Perrydale – DEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are responding to the aftermath of a barn fire in Perrydale on May 2 that has caused red-colored water to flow through ditches in the Polk County community.
The source for the red staining has not been determined but could be an agricultural chemical or a dye. EPA sampled the discolored water and sent it to a lab for analysis. Initial results are expected later this week.
DEQ is investigating whether any cleanup will be needed at the site of the fire. DEQ will post updates in this blog entry.
QUICK FACTS
Date of incident: May 2, 2024
Location: Perrydale, Polk County
Product: Unknown
Cause: Unknown
Responding environmental agencies: DEQ, EPA
Status Updates
May 22, 4:45 p.m.
Validated results for water sampling indicate no organochlorine pesticides and low levels of petroleum, typical to what would be found in a roadside ditch.
Preliminary laboratory results also indicate low or non-detect levels of metals, volatile organic compounds, and semi-volatile organic compounds, according to EPA. These results still must undergo validation by EPA.
The testing hasn’t determined the source for the red discoloration of the water.
May 9, 3 p.m.
Preliminary results of water sampling following the Perrydale barn fire indicate concentrations of pesticides and metals that are typical for background levels in an agricultural area.
EPA received the preliminary results on Thursday, May 9, from water samples that the federal agency collected on Saturday, May 4. EPA expects more data, such as results for volatile organic compounds and semi-volatile organic compounds early next week. DEQ and EPA will share more specific information once scientists have validated the results.
DEQ and EPA haven’t determined the source for the red discoloration of the water.
May 7, 9:45 a.m.
DEQ is consulting with the Oregon Department of Agriculture regarding the discolored water. In the meantime, please be aware that the discoloration is from an unknown source and caution should be used if you, your pets, or your livestock are likely to come into contact with water in Ash Swale downstream of Bethel Road.
Information on this site is considered to be accurate at the time of posting but is subject to change as new information becomes available.
Media contacts
Dylan Darling, DEQ public affairs specialist, 541-600-6119, dylan.darling@deq.oregon.gov
Bill Dunbar, EPA public affairs specialist, 206-245-7452, dunbar.bill@epa.gov
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