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Department of Environmental Quality > Web site

Present Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s water and air quality; for managing the proper disposal of solid and hazardous wastes; for providing assistance in cleaning up contaminated properties; and for enforcing Oregon’s environmental laws. The agency was formed in 1969 to replace the State Sanitary Authority which had been created in 1938 when citizens overwhelmingly supported an initiative to clean up the Willamette River.

 

As environmental problems have become more complex, DEQ’s roles have expanded. DEQ helps fight global warming with policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is committed to preventing toxic chemical releases and reducing risks from toxins already in our environment. It is helping Oregonians solve environmental problems by encouraging personal responsibility and providing communities with technical assistance.

 

DEQ employs a staff of about 750, including scientists, engineers, technicians and environmental specialists. The agency’s headquarters is in Portland, with regional offices in Bend, Eugene and Portland, and field offices in Coos Bay, Grants Pass, Hermiston, Medford, Pendleton, Salem and The Dalles. The DEQ director has the authority to issue civil penalties for violations of pollution laws and standards. DEQ relies on several advisory committees of citizens and government officials to help guide its decision-making.

 

Agency Subdivisions

Information about this agency's divisions, offices, programs, etc.

 

Contact Information

Mailing Address: 811 SW 6th Ave., Portland 97204-1390
Telephone: 503-229-5300; Toll-free (Oregon only): 1-800-452-4011
Fax: 503-229-6762
General E-mail: deq.info@deq.state.or.us
Contact: Dick Pedersen, Director
Administrative Rules Coordinator E-mail: Maggie Vandehey
Records Officer E-mail: Ella Crumble
Staff Directory from Oregon.gov
Location Map: by Yahoo! Maps

Legal and Legislative Information

Statutory Authority: ORS Chapters 454, 459, 466, 467, 468
Natural Resources Analysis (pdf) - by Legislative Fiscal Office
Audit Reports - select agency from menu

Records, Publications and General Information

Agency History (pdf) - a detailed history of the agency
Records Retention Schedule (pdf) - a list of the public records kept at the agency
State Library Publications - a link to the Oregon State Library Catalog