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
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