DEQ's mission is to be a leader in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land and water. Note: A follow is not an endorsement
Update on
@OregonDEQ
's X Posting Policy:
As of June 1, 2024, Oregon DEQ’s X account will limit posting.
For information about grants, meetings, permits, rulemakings, etc., please sign up for the topics you care about at . 1/3
DEQ is continuing to receive complaints about the use of tear gas during the protests in downtown Portland and the possible impact on air quality, and water quality when residue is washed into storm drains.
A Snapshot in Time
Below is an image of
#airquality
frm frm this morning. OR’s AQ sits entirely in the unhealthy-hazardous range.
Pls continue to monitor air in yr region & take precautions. Find resources for doing so in our pinned tweet.
#StaySafe
How to safely dispose of ash and debris from
#KmartFire
1. Wear disposable gloves
2. Wear the best face mask you have – N95 is preferred.
3. Gently wet the debris.
4. Pick up debris with gloves and a damp paper towel and place in a plastic garbage bag.
5-6. Continued below...
Our regulatory connection is through the City of Portland’s stormwater permit. We have sent a letter to the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services requesting a plan for sampling and ongoing monitoring for specific contaminants after the next rain event, which is necessary
Kmart Fire NE Portland Asbestos Response:
TMRW: Sun., 7/23, at 2 pm.
Parkrose School District
10636 NE Prescott St.. Portland.
Discussion includes:
Status of the response
Public health advice
How to safely cleanup own property
*Supplies (masks, gloves, bags) available, if needed.
DEQ's
#AirQuality
Index is experiencing several issues, frm being overwhelmed w/ users. We are offer the following suggestions:
-Visit the
@ORSmokeInfo
Blog (). It contains an interactive graphic w/ data frm our
#AQI
& other info.
(Cont.)
📢The EQC approved 2 new rules that will reduce
#pollution
on the state’s roadways & protect our most vulnerable communities. The
#CleanTrucks
Rule requires truck manufactures to move toward zero emissions
#ElectricVehicles
starting w/ the 2025 model year.
Thank you to
@TravelOregon
for compiling an excellent guide to how you can help support the people of Oregon, as well as firefighters and first responders during these unprecedented times.
#oregonwildfires
As
#OregonFires
sweep through over 1 million acres of land, many people want to help first responders 👩🚒👨🚒 and the thousands of residents forced to evacuate due to this “once-in-a-generation event."
@TravelOregon
shares how you can help:
#CashIsBest
for proper sampling. If elevated contaminants are found, the city is responsible for mitigation.
DEQ has no regulatory authority over the use of tear gas by law enforcement.
Today, we celebrate the United States' 33rd state.
#HappyBirthdayOregon
!
We are
#grateful
for your beauty, as well as your many and varied natural resources.
Release the kraken! 🐙
A giant Pacific octopus is making its way through the Yaquina Head tidepools in Oregon. This incredible creature is a master of disguise and can adapt to its environment by changing its skin color and texture, as seen near this video's end.
Eng: Today DEQ,
@LaneRegionalAir
& SW
#CleanAir
Agcy extended an
#AQ
advisory for OR Coast, Willamette Valley, SW Wash. & S. OR due to smoke frm OR & Wash. fires. Expect advisory to last until at least Thurs afternoon.
Trip Check:
Looking for a last-minute
#holiday
gift idea? Give the gift of
#cleanair
.
@OHAOregon
has details on how to build you own air filter. It's easy to make, just takes a few items and your loved ones will love it!
Find the instructions at .
#DIY
#AirQuality
OR DEQ has issued an
#airquality
advisory for the Portland metro & Salem areas due to elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog. Air quality levels could be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
We expect the advisory to last until Monday night.
More info:
Tuesday Recycling Tip! Frozen food boxes are not recyclable. They look like a cereal or cracker box (which are recyclable!) but frozen food boxes have a plastic coating, which means the paper recyclers cannot accept them for recycling. Please dispose of them in the garbage.
Big changes in 2022!
The OR Clean Vehicle Rebate Program now provides more money back for low- to moderate-income households when purchasing or leasing a new or used battery electric or plug-in hybrid
#electricvehicle
w/ the Charge Ahead Rebate.
Details:
EQC adopts new 2021 rules for DEQ’s
#ClimateProtectionProgram
!
“… a critical step forward to achieve deep, long-term reductions in
#Oregon
#GHG
emissions, and to help strengthen climate resilience across the state.”
-EQC Chair Kathleen George.
More:
Boardman, OR's coal-fired plant has closed.
