439th regular meeting of the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission
This meeting was held by Zoom and in-person at Southern Oregon University.
Location:
Southern Oregon University
Stevenson Union – Room 319
1118 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, Oregon 97520
Thursday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
9 a.m.
Welcome and meeting open
The commission will open the meeting and review the day's agenda.
9:05 a.m.
Item A: Draft Meeting Minutes (Action)
Commissioners will review and take action on proposed draft minutes from the July 2025 regular meeting.
9:10 a.m.
Item B: Cleanup Program PFAS 2025 Rulemaking (Action)
DEQ will present and request that the commission adopt a proposed rulemaking that designates certain PFAS compounds as hazardous substances in Oregon.
10:10 a.m.
Break
10:25 a.m.
Item C: Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking (Action)
DEQ will present a proposed rulemaking to make changes to the Onsite Wastewater Management Program. The proposed changes address issues from the 2023 legislative session related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and sewer availability through Senate Bills 835 and 931. This rulemaking will also cover topics such as variance processes, nutrient and nitrate loading considerations, and operation and maintenance requirements. It aims to clarify existing rules, use simpler language, remove outdated terms, and align with industry standards while protecting public and environmental health. Importantly, there will be no fee increases proposed.
11:25 a.m.
Working lunch and executive session
The commission will hold a working lunch and executive session, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(a), (f) and (h). Per state law, members of the media may attend executive session; however, they may not report on the specifics or details of any discussions or information presented during executive session. To request access as a member of the media, please
email Lindsay Trapp by 12 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.
1 p.m.
Item D:
Three Basin Rule Update (Informational)
DEQ will present information about amendments to the Three Basin Rule. In November 2024, EQC directed DEQ to initiate a rulemaking to revise the Three Basin Rule to allow issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits in limited circumstances while preserving the intent of the rule. DEQ is also proposing amendments to streamline the onsite-WPCF permitting process to allow facilities to obtain an onsite-WPCF permit without EQC approval for system repairs without a flow or waste strength increase.
1:45 p.m.
Item E:
Draft 2026 Integrated Report Assessment Methodology (Informational)
DEQ will present on the progress of the 2026 Oregon Water Quality Integrated Report, including assessment methodology updates and comments received during public comment on the Assessment Methodology. The Assessment Methodology document contains the "decision rules" DEQ will use to compare data and information to existing water quality standards for the development of Oregon's 2026 Integrated Report. The methodology builds on DEQ's protocols from previous Integrated Reports assessments, with the inclusion of a significant revision to the assessment methodology for freshwater biocriteria.
2:30 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m.
Item F:
Public Forum
The commission will hold a comment opportunity for any environmental and public health issues relevant to DEQ and EQC. Sign-ups to comment will occur shortly before the start of this agenda item, and people are asked to limit comments to two minutes or less. Comment times may be reduced at the discretion of the commission.
3:45 p.m.
Adjourn meeting
Friday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
9 a.m.
Welcome and meeting open
The commission will open the meeting and review the day's agenda.
9:05 a.m.
Item G:
Director's Report (Informational)
DEQ will present written and verbal updates on agency activities and other issues of interest to the commission.
10:15 a.m.
Adjourn public meeting
11:15 a.m.
Item H: Ashland Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour (Informational)
Commissioners will tour the City of Ashland's Wastewater Treatment Plant. The tour will highlight improvements to the ultraviolet light disinfection system and focus on the plant's Outfall Relocation Project. Completed in 2024, this project relocated the plant's outfall from Ashland Creek to Bear Creek, a stream with higher summer flows and assimilative capacity. This change was made to meet the temperature requirements of the city's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System discharge permit. Please note that this tour is not open to the public.