EPA Ignores Law Limiting Logging Runoff, Suit Says

PORTLAND, Ore. (CN) - The EPA has repeatedly blown off a law that requires withholding federal funds from the state of Oregon, because the state has failed to control coastal pollution from water runoff, and in particularl runnoff caused by the logging industry, Northwest Environmental Advocates claims in Federal Court.

"(M)ore than thirteen years after submittal, Oregon's coastal nonpoint program -especially its forest practices component - still does not protect water quality," the complaint states. But in the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, "Congress required EPA and NOAA to withhold a percentage of Clean Water Act and Coastal Zone Management Act grant funds from states that fail to submit coastal nonpoint programs that meet applicable criteria and protect water quality."

Plaintiff wants the defendants ordered to do their job. It is represented by Stephanie Parent or Portland and the Washington Forest Law Center of Seattle.

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