The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued 12 penalties totaling nearly $757,000 in June for various environmental violations.
Fines ranged from $2,250 to $464,678. Alleged violations included a construction company filling in a stream and wetland without the required stormwater permit, a pulp and paper mill violating its air permit, and a vessel owner not immediately collecting and removing spilled diesel fuel.
Locally, the Medford Water Commission was fined $6,000 for a wastewater violation in Central Point. The agency allegedly discharged chlorinated water into Bear Creek and Lazy Creek without a permit.
Recipients of DEQ civil penalties must either pay the fines to the state treasury or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty. They may be able to offset a portion of the penalty by funding a supplemental environmental project that improves the environment.
DEQ works with thousands of organizations and individuals to help them comply with laws that protect Oregon's air, land and water. The state agency uses education, technical assistance, warnings and penalties to change behavior and deter future violations.
