The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comments from Oregon residents on Core Recycling’s request to expand its operations in Portland and add material recovery activities to its business. The change requires a solid waste permit, according to the DEQ.
The company has operated a waste-hauling business since 1996. Currently, the company takes all waste directly to permitted solid waste disposal facilities and do not sort or store any waste on site.
However, under its proposed permit modification, Core Recycling plans to build a 6,000 square-foot pole building to house tipping and sorting operations. According to the DEQ, the facility would accept construction and demolition waste from specific contractors, and will not be open to the general public.
The facility is in an area zoned General Industrial 2; the city of Portland has certified that the proposed use is compatible with land use plans.
According to the DEQ, this will be the first solid waste permit for the facility, so a compliance history has not yet been established. The company is working with the city of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, DEQ’s delegated stormwater agent, to determine whether a stormwater permit will be needed.
DEQ will schedule a public hearing if one is requested by 10 or more people, or by an authorized person representing an organization of at least 10 people.
DEQ may modify provisions in the proposed permit in response to comments received, but can only do so in accordance with the rules and statutes under the authority of DEQ.
Written comments are due by Sept. 23, 2011. Parties interested in submitting comments are asked to send them to CORE Recycling Comments, c/o Holly Pence, Solid Waste Permit Coordinator, DEQ Northwest Region, 2020 SW 4th Ave., Suite 400, Portland, OR 97201. Fax: 503-229-6945. Email: Pence.Holly@deq.state.or.us.