Report: Over 1 million pounds of toxic chemicals dumped in Oregon’s waterways

Industrial facilities dumped over 1 million pounds of toxic chemicals into Oregon’s waterways in 2020 according to Wasting Our Waterways, a new report by Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center.

Wasting Our Waterways comes as the Supreme Court is set to consider a case on this week that could dramatically restrict the scope of the Clean Water Act, the bedrock environmental law that turns 50 next month. 

“Oregon’s waterways should be clean – for swimming, fishing, providing drinking water and supporting wildlife,” said Celeste Meiffren-Swango, state director with Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center. “But all too often, polluters use our rivers as open sewers with no repercussions. As the Clean Water Act turns 50, it’s time to stop this toxic dumping.”

To learn more, read the full report here.