DEQ release – Statewide, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 18 penalties totaling $632,056 in June for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at https://ordeq.org/enforcement. Fines ranged from $600 to $205,800. Alleged violations included a fuel company inaccurately reporting renewable fuel volumes and generating illegitimate credits; a steel mill failing to install air pollution control equipment and submitting inaccurate information; and a finishing company illegally treating and storing hazardous waste. DEQ issued civil penalties to the following organizations in Coos Co.: City of Coquille, $8,044, Coquille, wastewater Organizations or individuals must either pay the fines to the state treasury 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. Learn more about these projects at https://ordeq.org/sep. 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.
