Time is running out for SB 737 to receive a hearing in Ways and Means and we need to keep the pressure up.  Please take a minute to send a letter to your Senator and Representative, urging them to support SB 737. You can do this using OCN’s alert system or by visiting http://ocn.e-actionmax.com/showalert.asp?aaid=2612.

Initially sponsored by Senators Vicki Walker (D-Eugene) and Gary George (R-McMinnville), this bill is the result of compromise between conservation groups, tribes, municipalities, the DEQ and industry as a way to move Oregon forward on identifying the most dangerous persistent bioaccumulative toxics (PBT's) that are entering Oregon's waterways from discharge pipes and other sources.

SB 737 would require DEQ to prepare a priority list of the most dangerous toxics that are accumulating in sediment, fish and human tissue, and, using current water quality monitoring data, produce a report for the legislature identifying the sources of this pollution, the levels entering the environment, and steps that can be taken to prevent, reduce or eliminate these toxics.

Based on this information, municipal sewage plants that discharge more than a million gallons into an Oregon river per day will be required to develop and implement pollution reduction plans for the priority PBT's identified by DEQ. These plans will identify ways that PBT's will be reduced and goals for achieving PBT reductions.

SB 737 essentially provides Oregon with a first ever 'roadmap' for reducing and eliminating sources of toxic pollution in our rivers, streams and the Pacific Ocean.

There is no opposition to SB 737, but time is running out this session. Legislators need to hear that this is a priority of Oregon's conservation community.

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