Locals on hand for nitrate reduction hearing
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire had an informational hearing Tuesday on nitrate reduction plan implementation and nitrate management efforts in the Lower Umatilla Basin Ground Water Management Area.
Several local residents testified at the hearing including Port of Morrow Commissioner Joe Taylor, Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran, Morrow County Planning Director Tamra Mabbott, Isabel Gonzalez who sits on the advisory committee for the Morrow County Clean Water Consortium, and Zaira Sanchez of Oregon Rural Action who is a Hermiston resident.
Several representatives from various state departments also spoke, including a representative from Gov. Tina Kotek’s office.
Dorran used part of his time to speak about House Bill 1154, which would make changes to laws about areas with ground water quality problems.
“I think that House Bill 1154 has aspirational goals,” he said. “I think it’s a great idea, but I also think it needs a lot of work, because otherwise all we’re doing is carrying these problems forward.”
Mabbott highlighted the work they’re doing at the county level. Including work between Umatilla and Morrow Counties, and the Morrow County Clean Water Consortium.
Sanchez gave some of the reasons she feels community members affected by this issue are not being heard enough. Those reasons included meetings regarding the issue not being held at times that are convenient for working class residents and not having enough resources for Spanish-speaking residents.
“It can cause a lot of harm and fear which can make it very challenging to work with communities because the trust hasn’t been established,” said Sanchez.
Sen. Todd Nash (R-Enterprise), who is the committee’s vice-chair, closed the hearing by applauding the local efforts that have taken place.
“This is going to take a long time to clean up the aquifer,” he said. “You guys are on a good trajectory to do that. I’m proud to represent Senate District 29 and this portion of it and your guys’ efforts.”
Screen shot from the hearing via the Oregon Legislature shows Tamra Mabbott and Dan Dorran.
