The Oregon Youth Authority wants to make sure the buildings in our facilities are safe for everyone who uses them.
We monitor, test, and have plans for dealing with several potential environmental issues in our facilities.
Lead and Copper in Water
In 2023, OYA did lead and copper testing on water from all outlets used for drinking or cooking at all facilities. At the time, some outlets showed elevated lead or copper levels. We immediately restricted access to these outlets, and systematically fixed them by replacing them or flushing them out more frequently to ensure that the water met clean water standards.
As of July 2023, the last of the identified outlets were fixed, and new tests showed they were within the levels determined as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In 2026, OYA will begin a new round of lead and copper testing for all outlets used for drinking or cooking in our facilities. This is more frequent than the six-year testing schedule required by the EPA.
Some materials used to construct buildings at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility and Camp Tillamook contain asbestos.
We have kept these materials in safe condition for decades, and we have management plans in place to deal with them safely.
At the rest of our facilities, there is no asbestos in areas that are regularly open to people. These facilities also have asbestos management plans in place.
Learn more in our fact sheet:
Drinking Water Quality at MacLaren
MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility produces annual Consumer Confidence Reports about the quality of its drinking water.
2022 Report
2021 Report
2020 Report
2019 Report