By Scott Learn, The Oregonian
November 30, 2009, 10:45AM
A proposed new wastewater permit for Evraz Oregon Steel includes new requirements for monitoring toxic pollution from the Portland Harbor manufacturer but does not require more wastewater cleanup.
Oregon Steel, at 14400 N. Rivergate Boulevard, makes carbon steel slabs, coils and plates from recycled scrap metal, raw metals and additives. It also manufacturers and coats steel pipe.
The draft permit, issued by Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality, would require the company to monitor wastewater released to the Willamette River for priority metals, cyanide and phenols at least twice per year.
The toxic pollutants of concern at the company's outfall are chlorine, antimony, arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel and zinc. But a DEQ analysis concluded that the wastewater does not have "a reasonable potential" to exceed water quality standards at current levels.
Written public comments on the permit are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 4. DEQ will also hold a public hearing if one is requested by 10 or more people or by an authorized representative of an organization of at least 10 people.
--Scott Learn