Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Cleanup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners: EPA to lead Alkali Lake cleanup; Collins Pine and Green Cement report on recovery and opening plans
Summary
Commissioner James Williams said DEQ transferred Alkali Lake cleanup to the EPA and planned sampling and monitoring work; Commissioner Barry Shullanberger reported Collins Pine intends to rebuild its storm‑damaged Lakeview mill; Chair Mark Albertson said Green Cement plans a tentative July 29 grand opening and expects to produce 54 railcars per week at full output.
Commissioner James Williams updated the board on environmental remediation at Alkali Lake, saying the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality had "signed everything over to the EPA" so the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can leverage federal funds for cleanup. Williams said surface and sub‑surface sampling have been completed and that additional boring tests and monitoring well installations are planned; he proposed a special public meeting in Christmas Valley in October 2025 to brief residents on progress.
Economic development and industry recovery were also on the agenda. Commissioner Barry Shullanberger said he met with Tom Insko, president and CEO of Collins Pine, and reported the Lakeview mill had been "severely damaged during winter storms" but Collins Pine is committed to rebuilding and investing in upgrades. Shullanberger asked the company to communicate more frequently with county officials.
Chair Mark Albertson said Green Cement is planning a tentative grand opening for July 29, 2025, and expects to produce about 54 railcars of product per week when fully active. He said the plant currently has 3.5 megawatts of power but needs 5 megawatts to run full operations and will run in cycles until additional power is available.
Public comment during the meeting raised related local concerns. Alan Parks urged the county to continue foreclosures and suggested tracking proceeds in escrow until the state Supreme Court determines distribution; he also asked why Red Rock had not been revalued, to which Chair Albertson said the property is now known as TallGrass and that commercial properties valued above $1,000,000 must be evaluated by the Oregon Department of Revenue. Commissioner Williams clarified that land sales were frozen but foreclosures were continuing, and suggested County Counsel and Planning Director Johnson be directed to investigate options.
The minutes record these items as reports; no formal board votes were taken on the cleanup schedule, mill rebuilding or the Green Cement timeline during the June 4 meeting.
