Pollution Update 3-20-14

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) assessed a penalty of $7,608 against Michael Brown of Oakland, Ore., on March 4 for sewage-related violations at Saginaw Mobile Home Park north of Cottage Grove. DEQ has expressed “particular concern” due to Brown’s “prior history of discharging partially treated sewage onto the ground” and noted that the treatment system at this site “may be causing harm to public health or the environment.” DEQ sent Brown a “warning letter with opportunity to correct” back in November following a DEQ visit to the site in late October. DEQ’s visit (at which Brown was present) revealed remnants of sewage on the ground and an improperly maintained and operated system. Brown also appears to have a history of failing to monitor the treatment system and operating the system without a permit.