Brian Barton
Oregon has been known to experience hazardous air pollution, with dense smoke and high concentrations of tiny particles from wood smoke making the air quality in several cities unhealthy or hazardous. The state also has several Superfund Sites, which are designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as the country's most polluted places. These sites are home to various toxins, including pesticides, industrial waste, and chemicals from personal care products, which have contaminated Oregon's waterways and groundwater. Additionally, urban and agricultural runoff has been identified as a significant source of water pollution in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution Type | Ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot) |
| Sources | Forest fires, wood-burning or solid-fuel stoves, diesel exhaust, weather inversions |
| Affected Areas | Eugene, Portland, Bend, Medford, Klamath Falls, Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge |
| Health Risks | Unhealthy air, risk of premature death and other serious health effects |
| Data Sources | Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, American Lung Association |
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What You'll Learn
Hazardous air quality due to smoke and tiny particles
Oregon's air quality is susceptible to the effects of wildfires, which are becoming more common in the western United States due to climate change. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gaseous pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, water vapour, and particle pollution. Particle pollution, or particulate matter, is a general term for a mixture of solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These particles vary in size and shape and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals.
During wildfires, concentrations of particles in the air can increase to levels that are visible to the naked eye, appearing as a haze. Fine inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5) is the air pollutant of greatest concern to public health from wildfire smoke. These particles are generally 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter and can travel deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. Individuals at greater risk from the health effects of wildfire smoke include those with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, older adults, children under 18, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those of lower socioeconomic status.
PM2.5 particles are not only present in wildfire smoke but also in emissions from construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and other combustion sources. The combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as burning wood in residential fireplaces and agricultural fires, contributes significantly to the presence of these fine particles in the atmosphere. Additionally, human activities and natural sources emit gases that react with other atmospheric gases to form particles, such as nitrate and sulfate particles.
To protect public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates inhalable particles and has established national air quality standards. The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides daily information on outdoor air quality and associated health risks, helping individuals take appropriate actions to safeguard their health during periods of hazardous air pollution.
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Water pollution from agricultural and urban runoff
Agricultural runoff occurs when excess water from irrigation or rainfall flows over fields and carries pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants into nearby waterways. In Oregon, agriculture accounts for 80% of the state's water withdrawals, and efforts are being made to improve water efficiency in this sector. The OEC works with growers and irrigation experts to implement strategies that reduce the impact of agriculture on water quality while also strengthening the state's agricultural sector.
Urban runoff, also known as stormwater runoff, is caused by rainfall flowing over impervious surfaces such as pavement, rooftops, and streets. As it flows, stormwater picks up pollutants such as oil, grease, heavy metals, and bacteria before entering storm drains and eventually flowing into rivers, lakes, and streams. Stormwater runoff can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and can contribute to unsafe water conditions for swimming and fishing.
To address these issues, the OEC works with developers and city planners to promote Low Impact Development practices that minimize the impact of urban development on water quality. They also provide resources to homeowners to help reduce their contribution to urban runoff, such as through the creation of rain gardens. Additionally, the OEC advocates for education and financial assistance programs to raise awareness about water pollution and help landowners address contamination hotspots.
By taking a collaborative approach and educating individuals, businesses, and local governments, the OEC aims to reduce the impact of agricultural and urban runoff on Oregon's waterways, protecting both human health and wildlife.
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Toxins from pesticides and personal care products in waterways
Oregon's waterways are facing a significant challenge due to the presence of toxins from pesticides and personal care products. The state's rivers, lakes, and streams, which are a source of pride for Oregonians, are all out of compliance with water quality standards designed to safeguard human health and wildlife.
Pesticides and chemicals from personal care products have been detected in Oregon's waterways and groundwater, posing a threat to the environment and those who rely on these water sources. The primary source of pollution is not industrial waste but, rather, water that runs off from farms, streets, rooftops, and yards. This polluted runoff flows directly into waterways during rainfall events, carrying with it harmful substances that can have far-reaching consequences.
To address this issue, Oregon has implemented various initiatives, such as the Pesticide Stewardship Partnership program and the statewide community-based Pesticide Stewardship Program. These programs aim to reduce pesticide pollution in waterways by educating farmers and fruit growers about responsible pesticide use and implementing measures to prevent runoff. For example, the fruit growers in the Hood River Valley created a handbook to guide their members on spraying techniques that prevent chemicals from drifting into public spaces or running off into waterways.
Additionally, the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) is working with ranchers and farmers to reduce agriculture's impact on water quality through collaborative solutions. They also advocate for education and financial assistance programs to encourage well owners and landlords to test their drinking water for toxins and address contamination hotspots.
The state's efforts to mitigate pesticide pollution are showing some promise. Still, it is essential to recognize that the problem is widespread, affecting both agricultural and urban areas. By utilizing data from the Pesticide Stewardship Partnership data viewer, Oregonians can make informed decisions about swimming and fishing locations while also gaining insight into the negative impacts of pesticides on aquatic communities and human health.
