Pollution Update 6-13-13

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) assessed another fine against local residents for pollution from a leaking septic system last week, this time on Tioga Drive in Cottage Grove. DEQ assessed a civil penalty of $11,857 against David and Laura Pendergrass after Lane County discovered the leaking septic in January, and the Pendergrasses failed to respond to three separate letters from DEQ and the county. The discharge appears to be continuing, and DEQ’s order requires it to be eliminated immediately. David Pendergrass was arrested at the property in January after an incident reportedly involving multiple gunshots, at which time neighbors reported regular gunfire at the property. The city of Eugene reduced the $640 penalty assessed against C&A Industrial Supplies, Inc. (doing business as Extreme Clean) in April for pouring food grease from Doc’s Pad into a catch basin that drains to surface waters (EW 5/9, http://goo.gl/gqTb8). The city reduced the penalty to $320 after learning that C&A made an effort to correct the violation and minimize impacts.