"Environmental groups have been at odds with the city of Portland for years over Zenith Energy's oil transloading facility in Northwest Portland. Critics argue the city is allowing a dangerous operation with environmental and health risks to continue its business, with little mechanism for the city to enforce its own regulations imposed on the energy company. That last part came into clearer focus recently. A lawsuit filed against the city by multiple environmental groups revealed issues with a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS)"
"During a court hearing last month, an attorney for the city acknowledged it's the DEQ, not the city, that has authority to enforce stipulations in the LUCS. That's concerning to a number of Portlanders who note that Zenith has already run afoul of land use laws by making unapproved changes to its facility. Attorneys insist the city has recourse to enforce the rules it imposed on the company using other avenues."
The Mercury requests small monthly contributions to sustain smart, local journalism and arts coverage in Portland. Portland's forecast for today is a high of 87 degrees and a low of 58, with cooler temperatures expected tomorrow. Environmental groups sued over Zenith Energy's Land Use Compatibility Statement, asserting inadequate public input and that the city cannot enforce LUCS stipulations. The lawsuit revealed issues with the LUCS and noted Zenith made unapproved changes to its facility. During a court hearing, a city attorney said the DEQ, not the city, enforces LUCS stipulations, though attorneys say the city retains other enforcement avenues. Oregon's recent mass layoffs have reached recession levels similar to 2008, while many laid-off workers are finding new employment more quickly than in past downturns.
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