Port of Portland Tenant Settles in Ocean Dumping Case
After five years of struggle to get justice on the waterfront, the federal government has finally issued a fine to Port tenant, Kinder Morgan, for dumping tens of tons of contaminated soda ash at sea. The crime, reported and bird-dogged all these years by longshoreman, Jerry Cressa, was finally adjudicated and the company with a long history of environmental misdeeds throughout its operations held accountable.
The Center sued the company several years ago to force them to control potash emissions during their ship loading operations. The chemical, which is mined in Montana and used in manufacturing processes for soap and other products, is toxic to fish.
Click here to read the Oregonian's article on the case.
The Oregon Center for Environmental Health recognizes that you want products for your home, child, and yourself that have been carefully assessed for their non-toxic and environmentally-friendly qualities. But how do you find those products when most consumer products have no required health and safety testing, are not monitored for long-term health effects, and have inadequate labeling requirements when it comes to toxicity. We are opening the EcoSafe Home Store to serve people who want to consider the health and environmental effects of the products they buy but, lack the time to research high-quality non-toxic options. Products will soon be available for purchase at our website and are also available in our new office/storefront at 4819 NE Fremont, Portland. Visit our booth at the Better Living Show on March 28-30th for a preview of the products we will be offering!
Legislative Update - March 2008
Two bills of interest for toxics reduction passed in the February 2008 session. HB 3611 made some technical changes to the 2007 bill that required dentists to install dental amalgam separators and also moved up the deadline to January 1, 2010 (instead of waiting another year until January 1, 2011). HB 3631 concerning recalled products passed as well. This bill helps ensure that retailers of children’s toys keep up with recall notices issues by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, and gives the Oregon Attorney General more enforcement authority. In addition, the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources sponsored the Workgroup on Pesticide Use In and Around Schools and requested that the working group propose measures to help protect school children from pesticides for consideration in the 2009 legislative session .
A Store Created for You
Two bills of interest for toxics reduction passed in the February 2008 session. HB 3611 made some technical changes to the 2007 bill that required dentists to install dental amalgam separators and also moved up the deadline to January 1, 2010 (instead of waiting another year until January 1, 2011). HB 3631 concerning recalled products passed as well. This bill helps ensure that retailers of children’s toys keep up with recall notices issues by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, and gives the Oregon Attorney General more enforcement authority. In addition, the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources sponsored the Workgroup on Pesticide Use In and Around Schools and requested that the working group propose measures to help protect school children from pesticides for consideration in the 2009 legislative session .
