situation there, as most of its members had never visited the scene. It may be that as a result of this visit an item for cleaning out and improving the septic tank, or the city's hiring of an expert sanitary engineer to make a survey and prepare plans for the building of a sewage disposal plant in the future, may be inserted in the 1932 budget of city expenses, which will be considered and voted on at a joint meeting of the city council and citizens' budget committee tonight.
    The attitude of the city officials against any appropriation being made for septic tank cleaning and improvements, or for taking any steps in the budget for a new disposal system, is mainly due to their peeve at the state board of health, and partly to economy.
    It is said that the city superintendent had placed in the estimate of expenses for his department in 1932 an item of $10,000 for cleaning and improvements of the septic tank, and had planned to begin a cleaning this week, but that the council informally decided to spend no money for that purpose this winter, holding that nature would cleanse the septic tank and surroundings by copious rains during the fall, winter and spring, and that there would be plenty of water in Bear Creek during the summer. The claim is that the council preferred to take this chance.
    The city officials' peeve at the state board of health is that after that board had threatened Medford with everything except extermination prior to and during the campaign to have a bond issue of over $200,000 passed last summer for a new sewage disposal system, since the voters turned down that issue the board of health has done nothing, nor even threatened anything, and left the city council holding the sack.
    The city officials had made a hard campaign to influence the voters in favor of the bond issue, and one of the main arguments stressed outside of the health menace of the old septic tank was that the state board of health demanded and had the power to make the city establish a new disposal system. They claim that it still has that power, but does nothing.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 28, 1931, page 1


    The city officials quietly smiled last night at the city council meeting when W. W. Allen, chairman of the health committee of the council, read before that body a communication Mayor Wilson had received from Secretary Frederick D. Stricker of the State Board of Health, on the septic tank situation, as the council had, in cooperation with the citizens budget committee, already taken the steps he advised in this missive, when they adopted the tentative city budget last week.
    The communication read as follows:
    "Complaints are still being made regarding the nuisance in Bear Creek created by sewage from the city of Medford. Even though the people last July voted against a bond issue for the construction of a modern disposal sewage plant, the plant is as badly needed as ever and some solution to the problem should be found.
    "Probably the best procedure would be to obtain the services of a well-known competent engineer to make a study of the city's needs and prepare a report for the city. I have previously advised that this be done, but to date no such report has been prepared and submitted to this office for approval.
    "We feel that if a report from a competent engineer is presented to the people and the need of the improvement is clearly demonstrated by an educational program, the citizens of Medford will approve of the bonds necessary to construct a sewage disposal plant."
Medford Mail Tribune, November 4, 1931, page 12


    The city government is still providing employment for 25 men each week in emergency relief work, the personnel changing weekly. The work being done this week involves the construction of a drain in the alley between Rose and Summit avenues and West Main and Fourth streets, and of cleaning Bear Creek north of the Jackson Street bridge. Emergency relief workers recently completed the grading of gutters along Cedar Creek between Jackson and Clark streets.
    When the drain is finished in the alley immediately east of Rose Avenue, between West Fourth Street and Main Street, an improvement contemplated for years past, it will be of much importance to the west side of the city, as it is expected to put a stop to the flow of water during heavy rains in the south gutter of West Main, between Laurel and the west end.
    This improvement is expected to be completed by the end of the week. The ditch has already been dug as far as West Main Street, and the laying of pipe will begin today or tomorrow.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 2, 1932, page 7


    At an expense of $2000, which is $400 less than the city budget item allowed for that purpose, the extension of the storm drain to drain an area of 350 acres in the southwestern part of the city, water from which previously for years escaped to West Main Street and flooded the latter's gutter as far east as Oakdale Avenue during rainy periods, will have been completed by late this afternoon.
    This work was begun under City Superintendent Scheffel's supervision with regular and emergency city relief employees over two weeks ago, and consisted of excavating and laying a large drain pipe from West Fourth Street underground in the alley behind Rose Avenue between West Fourth Street and West Main Street. On West Fourth Street this drain will connect with the big drain sewer extending to Jackson Street and on out to Bear Creek near the Medford Concrete and Construction Company plant.
    The city officials hope to further extend the drain from Washington Street, where it now ends, on to Stewart Avenue next year.
    The completion of the extension today means that henceforth it will catch the water flowing into West Main Street from the southwestern section and intercept it at the new connection, thus doing away with the flooding of the gutter on West Main.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 14, 1932, page 5


