Tunnel boring machine ‘Clack-A-Mole’ nears one-third completion in Oregon outfall project
(UI) — The tunnel boring machine (TBM) dubbed “Clack-A-Mole” continues to make steady progress on the Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility Outfall Project in Oregon’s Clackamas County, which will help transport treated water from the facility to the Willamette River through a new pipeline.
The Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) has been providing regular updates on the machine's advancement since the project’s launch in July.
As of Sept. 24, Clack-A-Mole has mined 770 feet of the total 2,370-foot tunnel, reaching 32% completion. The TBM, weighing a massive 225,000 pounds, is currently averaging about 32 feet of progress per day as it digs a path toward the river. This is slower than the average mole’s digging rate of up to 18 feet per hour, but the project remains on schedule for completion.
The journey of Clack-A-Mole began in March, when the WES Board of County Commissioners announced the winning name for the TBM after receiving over 650 submissions from community members across the country, including as far as Pensacola, Florida. Among the finalists were suggestions like "Chewrocka," "Chuck Borris," and "Happy Drillmore." However, the name "Clack-A-Mole" stood out and was ultimately selected. It was later painted on the TBM, which was unveiled at a launch event in July.
“We want to thank the community for all of the great, creative names that came our way,” WES Director Greg Geist said. “We heard from families that children were discussing names in their living rooms, along with why this project was even happening in the first place. Raising awareness of the importance of infrastructure – and what it takes to keep our rivers and waterways clean – is a tremendous win.”
This tunnel, which will measure nine feet in diameter and stretch half a mile, is a key part of the outfall project. The new outfall pipeline will replace an existing system, ensuring that treated water from the Tri-City Water Resource Recovery Facility is transported more efficiently to the Willamette River, supporting the region's water management and environmental goals.
As the project advances, WES continues to share progress updates. On Sept.19, Clack-A-Mole had reached 560 feet of the tunnel length (24%), and on Sept. 12, it had achieved 280 feet (12%). The ongoing progress represents a significant investment in water infrastructure to support Clackamas County’s growing population and ensure the long-term health of its waterways.
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