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| Marion County. DEQ Requests Comments on Proposed Mutual Agreement and Order for West Church Street Subdivision in Mount Angel
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| 03/10/2026
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Summary
West Church Street proposes to develop a 17-lot residential subdivision due north of 695 West Church St. in Mount Angel, Marion County.
About the project
Scott and Cheri Hoffer propose to impact approximately 0.03 acre of wetlands by excavating approximately 48 cubic yards and discharging approximately 130 cubic yards of gravel, concrete, and asphalt fill material adjacent to drainage systems that discharge to the Pudding River in order to develop a residential subdivision consisting of 17 lots, two stormwater facilities, and associated utilities. Scott and Cheri Hoffer will purchase 0.03 credits at Garrett Creek Mitigation Bank to mitigate the project impact.
To view the public notice:
This public notice is available for review and comment in the Your DEQ Online Public Records module. This does not require a user account unless adding an attachment.
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| Polk County. DEQ Requests Comments on Proposed Mutual Agreement and Order for Brush College Subdivision, Phases 3 and 4 in West Salem
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| 03/11/2026
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Summary
Fanelli Properties LLC – though its Brush College Subdivision, Phases 3 and 4 project – proposes to construct an 81-lot residential subdivision and associated infrastructure off Brush College Road Northwest in West Salem.
About the project
Fanelli Properties, which is adopting the name JFP Partners, proposes to impact approximately 0.34 acre of wetlands by excavating approximately 750 cubic yards and discharging approximately 1,800 cubic yards of fill material adjacent to drainage systems that discharge to the Gibson Creek in order to construct a residential subdivision with 81 lots. The project will create approximately 10.76 acres of new impervious surface area on a 16.9 acre site in the Glenn Creek-Willamette River basin. Mitigation will be completed through the purchase of 0.33 credits from the Mud Slough Mitigation Bank.
To view the public notice:
This public notice is available for review and comment in the Your DEQ Online Public Records module. This does not require a user account unless adding an attachment.
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| Oregon Environmental Quality Commission to meet March 12, Portland and via Zoom
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| 03/11/2026
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 NEWS RELEASE
Oregon Environmental Quality Commission to meet Thursday, March 12, Portland and via Zoom
Date: March 11, 2026
The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission's next public meeting is Thursday, March 12, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at DEQ Headquarters, 700 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, 3rd-floor conference room, with a virtual option via Zoom.
Members of the public are invited to attend in person or remotely. Visit the EQC meeting agenda webpage for Zoom access details, the full agenda and meeting materials.
Public Forum, held at every EQC meeting, is scheduled at 10:40 a.m. Attendees may provide brief comments, two minutes or less, on environmental and public health issues relevant to DEQ and EQC. Sign-ups to comment open shortly before the forum. The commission cannot accept comments on the following proposed rules during this forum: EV Rebates 2026 Rulemaking and Water Quality Fees 2026.
For additional information, visit the EQC meeting agenda webpage.
Media contact: Jennifer Flynt, jennife...@deq.oregon.gov, 503-730-5924
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| DEQ issues enforcement order, $3 million civil penalty to Coffin Butte Landfill for air quality violations
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| 03/11/2026
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NEWS RELEASE
DEQ issues enforcement order, $3 million civil penalty to Coffin Butte Landfill for air quality violations
Date: March 11, 2026
Corvallis — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an enforcement order to Valley Landfills Inc. today that includes a civil penalty of more than $3 million for air quality violations at Coffin Butte Landfill north of Corvallis.
DEQ’s order alleges that Valley Landfills Inc. – a subsidiary of Republic Services – failed to monitor, capture, and control landfill gas emissions as required under both federal and state law. Landfill gas is regulated because it includes hazardous air pollutants that may harm human health, contributes to odors, and is comprised mostly of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
The exact amount of the civil penalty is $3,016,128. Most of the civil penalty – $2,265,528 – represents the economic benefit that Valley Landfills gained by avoiding the following costs:
- Surface emissions monitoring.
- Installing new landfill gas collection wells in response to exceedances of standards.
- Installing and operating adequate and consistent landfill gas controls.
- Preparing an amended design plan.
- Monitoring and repairing the landfill cover.
The order requires Valley Landfills to complete multiple corrective actions to more effectively manage landfill gas. If Valley Landfills completes the corrective actions, DEQ will consider recalculating some of the avoided costs as delayed, which will reduce the civil penalty.
The enforcement order, issued by DEQ’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement, follows the pre-enforcement notice that DEQ’s air quality program issued on Nov. 6, 2025. Valley Landfills has 20 days to appeal the order. If there is an appeal, then the corrective action deadlines in the order will be stayed pending final resolution of the case.
