DEQ, E.P.A. Collect Hazardous Flood Debris from Nehalem River near Vernonia and Mist

Category: Emergency Response
Type: News
Source: EPA
Date: Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008

Household hazardous waste collection April five through April seven in Vernonia

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the E.P.A. (EPA) are working under a Unified Command to characterize, safely remove and dispose of oil and other orphaned hazardous materials and containers that were left in place following the December flood in the Nehalem River Valley in the vicinity of Vernonia and Mist Oregon.

Monday, DEQ and E.P.A. staff identified approximately 40 containers that need removal. Collection of this waste and any additional hazardous materials will start today in and along approximately 30 miles of the Nehalem River.

Local residents can call the Vernonia Public Works Department at 503-429-5291, extension 105, with information about any hazardous materials along the river that need to be removed or hazardous items that have floated into neighborhoods. This effort is being conducted free of charge to protect the health of residents, clean-up crews and the environment.

Hazardous waste collection contractors will also gain flood related household hazardous waste. Local residents can bring household hazardous waste to the Volunteer Center located at 998 Bridge Street across from Vernonia City Hall.

The household hazardous waste collection event will be held ten a.m. until two p.m. on Saturday, April 5; Sunday, April 6; and Monday, April 7.

Household hazardous waste includes unused or leftover portions of products used in the home that contain toxic chemicals. Products labeled Caution, Warning, Danger, Poison, Toxic, Flammable or Corrosive are considered hazardous.

Some examples of household hazardous wastes that will be collected include:

Aerosols
Antifreeze
Auto Batteries
Auto Fluids
Disinfectants
Fertilizer · Latex / Oil-Based Paint
Pesticides
Pool Chemicals
Propane Tanks - less than 30 gallons
Solvents
Used Oil and Oil Filters

Report other potentially hazardous flood related materials such as drums, tanks or items needing special care to E.P.A. at 503-429-5291, extension 105 and contractors will come and collect those items.

DEQ and E.P.A. greatly appreciate the assistance of many local agencies including the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council, City of Vernonia Public Works, Columbia Co. Road Department and Jim Presley and Dick Titus who are donating the collection location.

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