In 2008, the City of Lake Oswego set out to replace the interceptor sewer line, the backbone of its wastewater system, located in Oswego Lake. The Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) Project is critical to ensuring the environmental protection of Oswego Lake and maintaining reliable sewer service, as it is undersized and vulnerable to collapse in a moderate earthquake. In order to have a successful project, the LOIS Team knew it must capture the public’s attention on the need for and importance of this unique and complex improvement, and to ensure all community members knew how the project construction would impact them. Providing timely and accurate information to citizens, groups, and the press; and simplifying the complexity of the project were other top goals.

This document was submitted to the Alliance for Innovation for consideration for a 2010 Innovation Award.