“Landfills produce significant amounts of methane, which is a driver of climate change,” said DEQ Office of Compliance and Enforcement Manager Erin Saylor. “Landfill gas also contains hazardous air pollutants and odors that may impact human welfare. This order addresses violations of state and federal laws that are intended to mitigate these risks to human health and the environment and sets out DEQ’s expectations for Coffin Butte Landfill to return to compliance.”
This action is the result of a multi-year compliance investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DEQ. EPA formally referred the case to DEQ for enforcement in October 2025.
DEQ’s Air Quality program plans to renew Valley Landfill’s air permit this spring. The draft Title V permit has more stringent requirements that are reflected in the enforcement action and there will be an opportunity for the public to comment during the permit renewal process.
For more information about DEQ’s regulation of the landfill visit our Coffin Butte Landfill web page.
Media contact: Dylan Darling, Western Region public affairs specialist, dylan....@deq.oregon.gov, 541-600-6119
Read news release online here.
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| Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council March meeting agenda and other RMA updates
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| 03/11/2026
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The Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council’s next regular meeting is from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 18, and will include the following topics: DEQ’s Covered Product Leakage Study, considerations for potential updates to recycling acceptance lists through the current rulemaking process, recommendations related to the second draft of CAA’s proposed Responsible End Market program plan amendment, and updating Specifically Identified Material designations. Please see the agenda. Everyone is welcome to attend the virtual meeting.
DEQ has responded with conditional approval to Circular Action Alliance’s financial report submission for the start-up phase of 2023-2024. DEQ took public comment and the advisement of the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council under consideration in the formulation of its response to CAA, which was issued on March 5, 2026. The approval process will be considered finalized upon CAA’s submission of a revised report that fulfills the conditions of approval.
Public comment on CAA’s second draft proposal to amend the responsible end markets section of its program plan is open through March 27, 2026. Comments should be submitted by email to rethinkr...@deq.oregon.gov. Whereas DEQ previously communicated a deadline of April 10, 2026, for its response to CAA’s proposal, the actual deadline pursuant to ORS 459A.878(1)(b) is May 10, 2026.
CAA submitted its Q4 Quarterly Report on Feb. 13, 2026. The report details CAA’s progress in October through December 2025 with the system expansion funding process and with meeting the convenience standards for collection of the PRO Recycling Acceptance List.
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| DEQ releases 2025 Wildfire Smoke Trends Report
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| 03/12/2026
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NEWS RELEASE
Oregon DEQ Releases 2025 Wildfire Smoke Trends Report
Date: March 12, 2026
STATEWIDE, Ore. – Today the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality released the 2025 Wildfire Trends Report, which measures how particulate matter from the 2025 wildfire season affected air quality across the state. Many of the large fires during the 2025 wildfire season (June 1-October 25) occurred far away from populated areas, resulting in a small number of days that registered as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or higher on the Air Quality Index for most of the state.
“The air quality effects from the 2025 wildfire season were minimal compared to the trends we’ve seen during the last 10 years,” explained Oregon DEQ Air Quality Administrator Ali Mirzakhalili. “It was a cooler and wetter summer, and the fires were not close to cities and towns where we have our air quality monitors. Nevertheless, the overall trend in the data during the past 10 years is clear in this report. Wildfire seasons have been starting earlier and lasting longer, causing more smoke-filled days for Oregonians to navigate. Furthermore, with the small amount of snow we’ve seen so far this winter, we need to be prepared for a 2026 wildfire season that realigns with these trends.”
The 2025 wildfire season stands out as a year with fewer days registering as unhealthy for sensitive groups on the air air quality index across all parts of Oregon. Only two days hit this level in Bend, one in Klamath Falls, one in Medford and none in La Grande or Portland. None of these locations had any days with air quality registering higher than unhealthy for sensitive groups during the 2025 wildfire season.
Importantly, the long-term trend shows a significant increase in the number of days registering as unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse. In this report, we can compare data from two twelve-year cycles, 2000-2012, and 2013-2025 to investigate the longer-term trends occurring in the following parts of the state:
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Bend: From 2013 to 2025, Bend recorded 101 days with AQI values at USG or worse, compared to six days from 2000-2012; more than a 1,500 percent increase compared to the previous 12 years.
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Klamath Falls: From 2013 to 2025, Klamath Falls registered 153 days with AQI values that were USG or worse, compared with 33 days between 2000-2012; more than a 300 percent increase compared to the previous period.
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Medford: From 2013 to 2025, Medford had 143 days with AQI values that were USG or worse, compared with 22 days between 2000-2012; more than a 500 percent increase compared to the previous period.
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La Grande: From 2013 to 2025, La Grande had 35 days with AQI values that were USG or higher, compared with eight days between 2000-2012; more than a 300 percent increase compared to the previous period.
