DEQ issues 16 penalties for environmental violations, Nov. 19

Statewide, OR—The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 16 penalties totaling $231,915 in October for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at https://go.usa.gov/xEQJn. Fines ranged from $1,500 to $38,400. Alleged violations included failing to hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove asbestos during construction, illegal open burning, discharging untreated wastewater to Oregon rivers, and providing underground Storage tank and heating oil tank services without a license. DEQ issued civil penalties in Coos Co. to the following organizations and individuals: • Lillie, Joshua Benjamin dba Groundwork Excavation, $3,000, Myrtle Point (heating oil tank). 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.