“DEQ acknowledges & appreciates the leadership of PGE & state officials, past & present, to achieve this environmental success,”
@OregonDEQ
's Dir. Richard Whitman said. “The closure of the Boardman ... "
More: .
Agencies are investigating the spread of debris and ash in NE Portland as a result of the July 19 fire at the former Kmart. Find the latest updates about the cleanup and response:
@EPAnorthwest
@PortlandBEM
Extreme weather conditions mean backyard/outdoor burn bans are in effect across OR.
Unsure about burning (or what type) in yr area? Contact yr local fire dept.
@ORDeptForestry
info: .
General info on backyard/outdoor burning:
Air quality has reached unhealthy levels in many parts of the state. Bookmark or download our app (just search for OregonAir) to stay up-to-date on the conditions in your area.
Health tips can be found here:
@OHAOregon
Although summer is coming to a close, harmful
#algae
bloom is still in season. DEQ has been busy collecting & analyzing samples around the state, and
@OHAOregon
posts all health advisories at .
A good reminder when on the water: When in Doubt, Stay Out!
Not sure what precautions you should take to protect your health during wildfire smoke events?
@OHAOregon
has you covered. Check out their guidance on staying safe in the smoke at
An exciting announcement coming out of the
@uoregon
! They will "create an institute focusing on environmental and racial justice after receiving a grant of more than $4.5 million" from The
@MellonFdn
.
#environmentaljustice
Huge news: UO is going to lead the country in training the next generation of environmental justice advocates. As we combat climate chaos, these activists will help ensure frontline communities are prioritized & that no one is left behind. Congrats, Ducks!
Today, we released our Wildfire Smoke Trends Report. It tracks wildfire-related
#airquality
trends in 24 OR communities, using data from our AQI.
Trends indicate the # of unhealthy AQ days caused by wildfire smoke are increasing across the state.
More: .
Are you familiar with the evacuation levels?
🟢 Level 1 - Be Ready. Prepare to leave.
🟡 Level 2 - Be Set to leave at a moment's notice.
🔴 Level 3 - Go. Leave now!
Make the best decision for your safety. If you feel unsafe, don't wait to evacuate.
Opp for low-cost
#broadband
!
Applications to open 5/12 for federal
#COVID19
-relief for discount broadband access - $50/mo ($75/mo on tribal lands) for qualifying households.
Includes limited opps for subsidized purchase of computers & tablets.
More:
Broadband is a necessity, not a luxury. The internet is the platform on which the world works, and broadband is the universal common denominator. People in qualifying households—including OHP & SNAP beneficiaries—can sign up for a monthly $50
@FCC
benefit:
EPA validates early asbestos testing indicating low risk from fire debris and air!
@EPAnorthwest
sampling of fire debris & air in the Parkrose neighborhood indicates no confirmed detections of asbestos in 16 air samples and 11 debris samples.
More at .
It's Air Quality Awareness Week!
Wildfire smoke affects everyone, but especially children, the elderly, pregnant women & those with heart or lung issues.
Take action to protect yourself & others this wildfire season.
@ORSmokeInfo
#aqaw2023
#SmokeReady
#WildfireAwarenessMonth
This month, we'll mark Earth Day events around our beautiful state and share information you can use to make every day Earth Day. Look for our posts under
#EarthDayEveryDay
#EarthDay2018
@NWSPortland
expects stagnant air in much of Oregon starting Sunday. Track your
#AirQuality
on the OregonAir app or at .
Some local jurisdictions may have wood burning restrictions. Check with your county or local air agency for details.
@LaneRegionalAir
Eng: Protect yourself from
#wildfire
smoke!
As
#wildfire
smoke continues to impact many Oregonians, it’s important to stay indoors & keep the indoor
#airquality
as clean as possible.
How to keep your indoor air clean: (Cont.)
BIG NEWS!
After multiple joint requests from DEQ,
@EcologyWA
and the Yakama Nation, Bradford Island will get the prioritization and funding it deserves under EPA’s Superfund program.
Find more information at .
Today
@EPAMichaelRegan
joined
@SenJeffMerkley
,
@OregonGovBrown
&
@GovInslee
at a news conference to announce EPA’s decision to add the Bradford Island Site in the Columbia River to its Superfund list of the country’s highest priority contaminated sites requiring cleanup.
New legislation in Oregon will also make producers responsible for what happens to their packaging and protect local ratepayers from higher recycling costs. Learn more at
#recycling
#plastics
#Oregon
@nytimes
A new law in Maine aims to take the cost burden of recycling away from taxpayers to manufacturers. One environmental advocate said the change could be “transformative.” Many nations with similar laws have seen their recycling rates soar.