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Portland: From 2013-2025, Portland registered 29 days with AQI values of USG or higher, compared with only three days on record before 2013; more than an 800 percent increase compared with the previous period.
DEQ issues wildfire smoke advisories when smoke will be unhealthy for sensitive groups for 24 hours or more, so people in Oregon can take actions to protect their health. Wildfire smoke emits a wide variety of pollutants. According to the Oregon Health Authority’s publication, Wildfire Smoke and Your Health, particulate matter may represent the greatest health concern since it can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and may reach the bloodstream. Volatile organic compounds can cause symptoms, such as watery eyes, respiratory tract irritation and headaches.
About The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality protects human health and the environment by controlling air and water pollution, reducing the impacts of manufactured products and cleaning up contaminated properties. DEQ engages the public in decision-making and helps communities solve problems in ways that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
Media contact: Chris Varley, DEQ public affairs specialist, chris....@deq.oregon.gov. 503.933.0514
Read news release online here.
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| DEQ Requests Comments on Troutdale Transfer Station
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| 03/13/2026
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The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality proposes to issue a renewal Solid Waste Transfer Station permit for Troutdale Transfer Station, for their facility located at 869 NW Eastwind Drive in Troutdale. The full public notice, draft permit and DEQ's evaluation report is available at:
https://www.oregon.gov/deq/get-involved/documents/041426TroutdaleTS.pdf
See http://www.oregon.gov/deq/Pages/publicnotice.aspx for this and other current DEQ public notices in all program areas.
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| Public Hearing and Comments Requested on McCall Oil and Chemical Corporation’s Proposed Air Quality Permit Renewal
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| 03/13/2026
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March 13, 2026
Public Hearing and Comments Requested on McCall Oil and Chemical Corporation’s Proposed Air Quality Permit Renewal
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites the public to attend a virtual public hearing and provide comments on the conditions of a proposed renewal of a Simple Air Contaminant Discharge Permit for McCall Oil and Chemical Corporation located at: 5480 NW Front Avenue in Portland.
The public hearing will be held virtually on Zoom on April 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
How to participate in the public hearing:
The public may also submit written comments on the conditions of this proposed air quality permit renewal until the public comment period closes on April 27, 2026, at 5 p.m.
DEQ evaluates verbal comments provided at the public hearing and written comments with equal weight. DEQ may modify the draft permit following review of comments received.
Information about this proposed air quality permit – including draft permit documents – and how to submit a comment can be viewed in Your DEQ Online. Comments may be submitted online by clicking on the “Comments” tab next to the “Public Notice” tab, or by clicking this Your DEQ Online page.
Learn more about how to find a public notice and submit a comment using Your DEQ Online.
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| Grant County. DEQ Requests Comments on Proposed Water Quality Certification for Desolation Creek Reach 3, 1003 Road Removal in Dale
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| 03/18/2026
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Summary
Desolation Creek Reach 3, 1003 Road Removal project proposes to impact wetlands and waters in order to restore United States Forest Service (USFS) Road 1003 to native floodplain and remove two undersized culverts in Dale, Grant County.
About the project
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation proposes to impact approximately 22,500 square feet of wetlands by excavating approximately 3,100 cubic yards adjacent to drainage systems that discharge to Desolation Creek. Additionally, the Applicant will impact 9 linear feet of stream by discharging approximately 0.22 cubic yards of sandbags as temporary fill. The work includes excavating and regrading 0.35 miles of USFS Road 1003 to return it to the native floodplain surface and removing two undersized culverts. In addition, a small lower-floodplain area (less than 1 acre) will be regraded to improve inundation during high-flow events. The removal of the two undersized culverts in Moonshine Creek and an unnamed tributary will also serve as mitigation for a previously authorized activity under permit United States Army Corps of Engineers permit #2021-539.
To view the public notice:
This public notice is available for review and comment in the Your DEQ Online Public Records module. This does not require a user account unless adding an attachment.
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| DEQ Rulemaking – Recycling Modernization Act Updates 2026 – Third Advisory Committee Meeting to be held March 30, 2026
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| 03/18/2026
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DEQ Rulemaking – Recycling Modernization Act Updates 2026 – Third Advisory Committee Meeting to be held March 30, 2026
Summary
This proposed rulemaking will improve clarity, make identified corrections and provide increased consistency across the rules implementing the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (2021). The modernization of Oregon's recycling system has begun and some items from the previous two rulemakings require updates or clarifications to ensure consistent and successful implementation and operation of Oregon's recycling system.
Involvement by interested parties
DEQ has appointed an advisory committee. The next committee meeting will take place:
Meeting information: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026
How do I participate?
