DEQ Evaluates Central Coast River Contamination, Dec. 16

Beginning Dec. 18, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Cleanup Program will conduct a sampling investigation in the Yaquina River just upstream from Weiser Point, to assess past contamination from the former Hoy’s Marine facility at 4592 Yaquina Bay Road in Newport. Investigators will collect water, sediment and shellfish samples by boat and using a diver. DEQ, under an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, conducted sampling investigations and completed a sediment cleanup in 2004. The agreement deferred EPA involvement and potential for listing as a federal Superfund site. Following the sediment cleanup, DEQ did not have resources to complete a risk assessment and complete a final report. In 2014, DEQ, through its contractor, began planning for additional investigation and an updated risk assessment. Information about past environmental cleanup at the site and the current investigation work plan is available on DEQ’s website at www.deq.state.or.us/lq/cu/cusites.htm. Contact DEQ Project Manager Mark Pugh at 503-229-5587, Portland, for more information.