Waives Wastewater Rules During Wet Winter
Oregon executive order · EO 2025-2
Why it matters
Food processing and farm plants could keep operating instead of shutting down and furloughing workers. Groundwater that some households use for drinking water still has to be protected.
What it does
- Lets the Port of Morrow spread extra wastewater on some farmland during winter
- Applies only to Farm 1 and Farm 3, plus some low-risk fields on Farms 4 and 5
- Allows wastewater use only if storage is full or will be full within seven days
- Requires the Port to notify the state in writing within 24 hours of deciding to spread
- Runs from 8:00 a.m. January 15, 2025, until February 28, 2025, unless ended sooner
Signed
Signed (2025-01-13) by Governor Tina Kotek as Executive Order 2025-2
About this order
Orders temporary relief from some wastewater permit limits for the Port of Morrow and certain farms through February 28, 2025. The Port must notify state environmental regulators within 24 hours before spreading.
State of Emergency Due to Risk of Economic Shutdown in Morrow and Umatilla Counties
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Farm and food processing groups would likely say the order prevents plant shutdowns and layoffs. It also keeps groundwater protections in place for drinking water users.
💬 The case against
Groundwater advocates would likely say the order loosens permit limits during wet weather. They may worry that nearby drinking water wells could be affected.
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Signed by the governor. Details are at the source link.
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