ORDER NO. 99-055

ENTERED FEB 10 1999

This is an electronic copy. Footnotes and Appendices may not be included.

OF OREGON

UM 925

 DISPOSITION: INVESTIGATION OPENED AND STIPULATION APPROVED

At its February 2, 1999 Public Meeting, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (Commission) approved a Staff recommendation to open a docket for an investigation into the operations and service of Siltcoos Heights Water, Inc. (Siltcoos or Company). The Commission further approved Staff’s recommendation to approve a Stipulation entered into by Siltcoos, the Commission Staff, and the Oregon Health Division Drinking Water Program Staff (OHD).

Staff indicated that this water system is currently on a boil water advisory, and that to date six formal customer complaints have been filed. Staff and OHD visited the facilities and met with the Company concerning the water quality problems. As a result, Siltcoos, Staff, and OHD entered into a Stipulation that directs Siltcoos to take certain actions designed to move Siltcoos toward compliance with water quality standards. However, since the Stipulation will not resolve all of the water service problems, Staff requested the initiation of an investigation under ORS 756.515.

The Commission finds that the Stipulation contains provisions reasonably calculated to lead toward a solution to Siltcoos’ current inability to provide water quality necessary for potable water. The Commission will thus approve the Stipulation. The Commission further finds that as the Stipulation does not address or resolve all of the water service problems, it is appropriate to open this docket for an investigation into the operations and service of the Company. The Commission encourages Siltcoos, Staff, and OHD to work together as much as possible to resolve all outstanding service problems. A copy of the Staff Report, including the Stipulation, is attached to this Order as Appendix A.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED that:

1.  Docket No. UM 925 shall be opened for purposes of a Staff investigation into the operations and service of Siltcoos Heights Water, Inc., pursuant to ORS 756.515.

2.  The Stipulation entered into by Siltcoos Heights Water, Inc., the Commission Staff, and the Oregon Health Division Drinking Water Program Staff is approved.

3.  Siltcoos Heights Water, Inc. is directed to comply with the provisions contained in the Stipulation.

Made, entered, and effective ____________________________.

 A party may request rehearing or reconsideration of this order pursuant to ORS 756.561. A request for rehearing or reconsideration must be filed with the Commission within 60 days of the date of service of this order. The request must comply with the requirements of OAR 860-014-0095. A copy of any such request must also be served on each party to the proceeding as provided by OAR 860-013-0070. A party may appeal this order to a court pursuant to ORS 756.580.