    The sewer bond issue upon which the electors of the city will vote on the 28th day of July will accomplish a great deal towards relieving the unemployment situation here in Medford, it was pointed out today by Chamber of Commerce officials. It is estimated that an expenditure of $100,000 in the sewer system here will give employment for 75 men for an eight months period. To complete the job it will take 90 thousand man working hours.
    In addition to this, employment naturally will be created in those plants which supply materials, such as sand and gravel plants and others.
    The sewage disposal plan worked out by the Chamber of Commerce and passed by the city council is one of many in the Pacific Northwest which it is hoped to finance through the aid of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. In Oregon alone the following cities have applied for funds to either build new sewage systems or rehabilitate old systems: Astoria, Baker, Eugene, McMinnville, Portland, Roseburg, Salem, and Medford. In the state of Washington, over 35 applications have been submitted by communities for funds to perfect sewage systems.
    The city of Baker recently voted $104,000 for a sewage disposal plant, and although already approved by the voters, expects to finance it through the R.F.C. It is believed that the employment side of the public works program will be given considerable attention, and there can be no doubt, it is pointed out by chamber officials, that a project to employ 75 men for eight months is worthy of earnest thought by the citizens of Medford.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 16, 1933, page 5


    The question of Medford's sewer system, upon which the voters of the city will decide on July 28, is of vital importance from a health standpoint, it was pointed out by chamber of commerce officials today in the following statement:
    "The major portion of the sewage of the community is now discharged through a septic tank into Bear Creek. The purification of the sewage effected by the existing septic tank is very limited, as is to be expected from that type of tank. There is a further discharge of some sewage from a number of small tanks serving the low-lying areas along Bear Creek between Jackson and Cottage streets.
    "The creek below Medford is obviously polluted, and there is no question that works for the prevention of this pollution should be undertaken. A community of the size of Medford (about 12,000 population) should require for the dilution of its sewage of stream flow of upwards of 72 cubic feet per second. The flow in Bear Creek is leas than this amount during the summer months.
    "In addition to the nuisance aspect of the pollution of Bear Creek by the sewage of Medford, there should also be considered the fact that the water of Bear Creek below Medford is used for irrigation, for stock watering, and that public water supplies are taken from the Rogue River into which Bear Creek discharges about 10 miles below Medford. The discharge of sewage into water subject to these uses is not only undesirable, but a likely danger to the public health.
    "The problem in Medford also relates to the capacity of some of the existing sewers. The present Riverside trunk sewer is considerably overloaded at times so that sewage bubbles out of manholes and flows along the street. The Jackson Street sewer, where it crosses Bear Creek and also for several blocks to the east, is also overloaded and has been found to be difficult to maintain. Relief of these sewers is desirable.
    "The major objectives of a sewage disposal project in Medford are thus (a) the removal of sewage pollution from Bear Creek, (b) the relief of present inadequate and overloaded sewers, and (c) the elimination of septic tanks and septic tank overflow close to built-up sections of the city. The present disposal of sewage in Medford is unsatisfactory, therefore, and should be corrected."
    The state board of health, of which Dr. Frederick Stricker is state health officer, has ordered that Medford build a sewage disposal plant because the city of Medford is subject to further damage suits if the present pollution in Bear Creek continues. Already the city has been sued and was compelled to pay approximately a thousand dollars. 
    A similar situation existed in La Grande, Oregon, some years ago, and as the result of a typhoid epidemic, which cost the city over six thousand dollars, the voters authorized bonds to the extent of $105,000 to build a plant which has been in successful operation ever since. A similar condition existed in Baker, Oregon, and within the past year the citizens in that community voted $104,000 for a plant.
    By virtue of the fact that Medford will seek R.F.C. funds to the extent of $100,000, of which 30 percent is an outright donation, there should be no difficulty in receiving an overwhelming vote on July 28th if only to prevent further damage suits being brought against the city.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 18, 1933, page 1


