6/16/20, 5:10 PM
“$HIT $TORM” Follow-Up
On 6/10/20, we published a report titled, “$HIT $TORM” regarding the Ranch RV PARK and the recently added Dump Stations.
In the report, former General Maintenance Supervisor, Steve Swigart, commented on the Dump Stations located in Section D. Swigart stated, “I want everyone to know, I protested the project from the very beginning, I knew it wasn’t allowed, Ranch President, Carl Harbour knew it wasn’t allowed, but he (Harbour) apparently disregarded my advice and proceeded anyway.”
Swigart added, “I knew there would be potentially long and short term consequences, including financial consequences and was worried the Ranch would shift the blame on to me like they have done with other projects.” Swigart stressed, “I’m not going to be their fall guy.”
Our report also included contact with DEQ based on Swigart’s concerns for our story. DEQ responded immediately and stated, “DUMP STATIONS IN SECTION D WERE NOT APPROVED AS PART OF THE PLAN.”
DEQ Added, “If they (CRR) are installing, dump stations out there without DEQ approval, they are doing so illegally and risk civil penalty assessments.”
UPDATE
Today, DEQ provided Ranch Matters with a copy of a “Warning Letter with Opportunity to Correct” dated June 15, 2020, addressed to Crooked River Ranch Club & Maintenance Association, c/o President-Board of Directors.
The Letter stated in part, “Based on my investigation I have concluded that Crooked River Ranch Club & Maintenance Association is responsible for the following violations of Oregon environmental law”
“VIOLATIONS:
(1) Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 468B.025 (2) Prohibited activities. No person shall violate the conditions of any waste discharge permit. This is a Class II Violation.”
According to DEQ literature, they are “committed to the principles of environmental justice and to ensuring that the agency’s actions-including permitting, cleanup, policy and planning, outreach and education, and compliance and enforcement-address the interests of Oregon communities, especially minority, low-income and other traditionally underrepresented communities, as much as state and federal laws allow.”
