A Coburg rock products company faces more than $20,ooo in fines for letting muddy water run into the McKenzie River.
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality says Coburg Road Quarry did not have the needed permit when it discharged untreated water into the river.
The Register-Guard reports this is the first fine issued to the quarry, however another business with the same owner was penalized for a similar charge in 1996.
The company refuted the claim in an April 5th letter to the DEQ.
The Department says muddy water is harmful to fish and the river’s habitat.