    For probably the first time in the history of Medford voters will be asked on Friday, July 28, to authorize the issuance of bonds for a sewer system with both the backing of the national administration and the governor of the state, it was pointed out by chamber of commerce officials today.
    With both Portland and Grants Pass having already voted on a similar proposition, expecting to obtain R.F.C. funds for same, it is believed that citizens of Medford will fall in line and approve the $100,000 bond issue in order to give the city an adequate and up-to-date sewage disposal plan. Under the terms of the loan to be obtained from the federal government, $30,000 of the total expenditure will be an outright gift, with the remaining $70,000 to be paid over a period of 30 years at 4 percent interest.
    It is pointed out by officials of the city administration and the chamber of commerce that there may never come a time again when the money will be so easily available, and it is hoped that voters will take advantage of the situation existing.
    "The opportunity to obtain a sewage disposal plan now on such easy terms," stated Mr. Bolger, chamber president today, "is one which should be taken every advantage of. The fact that $30,000 will be donated and that the remainder of the money can be borrowed at 4 percent makes the proposition so attractive that it would be a crime not to take advantage of it."
    "The building of a sewage disposal plant in Medford will greatly assist the unemployment situation here and will be in keeping with the program of President Roosevelt in putting men back to work," further stated Mr. Bolger.
    The health angle must also not be forgotten, and while one or two small suits have been brought against the city already, it is barely possible that others of larger proportions may be instituted in the future unless something is done to rectify the situation.
    A partial survey made by the chamber of commerce would indicate that the bond issue will obtain practically 100 percent support. The chamber of commerce, city council, newspapers, and many other organizations in the city have gone on record in favor of the sewer bonds, and it is hoped that a big vote wilt turn out on Friday in order to give the bonds an overwhelming majority.
    Medford has pledged itself to support the unemployment program as outlined by Hugh S. Johnson, administrator of the National Recovery Administration, and an affirmative vote next Friday on the sewer bonds will let him know that our promise was really meant and was not just a gesture.
    It is the intention of the chamber of commerce to advise President Roosevelt and Mr. Johnson regarding the sewer bond issue immediately after the final returns show that a majority favor the same.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 25, 1933, page 2  The bonds were approved, 570-213.


    Seventy-five men will be employed for a period of eight months on the construction and installation, if Medford's application for federal funds for sewage plant construction is approved, City Superintendent Fred Scheffel announced today.
    A total of 90,000 working hours will be required for the project. The exact type of treatment plant to be installed has not been decided upon. It will be determined after word is received from Washington. Medford is anticipating approval of the local application, as the need is great and the project in keeping with those advocated under the public works recovery program.
    Senator James T. Chinnock of Grants Pass was here today to view copies of Medford's application, to be used in preparation of a similar application for the climatic city, which is also asking funds for sewage plant construction.
    If Medford's application is approved by the federal board, Mr. Scheffel stated, the city will be in a position to start work on the project two weeks after the application is granted.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 2, 1933, page 5


