A wood treatment facility in West Eugene is being scrutinized after elevated levels of toxins were detected in the surrounding vicinity.
Dylan Darling of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality says samples taken around the J.H. Baxter site showed raised levels of dioxins, a toxic group of chemical compounds.
“Three of them along storm water ditches, and one in the Bethel neighborhood, just north of the facility. That’s what’s caused the concern and what we’re trying to look closer at.”
The Lane County Regional Air Protection Authority (LRAPA) is also involved in the probe of the J.H. Baxter facility. Travis Knudsen is a spokesman with LRAPA.
“Because a lot of things potentially going on for awhile, particularly associated with the JH Baxter facility, as Baxter has multiple operational permits.”*
Data so far indicates the facility is a potential source. The dioxin levels do not currently pose an immediate health risk to locals. The Oregon Health Authority is also involved in the investigation.
J.H. Baxter has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Copyright 2020, KLCC.
*Knudsen told KLCC later he meant to say "operational" when he initially said "air" in his quote for this story. This has since been changed to reflect that as of 1:14pm 1/4/2020.
