The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has openly accepted the addition of the J.H. Baxter site in west Eugene to the Superfund National Priorities List by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, acknowledging the move as a critical step towards addressing the environmental and public health risks posed by dioxin contamination. DEQ Director Leah Feldon lauded the EPA's action, noting in a statement cited by the DEQ, "We thank EPA for securing the resources needed to further address the risks to public health and the environment in Eugene created by dioxins from J.H. Baxter."
The EPA will take charge in cleaning up the site and is tasked with determining the full range and scope of the contamination, although the DEQ has already executed cleanup operations of seven residential yards in the vicinity of the facility, located within the Bethel neighborhood of Eugene, in 2024, displaying a united front with various state and local agencies and the local community which have been paramount in spearheading excellence in the cleanup efforts thus far. For more details on the developments and future plans, interested parties may visit the DEQ’s J.H. Baxter web page.
Communication channels are now open for press inquiries. Lauren Wirtis, DEQ Communications Manager, can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 503-568-3295. The EPA’s regional press team is also available at [email protected].