    WASHINGTON, D.C.--"Let's Clean Up!" said Governor Julius Meier of Oregon to state, city and county officials. This did not apply to gangsters, racketeers and what have you, but to a far more deadly menace to the citizens of not only Oregon, but every state in the union--pollution, the pollution of public waters, which is creating disease that is taking an unknown toll of human life every day in every state, according to the American Game Association.
    And forthwith a statewide campaign was started. Mass meetings were held, bond issues voted two-or-more-to-one by the good citizens once they were apprised of the real menace of pollution. And now forty-seven cities and towns in Oregon have application for sewage disposal plants pending before the National Industrial Recovery Act. The federal government makes an outright gift of 30 percent of public works labor and materials costs on self-liquidating projects, with the remainder to be retired not by taxes but from nominal service charges, and it will lend money for the 70 percent remainder.
    Every city and town that dumps its sewage into public waters can take advantage of this offer and build long-needed sewage disposal plants and stop the pollution of streams, officials of the American Game Association point out.
    William L. Finley, author, naturalist and celebrated explorer, citizen of Portland, fighting for years to end pollution of streams, outlines some of the benefits of water purification or rather prevention of stream pollution.
    "Such an opportunity to end stream pollution in Oregon may never come again," Mr. Finley says. "The movement is on to get every community in the state to work for clean streams. This will relieve unemployment; it will save the valuable runs of salmon in public waters, improve public health and encourage outdoor recreation. The plan is to make Oregon the first state in the union where stream pollution has been abolished and to build up her outdoor resources to the benefit of all the people."
Medford Mail Tribune, September 20, 1933, page 7

    The possibility that within the near future Bear Creek will no longer be polluted by sewage disposed at various points along its course is becoming apparent with the continued efforts of valley officials to secure federal aid for the installation of sewage treatment plants.
    Besides the plant at Medford, now under construction, applications have been filed with the PWA for disposal plants at Ashland, Talent and Central Point. Plants at those municipalities would mean the elimination of much contamination of the waters of Bear Creek, which has been a source of considerable vexation in the valley for many years.
    Applications from Ashland have been on file for some time, and word from the PWA is now being awaited. Talent and Central Point both recently followed suit.
    Attorneys Neff and Frohnmayer announced that the application sent PWA engineer C. C. Hockley for a plant at Talent calls for an expenditure of $33,625, which would include both a sewer system and a disposal plant. If the application is granted, 45 percent of the total would be received in form of a federal grant, and the other 55 percent as a loan. The application papers have been sent to Washington, D.C., after a preliminary examination by Hockley. The plans have already met with the approval of the state board of health, according to word received here from Frederick Stricker, state health officer.
    The plant, which would cost approximately $13,300, allowing about $15,500 for installation of the sewer system, exclusive of engineering and other fees, would be located near Bear Creek, about a quarter mile from the center of the town. The sewer system would do away with all backhouses and septic tanks. P. H. Walker of Ashland has been employed as engineer for the project, with Greeley and Hansen of Chicago consulting engineer.
    Attorney Harry Skyrman, representing the Central Point application, stated that a plant in that city, where an adequate concrete sewer system is already in use, would cost approximately $16,000, of which 45 percent would be a federal grant and the remainder a loan.
    The application has been sent to Hockley, and officials are now awaiting its approval or disapproval. The plant would be constructed on the banks of Bear Creek north of the city. A bond issue in Central Point is contemplated if the plant is authorized, attorney Skyrman stated, and some funds are already on hand.
    In investigating the possibilities of the local disposal plant, it was proved that sewage so treated is pure, and that if all sources of sewage were provided with a plant, Bear Creek would be as clean as any mountain stream.
    Steps are expected to be taken for installation of a plant at Phoenix in the future, although no application for this remaining source of contamination has yet been made.
    If pollution of the stream is eliminated, one of the benefits would be a great improvement in fishing conditions, as pure water would encourage increased numbers of salmon, steelhead and trout to seek the headwaters of the creek. Another benefit mentioned today by a prominent Medford man would be the possibility of constructing a dam for a swimming pool in this city.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 18, 1935, page 1

