Road Status Update: Heath And Apiary Roads Reopen, Holbrook Road Remains Closed - 03/20/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 20, 2026 — Columbia County Public Works has reopened Heath Road and Apiary Road, while Holbrook Road remains closed as crews assess damage and plan repairs following recent flooding.

Heath Road is now open to traffic following receding water levels.

Apiary Road has reopened after temporary traffic revisions, allowing culvert lining and stabilization work to be completed.

Holbrook Road remains closed due to confirmed washout damage. Public Works crews are assessing conditions and developing a repair plan. The existing detour remains in place: Holbrook Road → Fairview Road → Nicolai Road → U.S. Highway 30.

Motorists are advised to use caution in affected areas and follow posted signage.

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Columbia County Reuse Program Diverts 18,000 Pounds From Landfill - 03/19/26

Program returns usable items to local nonprofits instead of the landfill

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 19, 2026 — Columbia County’s Reuse Program has diverted nearly 18,000 pounds of usable materials from the landfill since launching in fall 2025.

The effort helps keep usable materials out of the landfill while returning them to the community through local nonprofit partners.

The program operates at the Columbia County Solid Waste Transfer Station and focuses on identifying new or like-new items before they enter the waste stream. These items are then redirected to local nonprofit partners where they can continue to be used by the community.

The program was developed after a year-long planning process in 2024 and 2025, during which the County’s Solid Waste Department researched reuse programs in other counties, worked with transfer station operator Hudson Garbage, and received support from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

Hudson Garbage hired a Reuse Specialist who works at the transfer station to recover usable materials from the tipping floor before they are sent to the landfill. Since launching in fall 2025, the program has diverted nearly 18,000 pounds of materials, including construction supplies, home décor, art and craft materials, and other reusable items.

Recovered materials are distributed to community partners including Habitat for Humanity, Top Notch Thrift Store, the Scappoose Senior Center, St. Helens Parks and Recreation, and other local nonprofit organizations.

“I really love the Reuse Program and my role in it,” said Lori Baker, Reuse Specialist. “I get to help divert usable items from the landfill and get them to terrific local nonprofits like the senior center’s Top Notch Thrift Store and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which helps support their missions and our community. I also get to interact with customers and provide recycling support.”

Tatum Flowers, Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator, said the early results showed how effective the program could be.

“A program like this is rare, and with continued support from Hudson Garbage and the Reuse Specialist, we’ve already seen a huge impact,” Flowers said. “In the first three months of the program, we diverted more than 8,000 pounds away from the landfill and returned usable items back into the community through our nonprofit partners.”

The Solid Waste Department plans to continue working with community partners and the transfer station operator to expand reuse opportunities and reduce the amount of material entering the landfill.

About Columbia County’s Solid Waste Program:
Columbia County’s Solid Waste Program works to protect public health and the environment by providing responsible waste management services and promoting waste reduction, recycling, and reuse throughout the county. The program operates the Columbia County Transfer Station and supports community programs that help reduce landfill waste, conserve resources, and keep reusable materials in circulation within local communities.

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Flooding Forces Road Closures And Traffic Changes In Columbia County (Photo) - 03/18/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 18, 2026 — Columbia County Public Works crews are responding to road damage and flooding caused by the recent atmospheric river event, resulting in multiple road closures and traffic changes across the county.

Apiary Road (Milepost 7.1), at Meissner Road – Traffic Revision
A culvert northeast of the Apiary Road and Meissner Road intersection has separated, partially undermining the north lane. Crews have installed temporary advisory signage and cones to shift traffic to the south side of the roadway while repairs are planned. Public Works crews will excavate the area, restore the roadway, and repair the culvert. Additional updates will be provided as repair work is scheduled.

Holbrook Road (Milepost 1.1), at Beaver Homes Road – Road Closed
Holbrook Road remains closed after floodwaters overtopped the roadway at Goble Creek. Water has receded, and a washout has been confirmed. Public Works crews are assessing the full extent of the damage and will begin repair planning, including restoring the roadway base and surface.

Detour: Holbrook Road → Fairview Road → Nicolai Road → U.S. Highway 30.

Heath Road (Milepost 0.2 to 0.45), between U.S. Highway 30 and Wonderly Road – Road Closed

This low-lying section of Heath Road is prone to flooding and is currently closed. Once water levels recede, Public Works crews will reopen the roadway and begin restoration work.

Detour: U.S. Highway 30 → Alston-Mayger Road → Wonderly Road.

Motorists are advised to use caution near work areas and follow posted detour routes. Additional updates will be provided as conditions change and repairs are scheduled.

For the latest information on road conditions, residents are encouraged to monitor Columbia County communication channels.

Photos of road conditions are attached.

