The actions described below impact the same solid waste rules, and currently have the same effect. The main difference is the timing: the temporary rules approved by the Environmental Quality Commission are in effect for a period of six months whereas the suspension of DEQ rules approved by Governor Brown is in effect until Nov. 1, 2020, or so long as the Governor extends the state of emergency.
Solid Waste – Temporary Rules
The temporary rules approved by the Environmental Quality Commission on Oct. 9, 2020 allow short-term authorization to stockpile wildfire debris with letters of authorization issued by DEQ. They also temporarily waive permit fees. Solid waste facilities that store or accept burned debris do not need to submit a land use compatibility statement (LUCS).
Given the large volume of debris caused by the devastating 2020 wildfires, the suspension of these requirements is needed to allow waste staging areas to be set up quickly to store and manage the debris for proper disposal. The rapid authorization of these staging areas will allow waste to be removed from locations where it poses a greater risk to human health and the environment.
More information about the solid waste temporary rules.
Solid Waste – Rule Suspension
Governor Kate Brown has determined that compliance with the following administrative rules would prevent, hinder, or delay mitigation of the effects of the wildfire emergencies. Pursuant to her emergency powers according to ORS 401.168(2), Governor Brown therefore declares and orders that the EQC rules listed below be suspended for the duration of the wildfires state of emergency declared by Executive Order 20-35.
Solid Waste Letter Authorization Rules
OAR 340-0093-0060(1)(g) and OAR 340-097-0120(2)(d), requiring, respectively, the submittal of a land use compatibility statement (LUCS) and fee with a Solid Waste Letter Authorization application, are suspended as applied to facilities within the State of Oregon that are storing or accepting for disposal debris from properties that were burned by the 2020 wildfires in counties approved to receive funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program.
For more information regarding Governor Brown’s temporary rule suspensions due to the wildfires, please visit the Governor’s website.