DEQ Proposes Early Shutdown Options for PGE Boardman
On June 28, DEQ released a set of three draft early-closure options for PGE's coal-fired power plant in Boardman. The options outline the pollution controls necessary for plant closure in 2015-16, 2018 or 2020.
The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission recently voted to deny a petition from PGE that outlined a closure plan for 2020. The commission directed DEQ to prepare a rulemaking ensured to meet state and federal environmental requirements for early closure. The commission also directed DEQ to provide a wider range of options for reducing emissions.
DEQ Director Dick Pedersen noted that DEQ is looking forward to working collaboratively with Oregonians and PGE to find the best closure option for Boardman. “DEQ is committed to remaining open to ideas or concepts for the early closure of the PGE Boardman facility,” said Pedersen. “Our goal is regulation that is most protective of the environment while fair to ratepayers.”
DEQ opened an informal comment period until July 18 to hear from the public about the closure options. Interested persons can sign up for project updates and submit comments on DEQ’s website. DEQ plans to file a proposed rule in early Sept. and will hold public hearings around the state in the fall, with a final recommendation for the commission to come in Dec.
Oregon Records Environmental First With Paint "Take Back" Program
Chalk up another environmental first for Oregon! As of July 1, Oregon started the first paint “take back” program in the nation and is expecting to collect as much as 600,000 gallons of leftover paint annually.
How does the program work? Consumers pay a surcharge on paint and stain containers to cover program costs. PaintCare, in turn, provides a series of depots statewide where people can drop off unused latex and oil-based paint. Paint manufacturers pay an annual fee to DEQ for general program oversight and enforcement.
PaintCare, a nonprofit organization created by the paint manufacturer trade group American Coatings Association, runs the program.
The program stems from the Oregon Paint Product Stewardship law, passed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature. Oregon's paint "take back" program will serve as a pilot program for other states.
Environmentally-friendly Dishwasher Detergents on Oregon Grocery Shelves
New low-phosphate dishwasher detergents are now on grocery store shelves across Oregon to comply with a new law that requires all automatic dishwasher detergents for residential use to have low-phosphate formulas.
Implementing this law is part of DEQ’s ongoing efforts to improve the health of water in Oregon’s lakes, rivers and streams and to protect people, pets and fish. For more information, read the news release.
Fireworks and the Environment
In terms of overall risk, fireworks more likely threaten your immediate safety than the environment or your health. The reason: they explode! But fireworks do contain a host of chemicals such as gunpowder, perchlorates, sulfur and metals like copper, strontium and barium.
If the winds die down when it’s time to celebrate the birth of our nation, Oregon’s urban areas in particular could experience smoky conditions. Combustion of any type produces fine particulates and a host of carcinogens. When this smoke builds up, people with asthma, heart conditions, the elderly and children are most at risk.
Fortunately, DEQ has a handy tool that tracks the state of our air. The color-coded chart helps people decide whether or not they should take additional precautions when going outdoors.
Welcome to DEQ's
e-Newsletter
Keeping you informed of the latest environmental news affecting Oregon residents is the goal of Oregon Environment, a quarterly e-newsletter produced by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
At DEQ, it’s our mission to be a leader in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land and water. We look forward to sharing news, tips and resources you can use to make a positive difference for our environment.
Summer Sustainability Tips
Sign up for Air Pollution Advisories
DEQ issues air pollution advisories to encourage individuals and businesses to reduce pollution-producing activities during hot spells. While we are painfully aware that such hot spells have been few and far between recently, nevertheless, it's these advisories that will notify us when things like forest-fire smoke might affect our health.
Keep car-wash soap out of the river
The soap and grime that washes off cars is hard on our waterways. Consider certified car washes or even washing your car on the lawn with biodegradable soap. Contrary to popular belief, it won't hurt your lawn.
Reduce runoff
Water your lawn once a week, about an inch (including rainfall), and only in the early morning or at night to avoid excessive evaporation. Not watering the sidewalk, paths or driveway saves water and reduces runoff. More healthy lawns tips here.