Big News!
Oregon DEQ was awarded nearly $500K in grant funding from
@EPA
to design equitable & sustainable community air monitoring frameworks for underserved, disadvantaged & overburdened communities.
More information at .
#AirQuality
#grants
@EPAnorthwest
Eng:
#Wildfire
has brought smoky skies to parts of OR, & state officials are keeping a close watch on
#airquality
conditions.
The S-503 Fire on the Warm Springs Reservation has worsened air there & in Madras, & spread as far away as the Willamette Valley & SE OR. 1/4
DEQ and
@LaneRegionalAir
issued an
#airquality
advisory Tuesday for Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake and Malheur Counties, plus Eastern portions of Douglas, Lane, Linn & Marion Counties. Full advisory @
TODAY: DEQ & SW Clean Air Agency issued an
#airquality
advisory for Portland-Vancouver metro area due to elevated levels of
#ozone
, or
#smog
. This afternoon, pollution expected at levels possibly unhealthy for sensitive groups. Limit outdoor activity.
🚨 We have a
#LightsOutAlert
for tonight through Thursday! About 4.1 million - 5.6 million birds will migrate through Oregon's night skies during this time period.
Please keep birds safe as they migrate by turning off any unnecessary outdoor lighting and drawing your blinds.
As we head into the weekend, here are some great resources check
#airquality
&
#StaySafe
:
-Oregon Smoke Info Blog:
-OregonAIR app: Download for free to yr smartphone frm Apple or Google Play stores (Cont.)
RE: DEQ VEHICLE INSPECTION STATIONS
Out of an abundance of caution, DEQ is closing its vehicle inspect. stations frm Tues., 3/17 - Tues., 4/14. We are doing this to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19 among staff & customers. Details:
#FlattenTheCurve
Need an easier NY’s resolution than running a marathon?
How about committing to becoming a better recycler? It just takes minutes, is free & easy & doesn’t require a gym membership. More: .
#ReduceReuseRecycle
#KnowYourNos
#RecycleRight
As the climate warms, our planet is prone to more unpredictable and out of control wildfires. We are so grateful for the wildland firefighters who help save lives and battle these dangerous blazes. Take some time today, to thank these heroes.
#InternationalFirefightersDay
Operations to raise Tug Nova from the Columbia River have begun. Here they're lifting out the pilot house (top of the tug), it was damaged and had to be removed separately
@EPAnorthwest
@EcologyWA
The advantages to zero-emission and low-emission buses? They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff and the communities they drive through every day.
Details at .
#airquality
#cleanair
Today we are launching EPA’s Clean School Bus Program with $500 million to replace our nation’s school buses with low and zero-emission models. ⚡️🚍
Learn more and apply at
A big THANK YOU to
@portlandgeneral
&
@PacifiCorp
! They plan to spend $8M on transport. electrification progs in 2021.
Both utilities raise funds thru the sale of OR Clean Fuels Program credits, which they aggregate on behalf of customers. More on CFP:
AQ monitors in Portland are currently showing unhealthy for sensitive groups and much of the metro area has moderate readings. Remember to check current conditions at or download the OregonAir app on your smart phone. 1/3
Smoke will be on the increase again over the next couple days as flow aloft turns more north-northeasterly, carrying wildfire
#smoke
from British Columbia and Washington into our area.
#AirQuality
is likely to deteriorate.
#pdxtst
#orwx
#wawx
It’s officially snowy plover nesting season on the Oregon Coast! 🐦🌊🤍
That means seasonal restrictions on specifically designated beaches where these tiny, threatened shorebirds are known to nest.
Learn more:
📸: Kathleen Castelein & David Lauten
Oregon joins 14 other states & DC in a commitment that all new medium- & heavy-duty vehicles sold be
#zeroemission
by 2050. More: .
Read Memorandum of Understanding recently signed by
@OregonGovBrown
on
@NESCAUM
's site: .
#AirQuality
ENGLISH: Today, DEQ & its partners called an
#airquality
advisory for S. Oregon, Eastern Lane & Linn Counties thru Fri. due to
#wildfire
smoke.
Photo: Rough Patch Complex Fire 1/4
As the weekend begins, firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the state.
Firefighters: DEQ wants you to know we truly appreciate the hard work and sacrifices you make to protect Oregon. Stay safe and THANK YOU!💚
#firefighters
#gratitude
MYTH: Lightning is the main cause of
#wildfires
across OR.
FACT: Lightning is one source, but leading causes are human-made: debris burning, power equipment & escaped campfires.
