Pollution Update 12-5-13

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting comments through 5 pm on Thursday, Dec. 5, concerning the proposed purchase and reuse of the former Elmira Store & Gas Station. According to DEQ, “Petroleum contamination from gasoline and diesel storage has been observed on the property since at least 1998.” Aside from the removal of underground storage tank systems and fuel dispensers in 1999 and some excavation, little cleanup has been completed. Green Energy Alternatives Research proposes to purchase and redevelop the site as a nonprofit community center. If this proposal goes forward, DEQ will prohibit shallow groundwater use, restrict drinking water well location and design on (and adjacent to) the property, and require vapor barriers beneath buildings. Visit goo.gl/LN8Tm to comment.