COVID-19, novel coronavirus – AIR, LAND & WATER

DEQ staff spotlight on Lynda Viray, in honor of Filipino American History Month

Filipino Americans make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States with nearly 20,000 residing in the State of Oregon. Every October we celebrate Filipino heritage to increase awareness of the significant role Filipinos have played in American history. We had the opportunity to talk to Lynda Viray, someone who knows firstContinue reading “DEQ staff spotlight on Lynda Viray, in honor of Filipino American History Month”

DEQ receives EPA’s 2021 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is a recipient of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2021 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award. EPA’s announcement of the 33 award winners on Sept. 22 coincides with Pollution Prevention Week. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the design, manufacture, promotion and use of environmentally friendly products inContinue reading “DEQ receives EPA’s 2021 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award”

Food waste reduction work hits major milestone

Curbing the 35% of food that goes uneaten each year will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and land resources, and support those facing food insecurity— which has become increasingly critical in the wake of COVID-19.

Oregon DEQ’s Vehicle Inspection Program puts 2020 in rearview mirror

From the extraordinary pandemic to the intruding smoke from massive wildfires, 2020 presented Oregon DEQ’s vehicle testing inspectors with demands they had never before encountered.

Local communities get boost for projects that reduce waste

Nearly 20 organizations around the state can now step up their efforts to reduce waste, increase reuse and repair, resue food and support responsible recycling.

COVID, wildfire work shines spotlight on DEQ’s Angela Rowland

Before the global pandemic and the Oregon wildfires this year, Angela Rowland was working full-time as a Water Quality Permitting Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The job she signed up for on Oct. 1, 2019 quickly morphed into something no one could’ve expected. This year, while continuing her water quality programContinue reading “COVID, wildfire work shines spotlight on DEQ’s Angela Rowland”

DEQ masks up to stop the spread of COVID-19 while keeping our eyes on protecting Oregon’s environment

Wearing a face covering is one of the best ways we can protect our families, co-workers, neighbors and friends from COVID-19. –Jennifer K. Flynt, public affairs specialist

DEQ awards $125,000 to boost 13 repair and reuse businesses and non-profits in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality awarded approximately $125,000 total to 13 businesses and non-profits in Oregon’s repair and reuse industry on Friday, July 17. DEQ’s 2020 Workforce Development Repair and Reuse grants provide up to $10,000 to each awardee to support projects that help protect Oregon’s environment, public health and economy.

DEQ vehicle inspection staff handle record visits

DEQ vehicle inspection stations reopened to record-setting crowds, and began processing a big backlog.

Refuse and Recycling during COVID-19

Refuse and recycling workers continue to support the health and well-being of communities across Oregon.