The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality isn't taking it easy on polluters, dishing out 18 penalties in February that added up to a hefty sum of $232,095. According to a news release published by the DEQ, these penalties were meted out for a variety of environmental no-nos, from failing to report a diesel spill to unpermitted burning of toxic timbers.

Violations, they cover the gamut. One transfer station failed to stick to the game plan for controlling stormwater pollution and got slapped with a fine. A log storage yard burned creosote-treated timbers without permission, while a transportation company was too slow to mop up a diesel fuel spill - and equally sluggish in reporting it to the Oregon Emergency Response System. The DEQ's posted list at their website paints a clear picture of all the offenders and their environmental sins.

The biggest hit was taken by Ed Staub & Sons Petroleum Inc. of Klamath Falls, which was ordered to fork over $89,512 for clean fuels violations. At the other end of the scale was Ace Car Reconditioning LLC of Tigard, which got a $1,200 ding for befouling the air quality. In between, fines for various infractions including land quality issues and water pollution dotted the DEQ's extensive list, showing no one is immune to Oregon's strict environmental oversight.

Those served with penalties by the DEQ have 20 days from notice to either pay the piper or file an appeal. As an olive branch, there's a chance to make amends of sorts: penalized parties might be able to offset a part of their penalty by funding a calculated, supplemental environmental project, as detailed on DEQ's website. Such projects are designed to give Oregon's environment a little tender loving care outside the usual regulatory box.

To keep Oregon’s air, land, and water in shipshape, DEQ plays the dual role of enforcer and educator. Teaming up with thousands of organizations and individuals in the spirit of compliance, the DEQ employs a mix of strategies ranging from educational outreach and technical assistance to warnings and, yes, penalties. The message is clear: play by the rules, or pay up.