University of Oregon fined nearly $15K for underground storage tank violations
Oregon environmental regulators have fined the University of Oregon $14,757 for underground storage tank violations.
The state Department of Environmental Quality documented several violations during an inspection of five underground storage tanks at the university’s physical plant on April 19, 2022, DEQ said in its penalty order.
DEQ also ordered the university to perform required testing and to install proper release detection equipment. The system has a total capacity of about 101,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel.
The fine was among 16 DEQ issued in May, totaling $256,162.
Other violations included a Warrenton seafood processor discharging wastewater from an unauthorized point; a Klamath Falls plywood company discharging wastewater to the Upper Klamath River without a permit; and a Riddle resident operating an unpermitted dump on a residential property.
Recipients can appeal their fines by requesting a hearing within 20 calendar days of receiving their penalty letter. DEQ sometimes reduces or eliminates fines after appeals.
Recipients also may be able to resolve part of their fines by completing an environmental improvement project instead of paying a penalty.
Here are the other citations:
Pacific Seafood, Warrenton, $41,200: For discharging wastewater from an unauthorized discharge point and violating permit limits. DEQ found from December 2018 through March 2023, the company exceeded its permitted effluent limits 68 times. Before rebuilding its Warrenton facility, the company had 48 violations at the facility it operated in Astoria.
Willow Creek Land, Rainier, $42,392: For causing stormwater pollution and failing to implement a stormwater pollution control plan at the Goble Pit.
Frankie J. Hampton, Riddle, $33,984: For establishing and operating a solid waste disposal site without a permit at a residence, accepting abandoned vehicles, discarded appliances, tires and garbage.
Kerr Contractors, Rainier, $19,604: For mining without a stormwater permit at Goble Quarry.
West Coast Reclamation, Jacksonville, $17,873: For discharging sediment-laden water from the Sterling Creek Mine to a tributary of Sterling Creek without a permit between at least December 2021 and May 2023.
ELO Leadbetter Inc dba Oregon Metal Services, Portland, $16,015: For discharging wastewater without a permit from its facility at 5235 N. Marine Drive.
Ocean Terminals Co., North Bend, $14,000: For causing stormwater pollution to Coos Bay and failing to implement its stormwater pollution control plan.
Fred Wahl Marine Construction, Reedsport, $12,709: For failing to monitor stormwater at its two facilities adjacent to the Umpqua River.
D.A. Grey Limited, Estacada, $9,600: For stormwater violations during a residential subdivision construction project.
Central Pipeline, Central Point, $9,444: For violating its stormwater permit for a quarry.
Providence Health & Services, Portland, $8,800: For operating electric power generators without an air permit.
Diamond Properties Oregon, Selma, $7,309: For engaging in construction without a stormwater permit.
Columbia Plywood Corp., Klamath Falls, $6,000: For discharging wastewater without a permit from the Columbia Forest Products facility to the Upper Klamath River.
GCT Land Management, Baker City, $1,425: For performing construction activities without a stormwater permit.
Canby Regency Mobile Home Park, Canby, $1,050: For exceeding the limits in its wastewater permit, which allows it to discharge treated domestic wastewater to the Willamette River.
Tracy Loew covers the environment at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at @Tracy_Loew
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: UO fined for underground storage tank violations
