EPA Region 10 issued a Unilateral Administrative Order to DB Western, Inc. and Dennis Beetham to conduct further investigation and clean up of the Beetham Ranch in Powell Butte, Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) found buried, burned, and abandoned hazardous materials (formaldehyde, paraformaldeyhyde, DowTherm A, nitric acid with heavy metals) at the ranch in Fall 2007. DB Western entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement and conducted emergency removal actions in Fall 2007, Spring and Summer 2008.
In October 2008, DEQ requested EPA's assistance in completing the investigation and clean up of the ranch due to DB Western, Inc.'s refusal to do further work under the Voluntary Cleanup Agreement and lack of response to a DEQ Consent Order. In February 2009, EPA agreed to conduct a removal investigation and cleanup at the Beetham Ranch.
