A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Diagram courtesy of SERA Architects / oregon city news
Portland’s SERA Architects developed the idea of Civic Ecology, illustrated above. Tim Smith, the group’s representative at the charrette, said the process requires a “new social contract,” but mainly the focus is on local production of food and energy, local means of dealing with waste, and harboring an extremely local and intertwined mix of economic, social and environmental sectors. Smith said there are five major benefits to running a community in such a local-centric manner: control over assets and the future of the community; enduring wealth, because, while other systems ‘pit the economic, ecological and social camps in a ‘zero-sum game,’” civic ecology promotes these sectors working together to enhance the community; resilience, because there’s no reliance on outside sources; an enhanced sense of place; and a deep sense of community.
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For some people, sustainability is about recycling, using natural products that don’t have residual effects on the environment or taking the bus. For Tim Smith, of SERA Architects, it’s about using human excrement to light city blocks.
Smith said that by breaking down waste into the basic proteins that make it up, methane is released which can be used as natural power.
Using this method, Smith said the methane released from cows’ droppings in Tillamook could power all of downtown Tillamook’s lights.
Bill Renfroe, a wastewater consultant, explained the rest of the process, in which the liquid is gleaned out and used as fertilizer, leaving the solid portion indiscernible in sight, smell and texture from dirt.
Smith and Renfroe both presented their work in developing and furthering sustainable practices last week to a group discussing sustainable options at the proposed Beavercreek development in Oregon City.
The presentation – which included passing around a plastic bag full of the “dirt” from an existing treatment facility in Arlington, Wash. – was part of an all-day charrette to brainstorm ways to make the development both sustainable and to have it attract family-wage jobs.
The Oregon City Commission two weeks ago held its first public comment session on the Beavercreek Concept Plan, a proposed mixed-use residential and employment area that would sit across from Clackamas Community College.
“Affordability is going to go right out the window,” said Linda Hall, citing the conflict between residents not paying for development and residents wanting desirable businesses and housing in the new area. “We do believe that new construction must pay for itself, but you must keep it within reason.”
Christine Kosinski urged the commission not to approve developments until current infrastructural needs are met.
“The city is proposing a concept plan without having the ability to provide adequate infrastructure,” she said, noting that the wastewater facilities are at capacity and the police chief has said he doesn’t have enough officers to adequately patrol the city.
But Mayor Alice Norris assured residents that the commission would take time to understand and address all the issues.
“As with the Park Place concept plan we’re taking the time we believe we need to understand it,” she said.
But Friday’s meeting focused on another paramount concern: sustainability.
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