Posted on Apr 21, 2023
Oregonians with polluted wells demand state of emergency
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Residents affected by the ongoing groundwater contamination in Eastern Oregon traveled to Salem on Monday, demanding the governor declare a public health emergency in the region.
Six residents from Morrow and Umatilla counties along with members from local organization Oregon Rural Action gathered at the state Capitol to ask Gov. Tina Kotek for a specific plan to stop nitrate contamination. The area has been burdened with nitrate pollution for more than 30 years and groundwater is the main source of drinking water in the region.
Six residents from Morrow and Umatilla counties along with members from local organization Oregon Rural Action gathered at the state Capitol to ask Gov. Tina Kotek for a specific plan to stop nitrate contamination. The area has been burdened with nitrate pollution for more than 30 years and groundwater is the main source of drinking water in the region.
Oregonians with polluted wells demand state of emergency
Posted from opb.orgPosted in these groups: State of Oregon
Water
Water
Posted 1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."ORA’s executive director Kristin Anderson Ostrom said the group will continue to ask for a public health emergency because it would bring additional resources. Anderson Ostrom estimates the governor should budget at least $10 million for continued free water testing, free water delivery and more filters every two years.
“The governor’s office now has the opportunity to take the lead in working with the community to address the emergency that this is,” she said.
On Friday, the Oregon Health Authority removed a deadline it has set for a free voucher well testing program in the area.
So far, the agency has distributed 87 vouchers, 55 in Morrow County and 32 in Umatilla County. Of the 33 vouchers that have been used for testing, 24 households tested above the federal limit. As of Friday, 179 well users in Morrow County are receiving water deliveries. There is no data on water deliveries for Umatilla County."
..."ORA’s executive director Kristin Anderson Ostrom said the group will continue to ask for a public health emergency because it would bring additional resources. Anderson Ostrom estimates the governor should budget at least $10 million for continued free water testing, free water delivery and more filters every two years.
“The governor’s office now has the opportunity to take the lead in working with the community to address the emergency that this is,” she said.
On Friday, the Oregon Health Authority removed a deadline it has set for a free voucher well testing program in the area.
So far, the agency has distributed 87 vouchers, 55 in Morrow County and 32 in Umatilla County. Of the 33 vouchers that have been used for testing, 24 households tested above the federal limit. As of Friday, 179 well users in Morrow County are receiving water deliveries. There is no data on water deliveries for Umatilla County."
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