Environment
The continued health of our environment and local communities is a high priority for the Port. We are committed to finding a balance between fostering local opportunities to create and sustain jobs while using sustainable practices that keep our land and water clean and safe.
Oregon has high standards for both employers and residents in preserving the natural resources we’ve all grown accustomed to in Columbia County. Environmental considerations are integrated throughout the Port’s strategic planning and business operating decisions.
Our environmental policy includes:
- Complying fully with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
- Ensuring our customers are in compliance with all environmental regulations and laws as required by leases or permits and encouraging them to take measures beyond the minimum required.
- Working with local representatives to address issues and engage community input as needed for special projects.
- Identifying environmental project opportunities and common goals in collaboration with other local, state, and federal agencies to leverage project resources, as appropriate.
- Working with resource agencies and others to promote healthy watershed and river systems and recreational opportunities.
- Working with regulatory partners to identify appropriate mitigation sites.
Programs and partners:
- State of Oregon: Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
- Oregon Clean Marina
- Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
- Scappoose Bay Watershed Council
- Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
- Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District
Railroad Avenue Cleanup - Former Pope & Talbot Wood Treating Site
The Port is working with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to clean-up approximately 20 acres at Railroad Avenue in the Railroad Corridor due to Pope & Talbot creosote contamination. The site was used for wood treatment from 1912 to 1960. The Port purchased the property in 1963. The remedial investigation at the site is complete and the feasibility study is currently being prepared. For more information, please visit the DEQ's Scappoose Bay Cleanup Work and the DEQ's Environmental Cleanup Site Information database page.
