DEQ fines Veneta homeowners for sewage violations
Veneta, OR – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Jason Ellsworth Shannon and Rachel Dawn Shannon of Veneta $900 for owning or operating an onsite system that discharged untreated or partly treated sewage onto their Bolton Road property.
Lane County staff inspected the site in February and June and saw untreated or partly treated sewage being discharged onto the ground. The Shannons connected the property to the city of Veneta’s sewer system in August, but have not yet decommissioned the onsite system. DEQ is requiring the Shannons to decommission the system.
The improper disposal of sewage poses threats to human health and the environment. Sewage can harm aquatic life, contaminate drinking water and impair recreation and commerce.
The Shannons have appealed to appeal the penalty.
View the enforcement letter: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/011817shannon.pdf
Contact: Katherine Benenati, Western Region Public Affairs Specialist, Eugene, 541-686-7997, benenati.katherine@deq.state.or.us
Esther Westbrook, Environmental Law Specialist, Portland, 503-229-5374, westbrook.esther@deq.state.or.us
Dan Wiltse, Onsite Wastewater Inspector, Eugene, 541-687-7436, wiltse.dan@deq.state.or.us