DEQ Fines Coos Bay Man, April 25

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined David Murawski of Coos Bay $4,553 for operating an on-site system that discharged sewage onto his property at 63658 Shinglehouse Road. Coos County staff observed violations at the site on a number of occasions in 2015. On July 22, 2015 staff from DEQ and Coos County observed untreated or partially treated sewage being discharged onto the ground and saw that one of the drainfield lines at the property was broken. The improper disposal of sewage poses threats to human health and the environment. Sewage can harm aquatic life, contaminate drinking water and impair recreation and commerce. Of the penalty, $3,603 represents the economic benefit Murawski gained by failing to obtain a major repair permit and have the septic tank pumped regularly by a licensed pumper. DEQ will consider recalculating a portion of the fine if those steps are taken. Murawski has until April 27 to appeal the penalty. View the enforcement letter: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/042216murawskiE.pdf