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Industrial waste and toxins in Portland Harbour
Portland Harbor, a highly industrialized area of the Willamette River, has been contaminated by hazardous substances due to decades of industrial use. The harbor, an international portal for commerce, is home to dozens of industries. Since the early 1900s, numerous facilities have released oil, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins into the harbor. These contaminants pose significant risks to human health and the environment, leading to the designation of the area as a Superfund site by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA has developed a cleanup plan, also known as the Record of Decision, to address the contamination in Portland Harbor. The plan aims to reduce risks to human health and the environment using various techniques such as dredging, capping, enhanced natural recovery, and monitored natural recovery. The estimated cost of the cleanup is approximately $1.05 billion, and it is anticipated to take 30 years to complete.
The Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process, separate from the EPA cleanup process, is being conducted by the NOAA and other Trustee Council members to evaluate natural resource injuries caused by hazardous substances such as DDT, PCBs, oil, and other pollutants. The NRDA considers the impacts on fish, wildlife, and other organisms, as well as lost services related to these resources, including recreational fishing and tribal uses.
Several restoration projects have been undertaken or proposed to address the contamination and restore the habitat in and around Portland Harbor. These include the Alder Creek Restoration Project, which restored and enhanced 52 acres of a former industrial site, the Harborton Habitat Development Project, which restored tributary and off-channel habitat, and the Linnton Mill Restoration Site, which transformed 27 acres of industrial land into rehabilitated riparian and upland habitat. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to mitigating the environmental and ecological impacts of industrial waste and toxins in Portland Harbor.
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Superfund Sites: former industrial plants with toxic soil and groundwater
Oregon has several Superfund Sites, which are former industrial plants with toxic soil and groundwater. These sites are designated for cleanup by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are placed on the National Priorities List (NPL). Here are some examples of Superfund Sites in Oregon:
Reynolds Metals Company Superfund Site
Located 20 miles from Portland, Oregon, outside the city of Troutdale, this site was once an 80-acre aluminum smelter plant surrounded by an additional 700 acres. Contamination was found in groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soils on the site. The EPA added it to the NPL in 1994, and cleanup actions were completed by the Reynolds Metal Company between 1995 and 2008. Alcoa acquired the company in 2000, demolished the plant, and sold the property to the Port of Portland in 2007. Alcoa remains responsible for ongoing groundwater cleanup.
Teledyne Wah Chang Superfund Site
Located in Millersburg, Oregon, this 110-acre site was a former rare earth metals and alloys production facility. It also includes a 115-acre area with four ponds containing sludges from the plant's wastewater treatment facility and a 60-acre field where radium-containing sludges were used for soil amendment. Past disposal practices contaminated the soil, sediments, and groundwater. The EPA listed this site on the NPL in 1983, and cleanup actions were completed by the OWC Company in 1999. A groundwater treatment system has been in operation since 2000.
Northwest Pipe & Casing/Hall Process Company Superfund Site
This 53-acre site is located in an industrial park in Clackamas, Oregon. From 1956 to 1985, operators conducted pipe manufacturing and coating operations, leading to improper waste disposal and contamination of surface water, soil, and groundwater. The EPA listed the site on the NPL in 1992, and cleanup efforts included the removal of contaminated soils, placement of a clean soil cap, and treatment of contaminated groundwater. Groundwater monitoring at this site continues.
Portland Harbor Superfund Site
The Portland Harbor Superfund Site in Portland, Oregon, includes a 10-mile stretch of the lower Willamette River and associated upland properties. For over 150 years, the harbor has been a hub for commerce and industrial activities, including manufacturing, shipbuilding, petroleum, metal salvaging, and power generation. These activities contaminated river water, sediment, upland soil, and groundwater. The EPA placed the site on the NPL in 2000 and selected a final cleanup plan in 2017, which includes dredging, capping, and enhanced natural recovery.
These Superfund Sites in Oregon highlight the state's efforts to address and remediate environmental pollution from former industrial activities. The cleanup and redevelopment of these sites aim to protect human health, restore natural habitats, and promote sustainable land use.
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Frequently asked questions
The Oregon Environmental Council works to prevent stormwater pollution by using Low Impact Development practices and educating the public.
The majority of pollutants in Oregon's waters come from runoff from farms, streets, rooftops, and yards.
Oregon is home to several Superfund Sites, which are designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as the country's most polluted places. Some examples include the former Arkema plant in Portland and the Harbor Oil property near Portland's Heron Lakes Golf Course.
Cleanup efforts have been made at several Superfund Sites, including the McCormick and Baxter Superfund Site and the Teledyne Wah Chang Superfund Site. However, some sites are still in the assessment stage or ongoing, such as the Portland Harbor site.
Oregon's air pollution is often caused by dense smoke from fires, which can contain high concentrations of tiny particles from wood smoke that are considered unhealthy or hazardous to breathe.
