NE Coalition alert

February 2016 Action Alert

Action Alert

Dear Northeast Portland residents,

As some of you may be aware, it has come to the public’s attention that a number of Portland neighborhoods- including the inner Northeast neighborhoods, have been experiencing high concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, and other metals, as found in air toxics samples obtained from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. These metals are carcinogenic, and have both short and long term health effects on humans when exposed for certain extended periods of time.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has released maps showing the concentrations of cadmium and the affected neighborhoods. The US Forest Service released the maps showing arsenic levels in different locations as well. These elevated concentrations of air toxics has been linked to glass production sites, as cadmium, arsenic, and other metals are often used in coloring glass.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
A joint community meeting is taking place this week, Thursday, February 18. Attend this meeting to receive more information from the agencies responsible for the situation, have your questions answered, and meet with other affected community members. Childcare and interpretation in Spanish will be provided.

Where: Tubman Building Cafeteria, 2231 N. Flint
When: Thursday, Feb. 18

5 pm to 7 pm: Open House where residents can get information and talk with staff.
7 pm to 9 pm: Formal presentation and question/answer.

Hosted by: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Multnomah County Public Health Department, Oregon Health Authority, and Portland Public Schools

Any questions about the issue of air toxic pollution can be directed to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Find Your NE Neighborhood:

Alameda
Boise
Concordia
Eliot
Grant Park
Humboldt

Irvington
King
Sabin
Sullivan’s Gulch
Vernon
Woodlawn

Local Issues

Help plant trees in Arboretum

Come help Friends of Trees, Portland OIC, Portland Parks and Recreation, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Friends of the Columbia Children’s Arboretum and other neighbors plant native trees and shrubs on January 30 at 9 a.m. No experince or tools needed.

Local Issues

Dangerous intersection

Would you like to submit your comments/testimony to Portland City Council about the need to improve the intersection at 6th and Faloma and Marine Drive? If so click here and add your testimony. You will need to click on the purple dot on the map at the intersection (near the Faloma label) to tell them which part of the Transportation Plan you are commenting upon. Then add your info and comments.

Local Issues

November meeting/election

There will be a General Meeting of the East Columbia Neighborhood Association on 10 November beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the RV Park building. Refreshments will be provided and agenda items will include:
– Election of new officers
– TriMet bus changes
– Update on intersection of 6th Ave, Faloma Road, Marine Drive
– Ready Levee Columbia – Levee recertification

Local Issues

October meeting cancelled

The October General Meeting of the East Columbia Neighborhood Association has been cancelled. Anyone with neighborhood business should get in touch with any Board Member.