The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has made clear it's not tolerating lapses in adherence to environmental regulations, issuing five penalties totaling $105,394 last month for a range of infractions. The culprits ranged from a wood treater in Hillsboro to a hospital in Redmond, each facing fines for actions that, according to the DEQ, contradict the stewardship of Oregon's air, land, and water.
The infractions cited by the DEQ included a hazardous waste management violation by Permapost Products Company Inc., which received the largest fine of $51,651. A metal recycler, now known as Radius Recycling Inc. (formerly Schnitzer Steel Co.), was fined $29,580 for operating without a proper disposal site permit. Public entities were also penalized; the Biggs Service District of Wasco and the City of Monroe faced fines of $4,500 and $6,300, respectively, for water-related violations. Additionally, St. Charles Health System Inc., operating St. Charles Medical Center, was fined $13,363 due to issues with an underground fuel storage tank.
According to a statement from the DEQ, organizations penalized have the option to appeal or pay up within 20 days from the notice. Additionally, the DEQ offers a silver lining by allowing companies to offset part of their financial penalties through a supplemental environmental project that benefits Oregon’s environmental landscape.
Education, technical assistance, and warnings, along with penalties, are the tools the DEQ uses to influence behavior and prevent further environmental harm. These recent penalties contribute to the DEQ's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance. Their work with thousands of individuals and organizations highlights the DEQ's commitment to balancing human activities with the need for environmental preservation. A complete list of last month's violations and penalties is available on the DEQ enforcement page, providing the public with a transparent view of the repercussions for ecological well-being.
