Pollution Update 12-6-12

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting public comments this week on industrial stormwater pollution control plans for more local facilities that have applied for Clean Water Act (CWA) permit coverage under the new industrial stormwater permit. Comments are due by 5 pm on Dec. 13, and the facilities are: All American Fabricating, Emerald Forest Products, Forrest Paint Co., Gheen Irrigation Works, Gibson Steel Fabricating, Hearthside Food Solutions and Valley Landfills, (Benton County). Visit wkly.ws/1e5 to see stormwater plans, and wkly.ws/1e1 to comment.

DEQ is also currently accepting public comments on the Oregon Health Authority’s application for CWA\ permit coverage for construction stormwater discharges associated with Phases 2 & 3 of the Oregon State Hospital, south of Junction City. Comments are due by 5 pm on Dec. 10. Visit DEQ’s Eugene office (165 E 7th Ave.) to review the application and associated erosion control plan.

The U.S. Forest Service is currently accepting comments on proposed cleanup activities at two mine sites in the Opal Creek area. According to the Forest Service, “Waste rock and soil at the former mine sites contain lead and other hazardous substances [that] could enter nearby streams and rivers, especially during periods of heavy rain and flooding.” Visit wkly.ws/1ec for more information.