Marion County approves DEQ servitude to clear Mt. Angel fueling site for sale

The Marion County Board of Commissioners on June 8 approved an Easement and Equitable Servitude Agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for county‑owned property at 140 Palmer Street in Mt. Angel, a former card‑lock fueling station.

Caron Galvin‑Price, a county presenter, told the board that underground tanks had been removed and that a follow‑up assessment found contamination levels acceptable “as is with conditions.” She said the agreement imposes institutional controls and would allow DEQ to issue a conditional no‑further‑action letter that "will stay with the property," a document the county said is necessary to make the parcel marketable to private buyers.

Why it matters: the controls will limit future uses — county staff noted the agreement forbids residential use — and require reimbursement to DEQ if the case is reopened and the agency takes further action. Commissioners discussed liability and confirmed that any future cleanup costs would fall primarily to the property owner or future buyer rather than Marion County.

The board discussed interest from the City of Mt. Angel in acquiring the site. The motion to approve the easement was made by Commissioner Janet Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Sam Brentano, and passed by unanimous voice vote.

Next steps: the agreement will be finalized with DEQ and recorded with the county; the conditional no‑further‑action letter will remain with the property and define allowed and restricted uses for future buyers.