DEQ issues 20 penalties for environmental violations, Dec. 20

Statewide, OR—The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 20 penalties totaling $443,914 in November for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at https://go.usa.gov/xEQJn. Fines ranged from $413 to $141,285. Alleged violations included failing to properly handle pesticide wastes, operating a waste tire disposal site without a permit and allowing a contractor without an asbestos abatement license to perform an asbestos abatement project. DEQ issued civil penalties to the following organizations and individuals in Southwestern Oregon: • City of Coos Bay, $26,000, Coos Bay (wastewater); • Douglas County Public Works – Roseburg Landfill, $12,900, Roseburg (solid waste); • Loon Lake Lodge and RV Resort LLC, $4,317 Reedsport (wastewater). 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.