Protecting Oregon's Environment
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 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

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Oregon DEQ History Timeline

This timeline highlights key environmental milestones for Oregon beginning in 1889 and chronicles DEQ's history of environmental challenges and successes since its formation in 1969. See our series of success stories too. 

Timeline index by decade:

 
 
1971 Large pile of dumped garbage

Permits Required for Solid Waste Disposal

DEQ begins requiring permits for solid waste disposal sites such as landfills and dumps. (Learn more about DEQ's waste management and Land Quality programs.)
1971 Large pile of soda cans

Oregon Passes Nation’s First Bottle Bill

Oregon’s landmark Bottle Bill, the first of its kind in the nation, is passed, requiring a 5-cent deposit on soda and beer containers. The bill also requires vendors to take back the containers and pay customers the 5-cent rebate. (Find out more about Oregon's Bottle Bill.)
1972 Man sitting near river

Water Quality Permitting Established by Clean Water Act

The federal Clean Water Act is passed, stating that public waters should be “fishable and swimmable” by 1985. The law establishes a water quality permit program managed by DEQ. (Learn more about DEQ's Water Quality programs.)

1972 Factory emitting smoke

Oregon Begins Tracking Industrial Air Polluters

Oregon DEQ begins issuing Air Containment Discharge Permits before any nationwide requirements are established. The permitting program allows DEQ to track pollution from all stationary “point” sources like factories and industrial smokestacks. (Find out more about DEQ's Air Quality programs.)

1973 House chimney emitting smoke

Wood Smoke Pollution Addressed

The Portland “Aerosol Study” identifies woodstoves as a major source of air pollution. DEQ develops regulations to limit woodstove emissions, spurring development of cleaner burning technology. (Find out more about controlling pollution from woodstoves.)

1975 Man testing car for emissions from van

Vehicle Inspections Begin in Portland

The first vehicle inspections begin in Oregon in response to violations of federal standards for carbon monoxide. Within two years, transportation control strategies and vehicle inspections result in emission reductions of 20 percent for carbon monoxide and 15 percent for ozone pre-cursors in the Portland area. (Visit DEQ's Vehicle Inspection Program page.)

1977 Factory stacks emitting smoke

Industrial Air Permitting Strengthened by Clean Air Act

Federal Clean Air Act amendments are passed, establishing permit review requirements for areas of Oregon that are classified as “non-attainment zones” – that is, not meeting federal standards for air quality. (Find out more about Oregon areas with air quality maintenance strategies.)
 
 
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Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Headquarters: 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204-1390
Phone: 503-229-5696 or toll free in Oregon 1-800-452-4011
Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900  FAX: 503-229-6124

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is a regulatory agency authorized to protect Oregon's environment by
the State of Oregon and the Environmental Protection Agency.

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