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.
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1889 |
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Oregon Institutes First Environmental Law
Oregon enacts a state law prohibiting pollution of waters used for domestic or livestock purposes.
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1926 -1936 |
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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).
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1938 |
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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
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1944 |
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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.
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1951 |
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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).
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1963 |
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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).
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1964-1969 |
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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).
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1969 |
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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.)
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1969 |
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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).
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