pollution

A map of a region of the Trainsong area in Eugene, with railroad on the left, and houses on the right. In the middle, the proposed fuel transfer facility has been superimposed.

Eugene withdraws approval for a new fuel-transfer facility in Trainsong

Nathan Wilk

The City of Eugene has pulled its approval for a new fuel transfer facility in the Trainsong neighborhood. City staff will now reconsider the application.

Community members gathered at Lions of Judah Christian Center in Trainsong, on Oct. 7, 2024.

Economy & Business

Beyond Toxics challenges a proposed fuel-transfer facility in West Eugene

Nathan Wilk

An energy company wants to transfer fuel from trains to trucks in Eugene’s Trainsong neighborhood. But some community members there are concerned about the risk of an environmental disaster.

The manure pile, as seen from a bird's eye view of the Lakeview Stables property.

Environment

In Lane County, a pile of horse manure draws a lawsuit

Nathan Wilk

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is suing a Eugene-area business over a large pile of horse manure.

Environment

As part of environmental cleanup, trees and brush are being removed from homes near the J.H. Baxter plant

Brian Bull

In the Bethel neighborhood of Eugene, contractors are beginning the first phase of soil removal for homes near the defunct J.H. Baxter plant with high dioxin counts.

Shane Patterson of the Yakama Nation, right, uses a dip net to fish for salmon on the Klickitat River. He said a lot of people rely on fishing for income and to feed their families. “And it just ain’t like it used to be,” he said.

Environment

After report on toxic salmon in Columbia River, Northwest lawmakers call for action

Maya Miller, Tony Schick

Citing a ProPublica and Oregon Public Broadcasting investigation into toxic contamination in salmon, the Oregon senator and others across the Pacific Northwest are calling for policy changes and more funding but are lacking details on next steps.

Lottie Sam, front right, and other women prepare salmon in Toppenish, Wash.,, before a ceremony held by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.

Environment

Unchecked pollution is contaminating the salmon that Pacific Northwest tribes eat

Tony Schick, Maya Miller

Native tribes in the Columbia River Basin face a disproportionate risk of toxic exposure through their most important food. While tribes have pushed the government to pay closer attention to dangerous chemicals and metals in fish, that hasn’t happened. So, we did our own testing. What we found was alarming for tribes.

The downtown office for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Economy & Business

Oregon companies fined for environmental violations

Nathan Wilk

Four Oregon companies were collectively fined over $78,000 for environmental violations.

Environment

Surge Of People Means Possible Surge In Litter, Damage To Parks

Brian Bull

Monday's solar eclipse is drawing crowds to many public areas, including parks. So Lane County officials are asking locals and visitors alike to “pack it…

Environment

Toxic Chemicals In Oregon's Waterways

Rachael McDonald

Oregon's industrial facilities dumped more than 1 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the state's waterways in 2012. In a new report, Environment…

Environment

Study: Georgia Pacific Effluent Off Nye Beach Not Showing Up In Marine Life

For years, residents of Newport have raised concerns about effluent from a Georgia Pacific Mill in Toledo. Since 1957, the company has pumped it’s…

Science & Technology

OSU Develops Wristband That Detects Pollutants

Everyday people are exposed to chemicals and pollutants. Researchers at Oregon State University in Corvallis have developed a silicone wristband that can…

Science & Technology

Oregon State Scientists Discover Fourteen New Pollution Compounds

The South Willamette Valley consistently ranks high nationally for levels of air pollution. According to the American Lung Association, Eugene-Springfield…