The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is proposing amendments to its administrative rules at OAR 340, Divisions 102 and 105 regarding hazardous waste fees.

Summary:

DEQ is proposing rule amendments for the Environmental Quality Commission’s approval:

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is proposing to align its hazardous waste fees more closely with program needs and the consumer price index. This effort is a multi-phase project to amend current hazardous waste fee funding over several years to secure sufficient funding by 2026.

This proposal will amend fees established in rule to help bridge program funding through 2024. DEQ will have to seek statutory amendment to statutory fees in 2021 or 2023 to fund the program by 2026.

Public Participation:

• DEQ will accept public comments on this proposed rulemaking until 4 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
• DEQ will hold a public hearing on this proposed rulemaking:
  • 6 pm / Thursday, January 17, 2019
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality / 700 NE Multnomah Street, Room 610 / Portland, OR 9723

Additional Information:

• To view copies of the notice documents, learn more about this rulemaking, and how to submit comments, you can view the rulemaking web page: HERE
• If you want to receive future email notices about this rulemaking, you must sign up at: DEQ Govdelivery.
• You can also obtain more information about this rulemaking by contacting:
  • Jeannette Acomb / 503-229-6303 / Acomb.jeannette@deq.state.or.us

Conclusion:

As a state with an authorized hazardous waste program, the Oregon DEQ has the authority to collect fees from those within the regulated community. In this case: hazardous waste generators. It’s important for the state regulatory agencies to hear from those impacted by these fees. I urge you to attend the meeting and/or make a public comment on this rulemaking. And, if you have any questions about the federal and state regulations for the management of waste, please don’t hesitate to contact me.