Action Alert! Tell DEQ to Deny NW Metals' Air Permit
NW Metals, an auto scrapyard with a history of violating environmental regulations and endangering neighbors, has recently applied for a DEQ air quality permit to operate in a new location at 9537 N Columbia Boulevard.
Take action on this important environmental justice issue in our watershed!
1) Sign the petition! http://bit.ly/StopNWMetals
2) Submit comments to DEQ by 5pm on Feb 8th, 2021! Email: NWRAQPermits@deq.state.or.us
Background:
*In March 2018, a fire at NW Metals' former location in the Cully neighborhood destroyed several homes and forced over a hundred residents to evacuate. The fire was exacerbated in part by NW Metals’ stacks of derelict vehicles and improper storage of tires at the facility. (Read Willamette Week’s article on the 2018 fire here.)
*NW Metals has a history of violating environmental regulations, and was cited for 9 violations following the 2018 fire, including operating a metal shredder without notifying DEQ and improper hazardous waste management. (See a timeline from DEQ here under Updates.)
*In 2015, the operator of NW Metals closed down another Portland auto scrapyard, Parkrose Auto Recycling, after failing to pay $32,700 in fines resulting from violations of water quality regulations.
*Today, NW Metals still has over $50,000 in unpaid fines as a result of violations of environmental regulations.
*In November 2019, DEQ was forced to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order to compel NW Metals to comply with DEQ's order and apply for the required air quality permit. However, NW Metals continued to operate its metal shredder illegally until March 4, 2020, when operations ceased in response to a Preliminary Injunction filed in February 2020. If the operator failed to comply, it could have resulted in jail time.
*NW Metals' new location is within the St. Johns neighborhood, which is over 30% BIPOC. The new facility is adjacent to George Middle School, Sitton Elementary, a Title I school, and Chimney Park, a popular public park.
*A 2014 study by the Multnomah County Health Department stated that communities of color face 2-3 times higher median levels of diesel pollution than predominantly white neighborhoods. NW Metals’ vehicle shredder is powered by a diesel engine. (Read the study here.)
*Long-term exposure to diesel emissions can lead to early death caused by heart disease, lung disease, and a variety of cancers. (World Health Organization, 2012, cited in 2014 study linked above).
Take action on this environmental justice issue!
Step 1: Sign the petition from Neighbors for Clean Air here! http://bit.ly/StopNWMetals
Step 2: Submit comments to DEQ by 5pm on Feb 8th via email: NWRAQPermits@deq.state.or.us