The Canyon Weekly January 18, 2011
Volume 3, Issue 3
News and Life - For Our Side of the Mountain!
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Serving the communities of Lyons, Mehama, Elkhorn, Mill City, Gates, Niagra, Detroit, Breitenbush, Idanha and Marion Forks
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Canyon Invaded by Round Faced Snow Creatures!
Contaminated soil found at Mill City City Hall build site
With over an inch of snow in Lyons - several feet falling on the Santiam Pass last weekend - local residents took the time to decorate their front yards, back yards and neighbor’s yards with an army of snow men and snow women. Here’s just a few of the new - albeit temporary - residents of the Santiam Canyon! Turn to the back page for more....
Ancient oil dump could cost the city more than $60,000 to remove Contaminated soil was found at the site of the new city hall in Mill City during the initial excavation process. The substance is known as Bunker C oil, and was dumped there in the 1920’s and 30’s during the time when the Hammond Lumber Company covered most of the town, and well before environmental protection laws were widely adopted. The digging was halted immediately upon finding the sludgy substance, and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was informed by the build team. An estimated 160 tons of soil was extracted from the site, and waits, covered in tarps, to be transported to the Hillsboro area for disposal. This Bunker C oil, usually used as a fuel, is considered a relatively low grade contaminant by the DEQ. It’s removal however, is quite costly and could cost the city $75-90 per ton to be trucked away. According to Stacie Cook, the City Recorder for Mill City, they are seeking grants to cover the costs via the Brownsfield division of Business Oregon. If obtained, this grant will also ensure coverage of any further testing at the site during the entire build process.
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