Got a couple million to spare? The bank has pulled Mavericks off the auction block and into the real estate market
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Nature Center ............... 8 Calendar ..................... 13 SROA Board................ 26
Public Safety ............... 34 Commentary ............... 45 Classified .................... 47
Help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument with a kick-off party at SHARC on June 19
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S U N R I V E R
S C E N E A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSOCIATION
JUNE • 2015
VOLUME XLI • NUMBER 6
Feds announce new rules to strengthen railroad tank cars
On May 1, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced a final rule for the safe transportation of flammable liquids by rail. The final rule, developed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and Federal Railroad Administration, in coordination with Canada, focuses on safety improvements that are designed to prevent accidents, mitigate consequences in the event of an accident, and support emergency response. The rule: 1. Unveils a new, enhanced tank car standard and an aggressive, risk-based retrofitting schedule for older tank cars carrying crude oil and ethanol; 2. Requires a new braking standard for certain trains that will offer a superior level of safety by potentially reducing the severity of an accident, and the “pile-up effect”; 3. Designates new operational protocols for trains transporting large volumes of flammable liquids, such as routing requirements, speed restrictions, and information for local government agencies; and 4. Provides new sampling and testing requirements to improve classification of energy products placed into transport. The final rule applies to “high-hazard flammable trains” (HHFTs)—a continuous block of 20 or more tank cars loaded with a flammable liquid or 35 or more tank cars loaded with a flammable liquid dispersed through a train. Rule specifics • Enhanced Standards for New and Existing Tank Cars for use in an HHFT New tank cars constructed after Oct. 1, 2015, are required to meet the new DOT Specification 117 design or performance criteria. The prescribed car has a 9/16- inch tank shell, 11-gauge jacket, ½-inch full-height head shield, thermal protection, and improved pressure relief valves and bottom outlet valves. Existing tank cars must be retrofitted with the Turn to Railroad, page 3 SUNRIVER SCENE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSN. VOLUME XLI • NUMBER 6 P.O. BOX 3278 SUNRIVER, OR 97707
Resort opens new dining, swimming amenities
Younger patrons will enjoy the Paulina Plunge waterslide, part of The Cove at the Resort.
By Brooke Snavely During tours of new and updated amenities held May 18-19, Sunriver Resort officials said they were on schedule to open a new pool complex, one new and three remodeled restaurants by Memorial Day weekend. The tour began with a look inside a recently upgraded Lodge Village suite. Both the 900 square foot suites and smaller guestrooms feature fireplaces and private decks, new furniture and
bedding, granite countertops in kitchen and bath and modern fixtures and décor throughout. Next stop was The Cove, the resort’s new pool complex that features a large zero-entry wading pool that reaches five feet deep before spilling over an infinity edge with commanding views to the west of the new lake, Meadows golf course and Cascade Mountains Turn to Resort, page 3
Floating the Deschutes River in the Sunriver area By Brooke Snavely When summer heats up, many Sunriver visitors and residents take to the Deschutes River to cool off. On the hottest days, expect to see flotillas of inner tubes, rafts, canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards. The Deschutes River in the Sunriver area runs wide and gentle through gorgeous mountain scenery with good wildlife viewing opportunities. This part of the river is rated Class 1 moving water with riffles, minor waves and few or no obstructions. As inviting as it looks, the river’s current is deceptively strong and the water is much colder than most people expect. The Deschutes River is spring fed and water temperature rarely exceeds 60
degrees. A quick dunk in the river feels good for a few moments on the hottest days, but hypothermia is a real concern for anyone unable to get out of the water. Life vests, appropriate clothing, food and water, knowing in advance the distances and float times and safe boating practices are important to keep the focus on fun. Popular floats between publicly accessible launch and takeout points in the Sunriver area include: • Big River (River Mile 199.2) to Harper Bridge (RM 191.7). Distance 7.5 miles. Float time: 4-5 hours depending on wind direction and paddle effort. Note: Access at Harper Bridge is on the Turn to River, page 4 PRSRT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BEND, OR PERMIT NO. 213