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Clatskanie RV Park Flooding Update: Sheltering Operations Conclude - 03/15/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 16, 2026 — Columbia County Emergency Management is providing a final update following flooding at Rivers Edge RV Park in Clatskanie that displaced residents over the weekend.

Temporary sheltering and relocation assistance concluded at 12:00 p.m. today, and shelter locations established during the response are no longer active.

Residents who need additional or ongoing assistance may contact the City of Clatskanie or Columbia County Emergency Management at (503) 366-3931.

Columbia County recognizes and appreciates the many agencies, volunteers, and community partners who came together to support residents during this incident, including the Clatskanie Fire District, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Search and Rescue, the American Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Team volunteers, the City of Rainier and Rainier School District, and the Clatskanie American Legion.

Their efforts — along with the support of neighbors and local businesses — helped residents navigate a difficult situation. The County remains committed to supporting recovery efforts in the days ahead.

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Clatskanie RV Park Flooding Update: Options For Displaced Residents - 03/14/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 14, 2026 — Columbia County Emergency Management is providing an update on temporary options available for residents displaced by flooding earlier today at Rivers Edge RV Park in Clatskanie.

Residents who still have recreational vehicles that can be moved may relocate to Rainier Jr./Sr. High School, where space is available for temporary RV parking.

Residents who do not have a trailer or who need indoor space may go to the Clatskanie American Legion Hall, which is available to assist those displaced by the incident.

Clatskanie High School is no longer serving as an active shelter location.

Family members or friends seeking information about those displaced by the incident can contact the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District’s non-emergency line at 503-397-1521. Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 only for emergencies.

Columbia County Emergency Management will continue to coordinate and share updates through official Columbia County channels as the situation develops."

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Clatskanie RV Park Flooding Displaces 200+ Residents; Emergency Response Underway - 03/14/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 14, 2026 — Flooding early Saturday morning at Rivers Edge RV Park in Clatskanie, Columbia County, displaced approximately 200 residents and damaged dozens of trailers and vehicles, prompting a coordinated emergency response.

Emergency responders evacuated residents from the park during the early morning hours as rising water impacted the area, and Clatskanie High School is serving as the primary shelter for residents affected by the flooding.

The City of Rainier and the Rainier School District have also offered a location for temporary sheltering of displaced residents with recreational vehicles.

Crews from the Clatskanie Fire District, Columbia County Search and Rescue, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office are assisting with evacuations and damage assessments.

The Columbia County Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 2 for multi-agency coordination. The American Red Cross, Columbia County Community Emergency Response Team, and the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management are assisting with sheltering and feeding operations.

“Our priority is making sure residents are safe and have a place to go,” said Corey Padrón, Director of Columbia County Emergency Management. “Conditions may continue to change today, and we encourage residents to stay alert, avoid flooded areas, and follow guidance from local officials.”

Emergency managers are monitoring conditions as tides are expected to return later today and could bring higher water levels. Responders are relocating recreational vehicles from flood-prone areas as a precaution.

Residents in low-lying areas near the Clatskanie River should remain alert for changing conditions and avoid flooded roadways.

Family members or friends seeking information about those displaced by the incident can contact the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District’s non-emergency line at 503-397-1521. Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 only for emergencies.

Columbia County Emergency Management will continue to coordinate and share updates through official Columbia County channels as the situation develops."

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Free Mattress Recycling Events Scheduled In Columbia County For 2026 (Photo) - 03/04/26

Columbia County Offers Residents Free Mattress and Box Spring Recycling Opportunities

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 4, 2026 — Columbia County’s Solid Waste Division is hosting four free mattress recycling events in 2026 to help residents safely dispose of mattresses and box springs.

“Mattresses are bulky items that take up a lot of space in landfills, but many of their materials can actually be recycled,” said Tatum Flowers, Solid Waste Coordinator for Columbia County. “These events give residents an easy and free way to dispose of them responsibly while helping us recover valuable materials and reduce waste in our community.”

The events will take place at the Columbia County Transfer Station, located at 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the following dates:

These events are open to Columbia County residents only, and each household may drop off up to five units, including mattresses and box springs.

Accepted items include mattresses made of steel innersprings, foam, fiber, or other upholstery materials, as well as box springs used to support a mattress or sleep surface. Foam mattresses are also accepted.

Items not accepted at the events include air mattresses, mattress pads or toppers, bed frames, blankets, pillows, cushions, crib mattresses, sofa or futon beds, and water beds.

Residents are encouraged to secure mattresses tightly during transport to help prevent roadway hazards.

The recycling events are part of the County’s ongoing efforts to reduce landfill waste and support responsible disposal options for residents. Recovered mattress materials can be recycled into products such as steel, wood, foam, and fibers.

ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY’S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM
Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The County also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers solid waste collection services and events across its unincorporated areas.

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