The Westport Sewer Service District is located in the unincorporated area of Westport, Oregon, approximately 25 miles east of Astoria, along state Highway 30. The small independent sewer district serves 90 connections and is funded by user fees.
The district uses a recirculating gravel filter plant with an ultra-violet disinfectant system and a septic tank effluent gravity (S.T.E.G.) system. Wastewater and solids are collected in septic tanks located at each residence, and the liquids are carried to the sewer plant for treatment. The solids collect in the septic tanks, which are pumped periodically by the district, as required by usage.
In 2007, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) required the district expand and reconfigure its sewer plant to ultraviolet treatment of wastewater to comply with wastewater standards. The improvements cost in excess of $1 million and were funded by a $1 million grant from the Oregon Economic Development Division, an $112,250 loan from DEQ and user fees.
The Clatsop County Road Administration and the County Engineer provide administrative oversight for the district, including operational services, hiring, payroll, sewer billing, contract development and management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, permitting, budget preparation and grant acquisition and management. A part-time operator performs maintenance of the plant and the systems.