The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is currently addressing a significant environmental concern in Central Oregon, where approximately 6,000 waste tires have been left on a property along Fort Rock Road, south of Bend. This local issue persists even as international allegations against Jason Newman, previously linked to the tire storage operation, unfold.

Local Environmental Concerns

The DEQ’s immediate focus remains on the waste tires stored on property owned by Martin Soto Hernandez. The agency has confirmed that a citizen’s warning about Newman’s alleged environmental misconduct overseas does not alter their current enforcement efforts in Oregon. The DEQ has been unable to contact Newman, and attempts by local news outlets to reach him have also been unsuccessful.

State inspectors have documented the presence of the tires, which pose both environmental and public safety risks. Tire piles can become breeding grounds for pests and are known for being difficult to extinguish if ignited, potentially releasing hazardous pollutants into the environment.

International Allegations

Across the Atlantic, British authorities have issued arrest warrants for Newman in connection with a large-scale illegal waste dumping operation. This investigation involves over 4,200 tons of waste allegedly diverted from legitimate disposal facilities and dumped at unauthorized sites across England. Despite these serious allegations, Newman has not been convicted, and his whereabouts remain undisclosed by British authorities.

DEQ’s Local Enforcement

In Oregon, the DEQ emphasizes that the responsibility for proper storage and disposal of the waste tires lies with the property owner, Martin Soto Hernandez. Hernandez has appealed a $30,000 civil penalty issued by the DEQ, which alleges that he operated a waste tire storage facility without the necessary permits and failed to comply with state regulations.

The DEQ has reiterated the importance of public complaints in enforcing environmental laws and encourages residents to report any environmental violations through their online system. While the DEQ remains focused on the Fort Rock Road site, they have the authority to investigate any new information regarding environmental violations connected to Newman.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.