May 26, 2004
Much of the southern Willamette
Valley has been declared a "groundwater management area" by the Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality, setting in motion a process for enlisting
public help to deal with extensive nitrate contamination.
The declaration signed earlier this month by DEQ Director Stephanie Hallock
created the Southern Willamette Valley Groundwater Management Area.
Creation of the management area requires the DEQ and other state agencies to
work together to develop a plan for addressing the nitrate problem.
The high nitrate levels are believed to be the result of dense groupings of
septic tanks, plus use of lawn and crop fertilizers and depositing of animal
waste.
Nitrate contamination of water sources is believed to be a contributing
factor in blue baby syndrome, a condition in which nitrates interfere with the
oxygen-carrying capacity of infants' blood.
After a 60-day period for public consideration, the first step in the state's
action plan for addressing the nitrate problem is expected to be the creation of
a citizens' committee to work with state agencies to develop a strategy, and to
review and comment on all options.
Those interested in participating on that committee or on any of the
technical subcommittees that are expected to be formed can contact Audrey
Eldridge (eldridge.audrey@ deq.state.or.us; 541-776-6010, Ext. 223), Gail Glick
Andrews (gail.glick.andrews@orst.edu; 541-737-6294) or Denise Kalakay (dkalakay@Lane.COG.OR.US;
682-7415).
Copyright 2004 The Register-Guard