DEQ release – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 16 penalties totaling $299,249 for various environmental violations in April 2019. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at: https://go.usa.gov/xEQJn. Fines ranged from $2,500 to $86,868. Alleged violations included polluting waterways, improperly storing hazardous materials, failing to conduct cleanup actions, performing an unlicensed asbestos abatement, failing to follow requirements for air quality and water quality permits and more. Alleged violations by category and location: • Water quality: Eight fines for violations in Beavercreek, Beaverton, Grants Pass, Hermiston, Myrtle Point, Pendleton, Scappoose and Springfield. DEQ issued civil penalties against the following organizations and individuals: • Hitner Investments, $36,433, Myrtle Point (water quality). Organizations or individuals must either pay the fines or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty.
