The Echo Mountain Complex wildfire ignited in Lincoln County on Labor Day weekend in 2020, destroying about 400 homes in and around the Otis community. Hundreds of families were left displaced. Most properties were in unincorporated areas without public water or sewer utilities. Even homes that weren’t destroyed had damaged wells and septic systems, preventing residents from returning.
The effort has significantly improved groundwater quality throughout Lincoln County by preventing large amounts of waste from contaminating local waterways.
In August 2021, then-Lincoln County Commissioner Kaety Jacobson contacted Chrissy Lucas-Woodruff, a groundwater protection specialist with Oregon State University Extension, to help organize the distribution of $500,000 for well and septic system repairs for Echo Mountain fire survivors.
Lucas-Woodruff developed an application process to prioritize needs, allowing for personal reimbursements and contractor payments. She also recruited local contractors willing to work directly with the county, ensuring projects moved forward without placing financial strain on homeowners.
Between August and December 2021, 110 applications were received, and 60 projects were completed, totaling $300,000 in payments. Lincoln County secured an additional legislative commitment of $2.5 million to continue the program through 2024.
Recognizing a broader countywide need, Lincoln County received $2.7 million from Business Oregon in 2022 to expand the program beyond wildfire recovery. This made it possible to address surface and groundwater quality issues across Lincoln County, including in sensitive areas like Yaquina Bay. The expanded program continued to focus on low-income homeowners who often could not afford critical repairs on their own.
In addition to repair work, several educational classes called “Living With Your Domestic Well and Septic System” were held across the county and online. These were attended by over two-thirds of Lincoln County Septic and Water Assistance Program’s participants and attracted community members interested in protecting their homes and the environment. Outreach efforts included participating in public events and offering free nitrate screenings to raise awareness and connect with eligible homeowners.
By 2024, the Lincoln County Septic and Water Assistance Program had obligated all its available funds and created a waitlist, with over 100 homeowners expressing interest in future assistance. Over the course of the expanded program, 50 new applications were received, and 129 septic system projects were completed.
Spending highlights by 2024 included:
- $1,578,914.06 spent across Lincoln County
- $598,653.46 from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality funding
- $1,936,491.75 from Business Oregon funding
- $2,427,029.55 total paid out
This effort has significantly improved groundwater quality throughout Lincoln County, preventing large amounts of waste from contaminating local waterways, benefiting both wildlife and the community.
