The Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working to review and update the NPDES wastewater permit of the Georgia Pacific Pulp and Paper Mill in Toledo in response to scientific and legal arguments presented by Surfrider. On Sept 9, 2006, Newport Chapter filed a Petition of Reconsideration with DEQ over the terms of the Georgia Pacific permit. The petition advocates for improved monitoring and use of additional pollution prevention technology. The GP mill releases an average of 10 million gallons a day of wastewater off Nye Beach in Newport. DEQ staff have had three formal meetings thus far to address the range of technical concerns raised in the Petition and reconsideration is expected to be completed by early 2008. Thank you to the members of Surfrider's Oregon Environmental Issues Team (scientists, attorneys, permit afficianados, etc) who volunteered their personal time for this campaign. Also, major thanks to CRAG and NEDC for providing pro bono support.
