In 2022, Senate Bill 1567 gave the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality the authority to develop a program that evaluates the earthquake vulnerability of large-capacity oil and fuel storage and distribution facilities located in Lane, Multnomah and Columbia counties. The bill requires facilities to develop a plan to minimize risk of damage to employees, surrounding communities and environment. DEQ conducted a rulemaking that considered input and suggestions of the Rules Advisory Committee representing a combination of neighborhood, local emergency response, impacted neighborhood and community groups and regulated party perspectives. The rules set the criteria and schedule for the Fuel Tank Seismic Stability program. The purpose of the program rules is to protect public health, life safety and environmental safety against fires and release of fuel products. The program will provide:
- The process and criteria for completion of Seismic Vulnerability Assessments. Assessments include vulnerability to shaking associated with the Cascadia Subduction Zone and other earthquake sources and related post-earthquake secondary effects. Assessments are performed by the facilities and submitted to DEQ for review and approval.
- The process and criteria for development of Risk Mitigation Implementation Plans to minimize risk to people and environment and to be prepared by facilities and submitted to DEQ for review and approval.
- The program fees.
- Risk mitigation implementation process and schedule.
- Reporting requirements.
The Environmental Quality Commission reviewed and adopted these rules on Sept. 14, 2023.