Join via Zoom
The committee meetings are open to all; however, non-members are admitted as observers, not participants, for most of the meeting. DEQ will provide an opportunity for any person to provide brief verbal input at the meeting, with a time-certain 3:45 p.m. input session. Sign-ups will occur in the meeting, and no preregistration is required. People are asked to limit their input to 2-3 minutes, and times may be adjusted to allow the committee to hear from all interested parties. This is not a formal public comment opportunity, but all input will be considered as part of DEQ’s rulemaking development process.
Additional Information
To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Recycling Modernization Act Updates 2026.
If you want to receive future email notices about this rulemaking, you must sign up at: GovDelivery.
You can also obtain more information about this rulemaking by contacting:
Stephanie Caldera
RMARule...@deq.oregon.gov
971-279-9517
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| DEQ Rulemaking: Snake River Temperature TMDL –Advisory Committee Meeting to be held April 22, 2026
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| 03/19/2026
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DEQ Rulemaking: Snake River Temperature TMDL –Advisory Committee Meeting to be held April 22, 2026
DEQ to host Rule Advisory Committee Meeting for the Snake River Temperature TMDL Replacement. DEQ will ask the Committee to provide input on the proposed rule, including updates to TMDL allocations and changes to the Water Quality Management Plan. Committee members represent organizations that coordinate the interests of multiple communities likely to be affected by the rule.
Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting – April 22, 2026, 10 a.m. PST
Join via Zoom
Join by phone: 877-853-5257 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 883 9445 1814
This meeting is open to the public and community members may attend as observers. The committee may set aside time on the agenda for public comments if time allows. Later in the rulemaking process, DEQ will open a formal public comment period and hold a public hearing where anyone can submit comments or testify.
Meeting materials are provided on the Snake River TMDL rulemaking page.
Additional Information
To learn about this project and the rulemakings, visit the following webpages:
If you want to receive future email notices about this rulemaking, you must sign up at: DEQ GovDelivery.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Mandy Ondrick
Interim Project Manager, Water Quality
amanda....@deq.oregon.gov
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| DEQ Rulemaking – Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Fee Update 2026 - DEQ Requests Comments on the Proposed increase in Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Fees
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| 03/20/2026
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DEQ Rulemaking – Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Fee Update 2026 - DEQ Requests Comments on the Proposed increase in Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Fees
Summary
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will ask DEQ Director Feldon to approve rule amendments to OAR-340-216 and OAR 34-220 of its administrative rules to increase the fees assessed to air permitted facilities subject to greenhouse gas reporting requirements.
The agency is proposing that fees be raised permanently from 15% of a Title V permit with a $4,500 cap and 7.3% of an Air Contaminant Discharge Permit, to 20% of any annual air permit base fees, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum annual fee of $9,000 per source.
These proposed rule amendments do not propose any policy or reporting changes.
For more information, visit Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Fee Update 2026.
Public Comment
DEQ is seeking public comments on the proposed rule amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program fees. More information on this rulemaking, including the draft rules, can be found on the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Fee Update 2026.
How to comment: You can provide comments to DEQ by email, mail or at the public hearing. Anyone can submit comments and questions about this rulemaking.
- Email: Send comments by email to ghgco...@deq.oregon.gov
- Postal mail: Oregon DEQ, Attn: Elizabeth Elbel, 700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600, Portland, Oregon 97232-4100
- At the virtual public hearing: 1 p.m. (PST). April 22, 2026.
The deadline to submit comments is 4 p.m., on April 24, 2026.
Virtual Public Hearing: Attend this public hearing for an opportunity to learn about the rules, ask questions, and provide verbal public comment.
Date: April 22, 2026
Start time: 1 p.m. PT
Join via Zoom
Join by phone:
Dial In: 877-853-5257 (US toll-free) or find your local number
Meeting ID: 833 1592 1082
Note for public university students:
ORS 192.345(29) allows Oregon public university and OHSU students to protect their university email addresses from disclosure under Oregon’s public records law. If you are an Oregon public university or OHSU student, notify DEQ that you wish to keep your email address confidential.
Additional Information
To view copies of the notice documents, learn more about this rulemaking, and how to submit comments, you can view the rulemaking web page at: Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Fee Update 2026.
If you want to receive future email notices about this rulemaking, you must sign up through GovDelivery.
You can also obtain more information about this rulemaking by contacting Elizabeth Elbel, 503-869-2215, Elizabe...@deq.oregon.gov.
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| MIRROR Reusables in Schools RFI Deadline Extended to April 10
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| 03/20/2026
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DEQ has released a Request for Information to inform potential investments in the first cycle of MIRROR funding. This funding is intended to support the implementation of reusable dishware and related equipment in public schools, universities and colleges in Oregon.
The RFI submission deadline is extended to April 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
Please email RFI responses or questions to MIR...@deq.oregon.gov.
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