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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 26, 1982)
Cuts will hurt state, DEQ official asserts By Kathy Smith Of (f>« Emmrmkt A proposed 10-percent cut in the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s bud get would mean “Oregonians will have to live with dirtier air and water," says Mark Fritzler, a DEQ representative And that is a slap at what makes Oregon Oregon, he says Budget cuts created by the 1980 special session and the 1981 regular session of the state Legislature already have reduced the DEO budget to levels established during the 1975-77 biennium With an $8 1 million budget for 1981-83, DEO is operating at 85-percent of the previous biennium's funding A 10-percent cut, combined with a massive reduction in federal funds, will bring about serious effects on the Oregon envir onment, Fritzler says uov vie Atiyen is proposing the most recent cut as part of a budget-balancing act de signed to rid the state of a projected $239 million deficit Reductions in state funds will result in the loss of 12 positions and related services, Fritzler says Many services will be limited to the Portland Medford corridor, and several monitoring stations will be closed Technical assistance to small communities also will be limited "We will have to be reactive rather than active," Fritzler says The effects of a reduced DEQ budget could include • A reduction in air quality monitoring, "The air program will have to rely on self-moni toring by industrial sources," Fritzler says • A 50-percent reduction in DEQ's ability to analyze in dustrial waste water dis charges • A reduction in technical assistance for sewage treat ment systems This would af fect planning and design review, and possibly lead to more breakdowns, growth problems, and increased taxes or user charges • A major reduction in pub lic information programs on recycling, DEQ would lose half its financial ability to develop and disseminate information • An almost total destruc tion of noise pollution pro grams Noise pollution control is at the top of the budget-cut ting list. In a recent report to Atiyeh, Fritzler outlined a few long term consequences that — although they are hard to predict — "can be expected with some assurance " Possi ble long-term consequences include: • More public health clo sures of popular swimming and boating areas on the Wil lamette. Clackamas. Santiam, and Rogue rivers and other public waters. The closures would be due to the entrance of raw sewage, as assistance to small communities is reduced, and sewage treat ment plants reach capacity. • A reduction in salmon and steelhead runs due to Emerald graphic water pollution. • A regression in the 40-year struggle to restore the Willamette River • Increased air pollution that would aggravate respira tory problems, block views of Oregon mountains and coun tryside, and adversely affect forest and wilderness areas • Deterioration of well water quality and contamina tion of groundwater from un noticed sewage and water discharges While Atiyeh is proposing a 10-percent reduction in the DEQ budget, the Joint Ways and Means Committee is sug gesting a less damaging 2.5-percent cut. Fritzler refuses to bet on the passage of the 2 5-percent cut, how ever, calling that bet "poor poker.” The possible state budget cuts, combined with almost assured federal cuts, could mean a grim future for Oregon's famous clean envir onment, Fritzler says. "Oregon will no longer re flect the kind of livability so many people sought in coming here, and were proud of in living here.” I IMIVeRSITV Mravgl 774 E. 13th Above Kinko’s BHTwW HOil fill I fl|? rUfUS Portland - East Coast Cities $379 Portland - Honolulu $379 Portland - Los Angeles $198 Portland - Des Moines $259 Watch for our chalkboard specials on 13th Plenty of free perking In back 683-5577 Grand Canyon National Park Lodges Early Spring & Summer Full-time Opportunities We have many entry level jobs available in our hotels and restaurants beginning at $3.50 an hour. We promote from within, but you rfiust be willing to work at the job you accepted at least 90 days before being eligible for transfer to another department. Dormitories for employees are located within the Park and room charges are automatically deducted from wages. Cooking is not allowed in the dormitories, but meals are available at Employee Cafeterias at a minimal charge. If you are a hard-working individual, at least 19 years old, we invite you to apply. Married couples are welcome, but unfortunately, hous ing for children is not available. INTERVIEWS Wednesday, January 27 Valley River Inn, Eugene 1000 Valley River Way (503)687-0123 9 am to 3:30 pm Walk-Ins Only No Phone Calls Accepted! GRAND CANYON National Park Lodges Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 an equal opportunity employer m/f/h NORTH BANK RESTAURANT & LOUNGE HAPPY HOUR FEATURING DISCOUNTED PRICES FOR ALL DRINKS EVERY DAY 4:00-5:30 22 CLUB RD. (on the bike path overlooking the river) 343-5622 Bargain Book Sale! We have a wonderful assortment of books discounted by publishers for their warehouse clearances. With prices starting at just $1.98, you’re bound to find the bargain you need. Check our tables each day this week as we add more titles to the display. Art Books, Gift Books, Biographies, Cook Books, Histories and more. . . Look for our special tables upstairs in the Book Department
