Pollution Update 5-2-13

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) sent Eugene-based Bennett’s Drain Savers a pre-enforcement notice on March 29 for performing sewage disposal services without a current license 697 times between Nov. 16, 2009, and March 6, 2013. DEQ sent Goshen Forest Products a warning letter on April 15 for failing to submit a 2011-2012 industrial stormwater monitoring report. DEQ’s letter points out that DEQ is only warning Goshen Forest Products at this time, and that the matter may be referred to DEQ’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement if the violation is repeated. DEQ’s letter fails to note that Goshen Forest Products committed the same type of violation eight years in a row between 1998 and 2006. These violations were the subject of an enforcement action by Willamette Riverkeeper, and resulted in a $5,000 payment by Goshen Forest Products to the Coast Fork Watershed Council for use in water quality projects.