We envision a society where everyone has equitable access to healthy food and clean air and water, and underserved communities are included in decision making processes that affect them.
Together, we move beyond the damaging environmental practices of the past and collectively work to support and maintain ecological resilience and balance.
Action Alert: Support Safer Waste Management Practices
In 2023, we collaborated with Senator Deb Patterson to pass SB 488, a crucial law mandating Covanta Marion Waste Incinerators (aka "Covanta") to impose a definite limit on medical waste burned annually. This law acknowledges the environmental and health hazards posed by medical waste incineration, which emits higher levels of dioxin—a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor—and heavy metals.
Since SB 488's enactment, Covanta in Oregon must not exceed burning 18,000 tons of hospital, medical, or infectious waste per calendar year. To implement this limit, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must modify Covanta's air quality pollution permit accordingly.
Take Action - Deadline: May 7th by 5:00 p.m.
DEQ is currently seeking public comments on modifying Covanta's air quality permit to enforce the 18,000-ton limit on medical waste incineration, a pivotal aspect of SB 488. The deadline for written comments is May 7th by 5:00 p.m.
How to Submit Comments:
Mail: Oregon DEQ, Western Region Air Quality Permit Coordinator, 4026 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302
Email: wraqpermits@deq.oregon.gov
Subject: Covanta Marion, Title V Operating Permit Modification No.1
Address your testimony to: Zach Loboy, DEQ Western Region Air Quality Manager
Include: Your name, address, and signature.
Talking Points for Your Testimony:
Your voice matters in shaping safer waste management practices! Take action now to safeguard our environment and public health
Don't miss out on Bee City's spring bee surveys!
SAVE THE DATES!
April 24th, 12pm-2pm: Native Plant Nursery - 538 Day Island Rd, within Alton Baker Park. Parking available near Alton Park Community Garden. (google map)
May 1st, 12pm-2pm: Rasor Park - 785 Stephens Drive, Eugene, OR 97404. Parking available along Stephens Drive. (google map)
May 4th, 12pm-2pm: Golden Gardens - Intersection of Jessen Drive and Golden Garden Street, Eugene, OR 97402. Parking available along Jessen Drive. (google map)
Join us for three afternoons of pollinator observation and advanced identification techniques with expert August Jackson. All ages welcome, no experience needed.
Sponsored by WildCraft Cider Works.
What’s Trash Got To Do With It? Toxics!
A blog by Mason Leavitt, Beyond Toxics GIS and Spatial Data Coordinator
Over the first weekend of March, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, most commonly referred to as PIELC. Every year, lawyers, policy experts, and activists come from all over the United States and the world to exchange views, strategies, and projects regarding some of the most salient environmental issues currently facing society. My objective was to increase visibility around Beyond Toxics’ burgeoning work on the topic of climate and toxic impacts from landfills. | Read more
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