Complaints of Tainted Water
A resident in Tiernan, a community just east of Florence says her and others in their area has had their water tainted by pesticides being sprayed in their area. Diane Friston says she tried to reach out to the Oregon Department of Forestry, but had no success. Coast Radio news was forwarded her voicemail describing her concerns. She says people in her area are getting sick.
“There are quite a few of us, I’m talking a hundred maybe more people that have been affected by department of forestry permits that have allowed a company to spray the aquaduct where everyone is getting their water.”
Oregon Department of Forestry representative Jim Gersbach told Coast Radio News upon hearing of the issue that they take every complaint seriously and have begun to investigate. They have forwarded Friston’s information to the state agency PARC, the Pesticide Analytical Response Center, which is the agency that handles pesticide contamination complaints. Friston says that they are having difficulties finding bulk sources of potable water, and are having to purchase more expensive bottled water for drinking.
Bridge Malfunction Closes 101
The City of Reedsport was cut off from travelers headed south on Highway 101 from Florence yesterday. For about a half an hour the Oregon Department of Transportation said a mechanical problem with a swing arm on the Umpqua River Bridge caused a shutdown of the bridge. At first report, around 12 noon, ODOT was unsure of how long the closing of the highway would be but by 12:30 the problem had been resolved. Traffic was heavy and slow in both the north and south bound directions following the reopening of the bridge causing an additional 30 minutes of delay. Congestion was clear by 1pm.
Triple Digits For Coronavirus
The Oregon Health Authority is reporting yet another day in the triple digits as cases of the coronavirus continue to mount. 146 new cases were reported yesterday bringing the total to 7,083. This included 4 new cases for Lane County, however Lane released new numbers yesterday as well accounting for 11 new cases, 8 of which were individuals in their 20’s that were determined to be linked together through contact tracing investigations. All 11 cases were in the Eugene/Springfield area. Additionally 2 more deaths were reported: a 68 year old man from Lincoln County who had not been diagnosed with any underlying health conditions and a 90 year old Marion County woman whose death is still being investigated.
Special Legislative Session
There will be a special session of the Oregon Legislature tomorrow to address several issues facing the state including COVID-19 and police accountability. Some of the other items that might be addressed deal with residential and commercial evictions, the use of choke holds, foreclosure protections and broadband uses. Governor Brown called the 80th Legislative Assembly. It convenes tomorrow at 8am.
