Oregon is close to adopting the toughest water pollution limits in the nation, but Legislative bills are seeking to minimize the economic hit of the new rule.
Oregon is close to adopting the toughest water pollution limits in the nation, but Legislative bills are seeking to minimize the economic hit of the new rule.
The Department of Environmental Quality’s new rules have been in the works since 2004, and are aimed at protecting tribes and others who eat large amounts of contaminated fish.
The new standards, set for Environmental Quality Commission approval in two weeks, would dramatically tighten pollution limits for a host of pollutants, including metals, flame retardants, PCBs, dioxins and plastic additives.
Industry and cities say the uniquely tight standards — in some cases below natural levels in river water — would be impossible to meet without millions of dollars worth of treatment. The rule could discourage new industries from moving in and boost sewer rates, they say.
Read more from both sides of the issue at OregonLive.com.
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