PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is investigating a chemical spill from a local manufacturing facility that it says likely caused the deaths of a large number of fish and other aquatic animals in Johnson Creek in September.
The investigation follows reports to DEQ of foamy discharge and dead fish near the Springwater Corridor Trail along Johnson Creek on Sept. 18.
Investigators from DEQ and other agencies later confirmed finding multiple dead fish and aquatic life along a one-to-two-mile stretch of the creek.
DEQ said Precision Castparts Corporation Structurals informed the agency that sodium hydroxide and other chemicals were released through the facility’s stormwater system into Johnson Creek between Sept. 17 and 19.
The company later estimated that 394 gallons of sodium hydroxide were discharged and reported smaller amounts of sodium hydrosulfide and sodium chlorite also were likely released as well.
“We witnessed the wildlife impacts from one to two miles downstream of where that stormwater outfall drains,” said DEQ public affairs specialist Michael Loch. “So it was through that evidence that we determined the chemical spill was the likely cause for the animal deaths at the creek.”
Loch said they cannot estimate the number of wildlife impacted, only that, “It was a lot.”
DEQ said the company violated at least two Oregon environmental laws by causing pollution in state waters and lowering water quality below state standards.
DEQ has begun the enforcement process and is considering formal actions that could include civil penalties and corrective orders.
The Oregon Health Authority is also aware of the chemical spill. Jonathan Modie, strategic communications manager for OHA, said environmental public health toxicologists with the agency determined there is no ongoing health risk from the spill.
“The types of chemicals released do not persist or build up in the bodies of fish,” Modie said. “The natural flowing of Johnson Creek would have neutralized the corrosivity and diluted the spilled material to safe levels within hours once the discharge stopped.”
Precision Castparts issued an apology for the spill, which it said happened while installing an air quality control device.
In a statement, the company said it immediately stopped using the equipment.
“We deeply regret the discharge and are taking steps to prevent future releases,” the company said. “We value and appreciate the Johnson Creek Watershed and intend to continue to support watershed improvement efforts.”
People who live in Southeast Portland tell KATU they want to see the company follow through.
“They have the resources,” said Brian Saxe. “I feel like they can keep a better eye on it.”
“Having a natural body of water is always, you know, a huge privilege,” said Arum Chung. “It’s nice to have that and it would be nice too for more people to be able to enjoy it.”