In September 2021, Oregon DEQ reached out to EPA to assist with
abandoned pesticide containers at the City of Ontario, Oregon municipal airport. A former aerial pesticide spray operator had
abandoned three 55-gallon drums and dozens of smaller pesticide containers at
the airport when their lease was terminated. There are also approximately 25
containers of solid (non-haz) wastes also present. These containers were
identified and inventoried during a September 2021 site walk done by EPA with the
START contractor. Samples collected during
the Site Walk, indicated the presence of hazardous materials in containers,
waste water and soil at the site. The
City of Ontario was exploring options for addressing and disposing of the
abandoned waste but were unable to do so in a timely manner. On December 9th, 2021, they contacted EPA to
request assistance with the hazardous waste containers.
