DEQ fines International Paper for hydraulic oil release
Spill impacted McKenzie River, caused sheen
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined International Paper $20,800 for violations related to a hydraulic oil release that caused a sheen along the McKenzie River in March 2018. The sheen was observable as far as 7.5 miles downstream and persisted for at least two days.
The release occurred March 12, 2018 and likely reached the river on March 13, 2018. International Paper was informed of a sheen on the river around 2 p.m. on March 13, but failed to report the release to the Oregon Emergency Response System until 7:26 p.m. The delay in reporting caused a delay in the response and cleanup. DEQ assessed a $6,400 penalty for this violation and a $14,400 penalty for the spill.
Earlier in the day on March 13, an angler on the McKenzie River near Harvest Lane boat landing, about 2.5 miles downstream of the outfall, noticed the oil sheen and notified the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The ODFW employee notified the company of the sheen near its outfall. The same day, the Lane County’s Sheriff’s Office investigated the sheen and reported in to the Oregon Emergency Response System at 5:50 p.m. DEQ learned of the release shortly afterward.
About 1,000 gallons of hydraulic oil was released when a hydraulic line at the facility broke. Wastewater lagoons on the site captured some of the oil. The remainder flowed into a catch basin that eventually discharges into the McKenzie River two miles downstream. At least 95 gallons of oil entered the McKenzie River.
International Paper hired a contractor, Clean Harbors, to deploy booms clean up oil residue from the pipe and its wastewater treatment system.
The release took place in an area designated as critical habitat for the Willamette Spring Chinook salmon and the Willamette bull trout. The area is also a popular spot for fishing and recreation.
While cleanup efforts were underway, access was restricted to the McKenzie River around the release site until March 22. There were no documented impacts to fish or other wildlife. Drinking water was not affected.
When oil reaches waterways it can harm aquatic life and ecosystems and adversely affect beneficial uses of the waterways such as recreation. DEQ requires immediate reporting to ensure a prompt and effective response.
The company has until Sept. 19 to appeal the fine.
View the enforcement letter at: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/090418paper.pdf
Contact
Katherine Benenati, Public Affairs Specialist, Eugene, 541-686-7997, benenati.katherine@deq.state.or.us
