DEQ Fines Medford Water Commission for Discharging Chlorinated Liquid into Creeks
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. ...Read more

City of Grants Pass and ODOT Issue Call for Vinyl Wrap Utility Box Art Project
The City of Grants Pass -- in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation -- has an agreement to wrap utility boxes with vinyl artwork. This project will further the City's goal of creating vibrant art throughout the city to be enjoyed by all citizens and visitors. All art must be original and proposals will be recommended by the Grants Pass Committee on Public Art, with final approval from the City Council and ODOT. An artist stipend will be awarded each box, depending on the method used. Local artists, artist teams and students are encouraged to apply. The Art Box Project is a public art program intended to transform traffic control boxes into distinctive works of art. The art should be whimsical, fun, family-friendly and highlight nature. The program celebrates local artwork, deters graffiti and involves residents contributing to the beautification of the city. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on August 15th. Please submit all required application materials by emailing "dpearce@grantspassoregon.gov," with the subject line "Art Box Project." ...Read more

RR-Siskiyou National Forest Working Toward Full Suppression of 19 New Fire Starts

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest continues to work toward containment and full suppression of 19 new fire starts that have been located since lightning storms moved through southwest Oregon late last week. US Forest Service officials said last night that 18 of the fires are now contained, controlled or completely out. The remaining wildfire -- the Kilgore Fire on the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District three miles northeast of Applegate Lake -- was nearing full containment at 4 acres. There is line constructed around 70% of the fire, and aircraft were able to use water and retardant to hold the rest of the perimeter in check. Vanquished incidents on the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District included the Whiskey Fire at the top of Whiskey Peak, the Elliott Fire west of Lilly Mountain, the Cougar Fire northwest of the Stein Butte Trailhead and the Hansen Fire. On the Wild Rivers Ranger District, the Hansen Fire 4-1/2 miles west of Cave Junction was contained at 3/10ths of an acre. The McDonald Fire was also contained. On the High Cascades Ranger District, the contained and controlled incidents included the Sam Fire, Mill Fire, Oak Fire, Lodgepole Fire, Giant Fire, Parker Fire, Bear Fire, Doe Fire, Fish Fire, Rock Fire and Garwood Fire. Forest officials said air and ground reconnaissance is ongoing as they work with their partners from the Oregon Department of Forestry and Medford BLM District to locate and suppress any new starts. ...Read more