In a renewed call for action, 28 organizations and former environmental officials urge Gov. Tina Kotek to address severe water contamination in eastern Oregon.
Alex Baumhardt reports for Oregon Capital Chronicle.
In short:
- A coalition, including Oregon Rural Action, calls for emergency intervention due to nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin.
- Contaminated water disproportionately affects low-income and Latino communities in Morrow and Umatilla counties.
- The letter criticizes state agencies for slow responses and inadequate water testing and urges stricter regulation and emergency measures.
Key quote:
"The state of Oregon has not responded to this public health crisis with the urgency or seriousness it requires and it is clear that nothing short of direct intervention by either the governor or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be sufficient to protect the residents of the Lower Umatilla Basin from experiencing further harm."
— Letter from Greg Petit and Mitch Wolgamott, former Oregon DEQ senior administrators
Why this matters:
Eastern Oregon has long faced challenges with water quality, but recent reports indicate that the situation has reached a critical point. Contaminants such as nitrates, pesticides, and other pollutants have been detected at levels that exceed safety standards, endangering the health of local communities and wildlife. The presence of these harmful substances in drinking water can lead to severe health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental disorders in children.
