Green Permits

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In 1997, the Legislature passed an experimental program, Green Permits (ORS 468.501-521). The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) adopted rules to implement the statute in 1999 (OAR Chapter 340, Division 14).

Since then DEQ has issued three Green Environmental Management Systems (GEMS) Achiever Permits. These facilities have formal environmental management systems in place that include policies, measurable objectives and targets, procedures and resources to continually improve environmental performance. The permits contain language that allow regulatory flexibility such as consolidated reporting and other reporting modifications, extended permit intervals, expedited permit approvals, and enforcement discretion. One pending permit modification will allow regulatory flexibility in meeting the requirements of a RCRA regulation. The 2003 Legislature extended the Green Permits Program to January 2008 (HB 3175 2003).

Program and Staffing Changes

During 2002, approximately $3 million in General Funds were cut from DEQ's 2001-03 budget. In the 5th Special Session during 2002, the Legislature approved House Bill 5100, which included predetermined cuts that went into effect with the failure of Measure 28. Funding has been reduced in all of DEQ’s programs, including Agency Management and the Director’s Office, affecting staffing and work.

The Green Permits Coordinator was one of the positions cut as of February 1, 2003, as the result of failure of Measure 28. The cut became permanent in the 2003-05 Legislatively adopted budget.

DEQ has made changes in handling Green Permit inquiries and applications. The Green Permits Coordinator handled initial inquiries, provided information, and accepted and coordinated applications. This work will no longer be centrally coordinated. Facilities that may want to pursue a Green Permit should contact the DEQ office for their region:

Eastern Region: Joni Hammond, 541-278-4610
Northwest Region: Cory-Ann Wind 503-229-5572
Western Region: Keith Andersen, 541-686-7838 x 246

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