State Drafts 'Green Remediation' Policy For Cleanup of Hazardous Substance Sites

摘要

SEATTLE—The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is adopting a "green remediation" policy that seeks to use less energy, emit lower levels of greenhouse gases, and generate less waste in the investigation and cleanup of hazardous substance releases. Tom Roick, a policy analyst with DEQ's land quality division, told BNA that Oregon is joining a nationwide trend toward adopting sustainable cleanup methods. "Our draft policy is the state of Oregon's effort to support and promote this idea," Roick said. DEQ is not planning to develop state-specific guidance; instead, it will adopt best practices used in other states. "Some states such as Illinois, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin have stepped out front," Roick said.