DEQ Environmental Penalties in April, May 19

DEQ release – Portland, OR – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued nine penalties totaling $323,420 in April for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at https://go.usa.gov/xEQJn. Fines ranged from $1,800 to $108,210 in April. Alleged violations included discharges to waters of the state, exceedance of air quality opacity limit, and a diesel fuel spill. DEQ issued civil penalties to the following organizations and individuals in Coos County: • Repplinger, Donald, $1,800, Coos Bay, air quality; • Roseburg Forest Products Co., $22,800, Coquille, air quality. Organizations or individuals must either pay the fines or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty. They may be able to offset a portion of a penalty by funding a supplemental environmental project that improves Oregon’s environment. Penalties may also include orders requiring specific tasks to prevent ongoing violations or additional environmental harm. DEQ works with thousands of organizations and individuals to help them comply with laws that protect Oregon’s air, land and water. DEQ uses education, technical assistance, warnings and penalties to change behavior and deter future violations.