Tell DEQ: Protect the Columbia, Willamette, and our communities from unsafe fuel storage risks
By Dan Serres, Conservation Director
We know that storing toxic and flammable fuel on unstable soil next to rivers poses a huge risk to clean water, communities, and salmon.
How extreme is the risk? DEQ wrote in June 2023 that a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake could cause a fuel spill that “ranges from about 94.6 million to 193.7 million gallons” and poses “an unimaginable threat to the Willamette and Columbia rivers and to the Pacific Ocean.”
DEQ should hold fossil fuel terminal operators accountable and protect Oregon’s waterways. Through July 12, 2023, DEQ will be accepting public comments regarding draft rules to implement standards for fuel tanks near the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Join us in demanding urgent action to protect our region from a massive fuel spill catastrophe.
Demand strong rules for fuel tanks near the Columbia and Willamette.
In Oregon, most fuel is stored in Portland’s Critical Energy Infrastructure hub (CEI Hub). Additional fuel tanks are located at Port Westward in Columbia County and in Lane County. All of these facilities are vulnerable to ground shaking and secondary effects caused by a powerful earthquake. DEQ’s draft rule aims to reduce the risk of damage to employees, communities surrounding the fuel facilities, and the ecosystems of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. The rule is intended to prevent spills by removing old tanks, seismic retrofits, tank replacements, relocation of tanks and other safety upgrades, and maintenance improvements requirements at the largest bulk fuel terminals in Oregon.
Click here to read more information from DEQ.
Are DEQ’s proposed rules up to the task of protecting our rivers? Not yet. Although the draft rules reflect progress, DEQ gives terminal operators ten years to implement risk reduction measures. More troubling, the rule is vague about which communities will be included in risk evaluation and mitigation plans.
In written or oral comments, we encourage you to call on DEQ to draft rules that will make rapid progress in protecting the Columbia River communities, including Tribal Nations.
Here are ways to make your voice heard:
The issue impacts both sides of the Columbia River, so comments from Washington residents are welcome!
Click here for potential talking points to raise in your verbal or written comments.
1. Sign our petition below!
2. Email: Send more extensive written comments by email to SeismicStability.2023@DEQ.oregon.gov
3. Postal mail: DEQ will accept comments by email or postal mail until July 12 at 4 p.m. PT.
- Oregon DEQ
Attn: Fuel Tank Seismic Stability Team
700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600 Portland, OR 97232-4100
4. Attend a public hearing. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- Hearing 2
June 17, 2023, 2 p.m. PT
Register via Zoom - Hearing 3
June 20, 2023, 12 p.m. PT
Register via Zoom
More information on this rulemaking, including the draft rules, can be found on DEQ’s Fuel Tank Seismic Stability webpage.
Sign our petition now
We are here to support you making a difference! Here are potential talking points for written and verbal comments.
