Governor Tina Kotek has signed an Emergency Order allowing the Port of Morrow to apply wastewater to specific, low-risk fields over a 45-day period this winter. This order protects groundwater while supporting the regional economy by keeping the port open.
Importantly, the emergency order does not put groundwater at risk. Data demonstrates recycled water can be carefully applied to low-risk fields and monitored with precision to avoid contributing nitrates to the groundwater.
This action, paired with the Oregon Nitrate Reduction Plan, are important steps as we collectively work to reduce elevated levels of nitrates in the region’s groundwater, while keeping 6,709 local employees working and delivering the food that Oregonians rely on. The shared goal is to stop winter application of recycled water by next winter.
We agree with the governor that all stakeholders need to be part of the solution, and many efforts are already underway. Food companies have voluntarily invested more than $50 million dollars in improvements in water usage, pretreatment and efficiency over the last several years.
In addition, the Port of Morrow is investing more than $400 million to treat industrial reuse water, build storage to eliminate wintertime application, and acquire additional land for application, all with a goal of reducing concentrations. Construction for additional storage capacity is ahead of schedule, and we anticipate it coming online by next winter.
Water for Eastern Oregon is committed to supporting clean drinking water for our neighbors and we are proud to have partnered with state and local governments to test wells, deliver water and install filtration systems.
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