Oregon Senate Bill 462: Compositing Facilities

Thanks again to everyone who posted their opposition to HB3385! We are pleased to report that bill died in committee!!

The next bill we're watching closely is Oregon Senate Bill 462. It would not allow composting facilities that compost certain types of feedstocks to be located within specified distance of boundary of incorporated city. The sponsors of the bill are Senators Alan Olsen (our District 20), Bruce Starr (District 15), and Arnie Roblan (District 5).

Although Redland is not incorporated, this bill would still benefit us because it will (hopefully!) make the rules about the what, where, when, and how of composting much more clear. In other words, if this bill is written well, we should not have to spend our own time and money hiring lawyers and experts to try to define what is o...r is not an accepted farming/composting practices in the future.

S462 is an emergency bill, which means it is considered important to the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. This bill is, in part, a result of the problems with the composting facility in North Plains. Because it is an emergency bill, it will become effective immediately if passed.

So far, we are pleased with how this bill is proceeding. Our own April McGinnis was invited to serve on the bill's workgroup as a citizen volunteer, and she's playing an active role in the drafting of the bill's language.

This bill will soon need our support, mainly in the form of phone calls, letters, and emails to ALL state senators, not just our representative Sen Alan Olsen. We think the bill will be voted on in May, so please be ready to show your support in just a few weeks! We will do our best to keep you informed and give you all the information you need to follow through on this.

You can learn more about S462 and download a current draft of the bill at the Oregonian's website: http://gov.oregonlive.com/bill/2013/SB462/

Although phone calls and emails will have a greater impact, you will also be able to comment on the bill at http://legiscan.com/OR/bill/SB462

The Oregonian has a list with links to contact information for all Oregon representatives here: http://gov.oregonlive.com/legislators/

Stroupe Property Update: 20565 S Redland Rd

This is Jon Benjamin and I want to update you all on the events taking place regarding the Redland property owned by the Stroupes. At this time, if you drive by the property you will see that they have begun to erect a fence line around the property. They are clearing some of the fence line brush with their track hoe to open the property line for the fence. My understanding is that in the near future there will be cattle grazing in the fields. I do not know how many cattle or breed other than there will be cattle on the property. I do not know of any other activity taking place on the property, so we ask that everyone keep their eyes open and monitor the property for any new activity. Please contact me with any information or activity you think needs to be reported. Remember that even the littlest activity is worth reporting, so please let me know.
 
Thank you all,
 
Jon Benjamin
Protect Redland
Jb5150@ccgmail.net

You can help maintain the livability of your community.

If you haven't already established a "buddy" system with your neighbors, do it today! Say hello... exchange phone numbers...
when you go away for an extended amount of time, let at least one
of them know when you will be gone and when you will return, and
if anyone is expected to be at your home while you are away.
Look out for each other... it's the neighborly thing to do!

This website was initially established in October 2010 to provide Redland area residents with information about a Composting and BioMass Energy Facility being proposed in their area. Today, the site is maintained to keep the community informed of what is happening around them including community meetings and events.