Construction has begun on a $2.13 billion Bull Run Filtration Project near Portland, Oregon. The project aims to deliver filtered water to 1 million people by 2027 to address cryptosporidium concerns. Built to modern seismic standards, the plant utilizes low-carbon materials and adheres to height limits.

The Bull Run Filtration Project is a joint venture of construction giant Kiewit Corp. and water plant specialist MWH Constructors. A groundbreaking occurred in early June.

The contractors have a deadline of Sept. 30, 2027, imposed on the Portland Water Bureau by the Oregon Health Authority. When a complementary pipelines project is included, the entire endeavor will cost $2.13 billion — possibly the costliest ongoing project in Oregon, according to Finance & Commerce.

In mid-September, workers installed sheet piles to build a retaining wall in one of the pools. They also finished a 175-foot-long concrete stormwater flow spreader, assembled a crane, rolled and graded the surface and prepared for additional excavation, Finance & Commerce reported.

Up to 135 million gallons per day of fresh water will be provided daily to about 1 million people by Bull Run.