State Thinks Bullseye Smokestacks May Be Source of Continuing Pollution

For months investigators have been baffled by the continued high presence of chromium and hexavalent chromium in the air in Southeast Portland.

What they had long considered a possible source - Bullseye Glass - had stopped using the metal in their production process months ago.

Now, officials with the Department of Environmental Quality think they might have the answer.

They have ordered Bullseye to clean its smokestacks and remove what they believe is a build-up of the metals.

"We're concerned about the persistence of elevated levels of chromium," said Pete Shepherd, interim DEQ director. "We are making every effort to bring those levels down."

DEQ says the company has until September 1, 2016 to get the job done.

Dave Farrer, a toxicologist with the Oregon Health Authority, said the additional steps DEQ is taking at Bullseye will lower potential health risks.

"From a health perspective, we're concerned about the levels of hexavalent chromium in the air in southeast Portland," Farrer said. "We know current concentrations don't pose an immediate health risk. However, we're still studying what the long-term effects may be.

"That's why we want to do what we can to reduce exposure."

DEQ says they are also woking with Lehigh Cement Company, which is located nearby, to improve their dust-capturing efforts when unloading cement from railcars.

The agency believes the cement dust may be contributing to the high levels of hexavalent chromium in the air.