DEQ issues 35 penalties for environmental violations, Oct. 23

DEQ release – Statewide, OR—Note: DEQ is committed to balancing its vital obligation to enforce the law and protect the environment with a consideration of the dramatic disruptions to public health and the economy caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. DEQ will continue to exercise reasonable enforcement discretion within its authority when issuing civil penalties. In addition, DEQ recognizes that the outbreak may affect the ability to comply with corrective actions or pay a civil penalty. Visit our webpage https://ordeq.org/COVID19 for more information about DEQ’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 35 penalties totaling $855,111 in August and September for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at https://go.usa.gov/xEQJn. Fines ranged from $350 to $308,656. Alleged violations included illegal disposal of radioactive solid waste, improper asbestos abatement, and exceeding wastewater permit limits. DEQ issued civil penalties to the following organizations and individuals in Coos Co.: • C4 Investments LLC, $10,400, Coos Bay, asbestos; • Granado Services LLC, $32,000, Coos Bay, asbestos.