03/08/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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- is that the amount of reduction of pollution it will take to submit a full-scale SIP revision could mean the effective curtailing of vital industries in the state. At the February 24 hearing, the EQC decided to proceed with the contract and to seek as many offsets as possible to justify a 180,000 acre burn. The other businesses and industries to be curtailed are to be identified in the next few weeks. e Mr. Long said in summary, Eugene seems to be faced with what is an all-or- nothing position by field burning interests. He said by their present course of action, either 180,000 acres will be improperly approved by the EPA without appropriate offsets, or there will be an appropriate offset and real damage done to Oregon's economy. The third alternative is that field burning will remain at 50,000 acres, which the growers believe will do real damage to their industry. Mr. Long said it appears the State will submit a contract, for 180,000 acres to be burned, and the City feels the EPAwill reject this. In the last few days, it has been hoped by the City that the State will change its course of action and they will, at least, make an SIP revision. If that were to be denied, then the EQC will probably make a determination of burning 50,000 acres. It is hoped by the City that at that time, all parties interested will be able to come to some better solution. He said if not, there will be some turmoil in the spring. In response to a question by Mr. Haws, Mr. Long said he was puzzled as to why other persons in the Willamette Valley were not more concerned, citing the potential damage to be done to industries, as well as the health effects to others outside of the city. The kind of industries to be affected have not yet been designated. Ms. Smith wondered if there was anything more the staff or City Council could do to reaffirm its position. Mr. Long said it could reaffirm that the City is not trying to provoke a confrontation and the course of action taken by the state to date does not seem like a very wise way to approach the problem. If the 180,000 acres are not approved, then the State will be stuck with 50,000 to be burned; then Eugene will have to take some steps about field burning for 1978. He hoped Council would say the City is prepared to meet and exchange information with all inter- ested groups, but the City can only do that if other interested groups are willing to meet. Mr. Hamel said part of the problem was that most people feel the cause of air pollutants is only automobiles. He noted that Eugene is the "toe of the sock" and it is not known how much of the disturbance comes from other areas such as Portland and Salem. He wondered how the State was going to be able to shut down industries in Portland or ask them to cut back their air pollutants, while the State continues field burning. Mr. Delay noted that it was not just a physical health problem, but a long-term economic health problem of the region as it will effect industries. He said Eugene was already operating under an offset rule under which no new industries can be built without creating an equal or more reduction in air pollutants. He said it might result in an absolute moratorium on construction of industries with air particulates. - 3/8/78--3 Iltct