Pollution Update 5-30-13

Last week, Oregon DEQ assessed civil penalties against Prize Properties and Bennett’s Drain Savers, both of which DEQ sent pre-enforcement notices to in March (EW 3/28, goo.gl/jEZwT; EW 5/2, goo.gl/gz1FR). DEQ assessed a penalty of $15,417 against Eugene-based Bennett’s Drain Savers for performing sewage disposal services without a license and surety bond, including disposal at Heard Farms on Airport Road in Eugene. DEQ assessed a penalty of $11,118 against Prize Properties for discharging untreated or partially treated sewage to a roadside ditch from residential property located at 649 Quarry Road in Springfield. It appears that this problem dates back to at least September and continues despite city, county and state efforts. Comments to DEQ regarding Timber Supply Explosives’ (Philomath) industrial stormwater pollution control plan are due by 5 pm on June 3. Visit goo.gl/ScwdH to see stormwater plans, and goo.gl/iMDQb to comment.