Dallas, OR (8/1/2018) — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Meadows Investment LLC $23,030 for polluting waters of the state by failing to implement erosion and sediment controls at a residential construction site near Dallas.

The company failed to implement its Erosion and Sediment Control Plan while grading the land and clearing vegetation along an unnamed stream that runs through the southern portion of the Barberry Node residential development west of SE Fir Villa Road. The plan is required for the construction site under the company’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit.

On Jan. 24, 2018, the company discharged sediment-laden water from the construction site into the unnamed stream. The stream flows into Rickreall Creek about 500 feet east of the site.

When it reaches waterways sediment can block light from submerged vegetation. This can kill plants and lower oxygen in waterways, harming fish and other aquatic life.

The Notice issued to Meadows Investment includes an order to update the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and a timeline for the multi-phase development and to restore the riparian vegetation bordering the unnamed stream.

The company has until Aug. 13 to appeal the fine.

View the enforcement letter: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/080118meadows.pdf

Contact:
Katherine Benenati, Public Affairs Specialist, Eugene, 541-686-7997, benenati.katherine@deq.state.or.us