    Medford's new $120,000 sewage disposal plant will be formally opened and "tested" today, according to plans of city officials late yesterday, marking the first completed step in a campaign to not only purify Rogue River, but to protect the health of the Rogue River Valley.
    Started about eight months ago, the new disposal plant, built by R. I. Stuart and Sons, has progressed rapidly. Yesterday workmen were hard at it to install filters and gauges, the last finishing touches.
Purification Immediate
    "Purification of the water should start immediately," City Superintendent Fred Scheffel said. "It will take a month or two for the sludge tank to get in operation, but the water coming out of the plant should be immediately purified. It will take about 24 hours for it to get filled up."
    K. V. Hill, engineer for Greeley and Hansen, designers of the plant, is supervising the final work and will make tests today. Samuel Greeley is expected here Thursday.
Costs Medford $86,000
    The $120,000 system, of which Medford put up bonds for $86,000 and the Public Works Administration about $34,000, will be one of the most modern in the United States. The Medford bonds will be repaid in 10 years by taking six percent of the present water assessment.
    An average of 35 men have been employed since the work started eight months ago, greatly relieving the unemployment situation in Medford.
Porter To Officiate
    If plans as made yesterday work out, Mayor George Porter will throw the switch that turns the sewage into the new plant. City officials are planning a quiet ceremony to mark the huge step in civic progress represented by the plant.
    "The bad odor of Bear Creek will likely persist for a month or two," Scheffel said, "because the old sewage has caught on roots and vegetation growing along the creek, and it will take time before it decomposes, but later this fall the bad odor should all be gone. Next summer you'll see a different Bear Creek."
To Change Vegetation
    "Grass around the old septic tank formed a regular jungle," Scheffel said. "Sweet clover, ordinarily six or seven [inches] high, was 10 and 15 [inches] high. The entire growth of grass along Bear Creek that is characteristic of open sewers, and such as we see along Bear Creek, will change in a year or two to natural grass again."
    No definite hour was set for cutting the sewage over from the septic tank to the disposal plant.
Medford News, July 22, 1936, page 1

    During the month of December Medford's new sewage disposal plant functioned very effectively, it is shown in the report submitted by John A. Clark, superintendent. The effluent, or treated sewage, is of sparkling clear water as it enters Bear Creek, free of all noticeable suspended organic matter.
    Relative stability tests show that the effluent contains enough dissolved oxygen to more than satisfy the small oxygen demand for a period of at least 20 days.
    Results from the sludge or solid matter standpoint have not been so satisfactory, he reported, due to a minor breakdown in November, which caused loss of use of the digester for 10 days. The lower or oldest portion of sludge in the digester is now completely digested, however, and will soon be withdrawn to the drying beds.
    A beautification program at the plant is now under way, with 10 youths working under auspices of the national youth administration, Fred Scheffel, city superintendent, reported. Brush is now being cleared along the banks of Bear Creek and the road serviced. Shrubbery will be planted and the ground leveled for seeding.
Medford News, January 15, 1937, page 1

    Medford voters should, in the light of common decency, support part of the city improvement program which will be voted upon at a special election to be held June 12. The rest of the program could better be held up for "post-war" building.
    This newspaper has consistently insisted that proper care of municipal sewage is necessary if a municipality is to call itself a civilized one.
    When Medford dumps untreated sewage into Bear Creek, allowing that sewage to pollute the waters of Bear Creek and of Rogue River for the entire length of the valley, Medford does not live up to the standard of a decent and civilized municipality. And that is what Medford is doing now. Therefore, we feel that support of the proposals to improve the Medford sewage disposal plant, and improve the sanitary sewer system for the east side of the city, are mandatory. We cannot imagine anyone voting against them, except persons who have absolutely no sense of decency.
Medford News, June 1, 1945, page 4

    Work started this week on construction of the southwest Medford trunk sewer system. S. S. Mullen, Inc., Seattle, is the contractor. Deadline for completion of the project is July 31.
    The work started at the Cottage Street bridge. The new sewer line will run down Spencer to Mayette, then swing westward to Twelfth. Medford voted $100,000 in bonds last July for the project.
Medford News, January 28, 1949, page 1

Ran Out of Time

Vote Only on Formation

On to Phoenix

Filters Would Help