Across Oregon, 8 counties face poor air quality from smoke
Five Oregon counties are again under an air quality advisory due to smoke from several wildfires in the area, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The advisory went into effect this Wednesday morning and lasts through Friday for Columbia, Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah and Washington counties.
The smoke is coming from several wildfires in the area, including the Cedar Creek Fire near Oakridge and the Nakia Creek Fire near Camas, Washington.
Areas of Clark County will also see degraded air quality, through at least Thursday.
Linn, Lane and Douglas counties were already under air quality advisories that will last through at least Friday.
Smoke levels can change quickly, depending on the weather. DEQ recommends staying inside if possible, with the windows and doors closed, and using air filters or purifiers where they’re available. (Jeff Thompson/OPB)
Oregon DEQ ponders regulating dairy air pollution
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is asking the public to weigh in on whether the state should begin regulating air pollution from large dairies. DEQ’s move comes after a coalition of 22 advocacy groups filed a petition in August to declare large dairies sources of air pollution, just like factories. Research shows megadairies release methane into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. They also emit ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and particulate matter. (Tracy Loew/Statesman Journal)
Astoria approves new homeless camping ordinance
People living without adequate shelter in Astoria can now set up temporary camps overnight from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. after the city council voted Monday night to approve a new camping ordinance. The council’s move is in response to federal court rulings and state legislation that prohibited enforcement of illegal camping on public property in jurisdictions without adequate shelter spaces. We have to have enough shelter beds for our homeless population, then we can say, ‘no,’” said Councilor Roger Rocka. “And by the way, that’s the most humane thing for our homeless population who, after all, are human beings.” (Nicole Bales/The Astorian)
Salem’s mayor is leaving office ahead of schedule
Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett resigned on Tuesday, announcing he’ll leave office on Nov. 2 rather than serve out his third term until the end of the year. That leaves a gap for the city to fill as the new mayor, Chris Hoy, isn’t sworn in until January. Hoy won the job in the May primary after Bennett said he would not run for a fourth term and planned to instead move to Ohio. He moved his departure date up after his house sold more quickly than anticipated. (Whitney Woodworth/Statesman Journal)
