Oregon DEQ History Timeline

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009 in collaboration with the state of Oregon's 150th anniversary. This timeline highlights key environmental milestones for Oregon beginning in 1889, and chronicles DEQ's history of environmental challenges and successes since its formation in 1969.  

Timeline index by decade:

	1889-1969 1970-79 1980-89 1990-99 2000-present
1889		Oregon Institutes First Environmental Law Oregon enacts a state law prohibiting pollution of waters used for domestic or livestock purposes.
1926 -1936		Water Pollution Degrades the Environment First studies completed on water pollution in the Willamette River. Pollution was so bad in the Willamette that workers would not work on riverside construction projects and fish could not survive. Cities and industries were discharging untreated sewage. (Learn about DEQ's Water Quality programs).
1938		Oregon State Sanitary Authority Established Oregon’s first agency focusing on the environment is established: the Oregon State Sanitary Authority. Later, it is charged with cleaning up pollution in the Willamette River, with a focus  on discharges from industrial and municipal facilities (called “point sources”). Link to "Pioneering Water Pollution Control in Oregon" by Glen D. Carter, Oregon Historical Quarterly
1944		Wastewater Treatment Begins The state begins research and treatment of polluted wastewater, especially in the Willamette River. Construction begins on sewage treatment plants like the one pictured here in Milwaukie.
1951		First Statewide Air Pollution Laws Created The days of “wigwam” burning are numbered as the State Air Pollution Authority is created, establishing the first statewide air pollution control laws. Eight years later the State Air Pollution Authority merges with the Sanitary Authority. (Learn more about DEQ's Air Quality programs).
1963		Air Quality Monitoring Starts with Clean Air Act The federal Clean Air Act is passed by Congress, establishing funding for the study and cleanup of air pollution and allowing states like Oregon to purchase and operate air quality monitoring equipment. (Find out more about DEQ's Air Quality Monitoring).
1964-1969		Waste Management Needs Grow There is no simple remedy as various “dumps” in Central Oregon are investigated and found to be causing air and water quality pollution. Problems point to the need for more resources to manage Oregon’s waste. (Learn more about DEQ's Land Quality programs).
1969		Oregon DEQ Formed The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is established, replacing the Sanitary Authority under the Board of Health. Oregon DEQ is charged with cleaning up and protecting the state’s water, land and air. (Learn more about Oregon DEQ.)
1969		Field Burning Pollution Results in ‘Black Tuesday’ Tragedy strikes in August when smoke from field burning shrouds Eugene, resulting in a pedestrian killed by a driver who couldn’t see him crossing the street and a 12-car collision on Interstate 5. Gov. Tom McCall calls an emergency meeting of the Environmental Quality Commission to address the issue. Today, field burning in Oregon is closely regulated. (Find out more about burning and smoke management).
	1889-1969 1970-79 1980-89 1990-99 2000-present

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