Hot Topics in Oregon

Learn about some of EPA's priority work in Oregon.

Columbia River Basin Restoration Program - Congress established the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program in 2016. It was the first legislation to officially designate the national importance of restoring the Columbia River Basin, one of our nation’s largest watersheds.

Tribal programs - EPA's Region 10 office serves 271 federally recognized Tribes, including 9 Tribes in Oregon.

Portland Harbor Superfund site (Portland) - The Portland Harbor Superfund Site includes in-river and upland areas contaminated from decades of industrial use along the lower Willamette River. The site was added to EPA's National Priorities List in December 2000.

J.H. Baxter site (Eugene) - EPA is working with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to determine the extent of contamination on and around the J.H. Baxter & Co. wood treating facility in Eugene, Oregon. EPA proposed the site to the Superfund cleanup list on September 5, 2024.

Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater (Northern Morrow and Umatilla counties) - Local, state, and federal agencies, including EPA, are working in Oregon’s Lower Umatilla Basin to address sources of nitrate contamination in groundwater.