Tips & prevention:
#OnlyYou
can prevent wildfires.
@ORDeptForestry
#WAM2020
Eng: We have extended an
#airquality
advisory for parts of S. & Cent. OR due to smoke frm
#wildfires
. Advisory likely to last until Sat. a.m., w/ conditions generally improving each day. Advisory for Baker & Jackson Counties has been lifted.
Details:
.
@OregonDEQ
has issued the below statement as it relates to California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Rule adoption today.
For more information on Oregon’s proposed Advanced Clean Cars II Rule, visit .
@AirResources
#AirQuality
#zeroemissions
Lots of helpful resources listed below.
Also, Oregon DEQ provides details on wildfire smoke &
#AirQuality
on the Oregon Smoke Info Blog (). You can also check the AQ Index () or download the free OregonAIR app to your smartphone.
Esp: El Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Oregón (DEQ),
@LaneRegionalAir
y la Agencia de Aire Limpio del suroeste de Washington extendió un aviso de calidad del aire el jueves para todas las regiones de OR y el suroeste de WA debido a los
#incendios
en OR, WA y CA.
(Seguir)
There is no better time to witness
@CraterLakeNPS
’ wild beauty than in the winter. With an average of more than 500 inches of snow a year, Crater Lake offers wonderful opportunities for winter recreation.
Photo by Vince Warrens
Fixing or replacing failing
#septic
systems benefits all Oregonians by protecting public health & addressing threats to
#waterquality
. Thanks for the Oregon Legislature, $2 million in funding is now available for Clean Water Loans. More @ .
Save energy, improve your air quality, and stop wildfire smoke from entering your home.
✅Replace your air filter frequently
✅Switch to ‘fan only’ mode temporarily
✅Tighten seals around windows, doors
✅Don’t create smoke
✅Use a portable air cleaner
IMPORTANT: Kmart Fire NE Portland Asbestos Response
For today’s community mtg, there will be limited physical space that we would like to save for people without internet access, computers, etc. Pls consider joining the mtg through Zoom, if you can. 1/3
As you prepare for Wildfire Season, have you thought of creating a clean air room where you & your family can safely shelter in place (Just in case)?
Info on clean air rooms, indoor filters & even DIY filters at .
#smokereadyweek
#smokereadynw
Be
#smokeready
. Wildfire smoke is inevitable in the Pacific Northwest. Prepare by planning early, knowing your risk, creating a clean air room, and knowing where to find air quality information. Learn more at
Due to the poor
#AirQuality
in Portland and Medford areas, please expect longer wait times at the vehicle inspection stations. Some lanes may be closed due to rotating people indoors to protect their health.
#emissions
#DEQ
Even mild
#wildfire
smoke causes problems for sensitive groups, like children, the elderly, pregnant women & those w respiratory conditions. Download the free OregonAIR app frm iTunes or Google Play stores to check
#airquality
in yr area.
#WildfireAwarenessMonth
#WAM2019
#AQI
AIR ADVISORY for
#smog
now thru Saturday down to Eugene/Springfield. W/
@LaneRegionalAir
and SW Clean Air Agency.
High temps + low wind also impact
#AirQuality
and create smog. Get the OregonAir app to check your air quality.
Full advisory:
We want you to enjoy the outdoors, but some days … it’s just best to stay inside.
An
#airquality
advisory for
#ozone
is in effect for the
#Portland
&
#Vancouver
metro areas thru end of today. Full advisory & recos as to how to protect your health: .
#smog
DEQ issued an
#AirQuality
advisory Wednesday for Curry, Deschutes, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath & Lake Counties due to smoke in the Ore. Cascades & Northern California. Smoke will likely be intermittent in Curry County & southern Deschutes County. Info:
*SMOKE UPDATE*
South, Central OR and Cascade Range up to Mt. Hood may have degrading
#airquality
today and tmrw due to smoke from new
#wildfires
in the
#Cascades
. Track conditions and stay safe:
Congratulations to DEQ’s Sanne Stienstra, who has been named one of
@Waste360
's "2022 40 Under 40!" The award honors the next generation of leaders in
#waste
,
#recycling
and
#organics
.
Learn more about Sanne’s valuable work at .
The
#airquality
advisory has been extended for eastern Klamath County and central Lake County until Monday, July 26.
Find more information in the below thread.
#BootlegFire
Today, DEQ extended the
#airquality
advisory for eastern Klamath County & central Lake County through Monday, July 26, due to smoke from the
#BootlegFire
. More details on our
#blog
: . (1/2)