Call to action, protect our waters

The mighty Columbia River and its estuary are at risk of destruction for generations to come.

A major water permit stands in the way of NEXT Renewable’s approval to construct one of the world’s largest non-conventional diesel refineries at Port Westward, a swift and dangerous dock that recently dodged a massive spill from a tugboat collision.

Many flaws in the proposal remain ignored by state permitting agencies. Community and expert concerns are routinely silenced. On more levels than can be discussed here, this project is greenwashing, misleading, and dangerous.

The levee structure protecting the site from the Columbia is uncertified by FEMA, far below the 100 year flood line, and compromised with the presence of boil points according to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Technically, because of the failing levee, lands behind the structure must be considered a floodway, rendering NEXT’s current permits invalid.

NEXT’s proposed refinery is sited on liquefiable soils in a geohazard zone (earthquakes) considered “violent,” the highest classification, not only putting the failing levee structure at risk from a complete failure and breach, but also risking liquefaction of the refinery’s foundation.

NEXT has no contingency plan for a spill, and Port Westward lacks the appropriate emergency resources to respond to a major spill. Given its remote location, access from supporting response teams would be challenging.

DEQ wants to make a permit decision without regarding the forthcoming USACE Environmental Impact Statement, which would likely affirm these risks and the project’s impermissible nature.

NEXT’s own analysis states its effluent will significantly degrade water, including killing fish, harming sensitive habitat, and contaminating tidal waters used for irrigation, fishing, and recreation. The DEQ is responsible for upholding the Clean Water Act which has a firm antidegradation policy.

Governor Kotek and DEQ have authority to stop this project by denying NEXT’s water quality permit. Call and write now to remind them we ALL depend on the health of our river and its tidal tributaries.

Governor Kotek: 503-378-4582

DEQ Director Leah Feldon:

email: leah.feldon@deq.oregon.gov

mail: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

700 NE Multnomah St #600

Portland, OR 97232