DEQ issues fines for solid waste violations on Coos Bay farm
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined a property owner $24,000 for operating a solid waste disposal site without a permit on a farm in Coos Bay and has fined the company that disposed of the waste $6,000.
In April 2014 or earlier, the Barbara Ann Lyons Revocable Trust allowed about 25,000 cubic yards of woody organic material to be disposed of at its farm in Coos Bay. Ocean Terminals Inc. generated the waste at its facility and is being fined for disposing of or authorizing the disposal of the waste.
DEQ issued the penalties because it is illegal to dispose of waste anywhere except permitted facilities such as landfills or transfer stations.
DEQ regulates permitted sites to ensure compliance with environmental requirements. Disposing of waste without following these practices can cause nuisance conditions and threaten human health and the environment.
Ocean Terminals Inc. did not appeal its penalty.
Barbara Ann Lyons Revocable Trust has until May 22 to appeal its penalty.
View the enforcement letters at:
https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/051717Oceanterm.pdf
https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/051717BarbaraLyons.pdf
Contact
Katherine Benenati, Public Affairs Specialist, Eugene, 541-686-7997, benenati.katherine@deq.state.or.us