HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
April 8, 2016
Joni Hammond, Interim Director
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
SENT VIA EMAIL
Dear Director Hammond:
On March 18, 2016, the Department of Environmental Quality issued a Nuisance Order Panel Review
Report, pursuant to OAR 340-208-0310, concluding that Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is not
causing a nuisance odor that is adversely affecting North Portland residents. As the representative of
these residents and a co-convener of the Swan Island-North Portland Air Quality Forum, I strongly urge
you to direct the Nuisance Odor Panel to delay final determination and have DEQ’s Northwest Region
staff review additional information for the purpose of reconsidering their recommendation.
Researchers at the University of Portland conducted an extensive, scientifically-sound study of nuisance
odors in the same area that was contemporaneous with the department’s investigation. Their results show
paint odors were the most frequently detected odors and that these odors were coming from DTNA’s
truck manufacturing plant on Swan Island. Their analysis is based on more odor observations than the
department’s study and includes additional information on the meteorological conditions that contribute
to the problem. It is imperative that the department consider all available scientific information to
determine whether a nuisance odor has occurred and continues to occur.
Furthermore, upon initial public review of the investigation methodology, I am concerned that the
evidence collected and the subsequent analysis may be flawed and might not provide an accurate
assessment of the nuisance odor situation. I believe a third-party review of the methodology is warranted.
My constituents who live above Swan Island and the DTNA facility are justifiably frustrated and feel
abandoned by the agency that is charged with safeguarding the health and livability of their community.
Now, more than ever, they expect the department to complete evidence-based investigations, utilizing all
available credible data, to evaluate fully the negative impacts from regulated facilities. I expect nothing
less as well.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,

State Representative Tina Kotek
Speaker of the House
House District 44, North/NE Portland
cc:

Nina DeConcini
Gabriela Goldfarb