Save Our Siletz River

09/08/2026

Here is another reason for toxic gas air monitoring at our schools! "... Heart Disease in Lincoln County, Oregon — Air Pollution and Other Factors Lincoln County, Oregon, has a high rate of heart disease compared to Oregon and national averages, with cardiovascular disease markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and coronary heart disease prevalence well above state norms ourhealthnetwork.com
The county’s health grade is an F, ranking 29th out of 36 Oregon counties and 1,704th nationally
ourhealthnetwork.com
Why the Heart Disease Rate Is High
Public health data show that while lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive drinking, and physical inactivity are relatively low compared to national averages, cardiovascular disease mortality and prevalence remain elevated
ourhealthnetwork.com
This suggests that other factors — including environmental exposures — may be contributing to the burden.
Air Pollution and Heart Disease
The U.S. EPA and the American Heart Association have documented a direct link between long-term exposure to certain air pollutants and heart disease. The MESA Air study found that even at levels close to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides can accelerate atherosclerosis — the buildup of plaque in coronary arteries — leading to faster calcium deposition, reduced blood flow, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has identified the pulp and paper mill in Toledo, OR as a major source of toxic chemical emissions, which can contribute to local air pollution
ourhealthnetwork.com
While the DEQ does not explicitly state that these emissions are the sole cause of Lincoln County’s heart disease, the EPA’s research shows that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from industrial sources can significantly increase cardiovascular risk
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Other Contributing Factors
Established disease burden before prevention infrastructure: The county’s health problems may have been entrenched before robust prevention programs were in place
ourhealthnetwork.com
Demographics and access to care: Lower median income ($62K vs. Oregon’s $70K) and limited healthcare access can affect early detection and treatment
ourhealthnetwork.com
Environmental exposures beyond air pollution: Water quality, noise, and other environmental stressors may also play a role.
Conclusion
While lifestyle factors are not the primary driver of Lincoln County’s high heart disease rate, air pollution from industrial sources like the Toledo mill — particularly fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides — is a scientifically supported environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease
The combination of industrial emissions, established health disparities, and limited prevention resources likely contributes to the county’s elevated cardiovascular burden. Addressing both environmental quality and healthcare access would be key to reducing the risk. ..."

09/02/2026

GREAT NEWS!! The Inn at Otter Crest/Coastal Coast Clean Water Company Site Authorization for Howard Wyscaver field, next to Logsden Church, TERMINATED!!
THANK YOU Howard Wyscaver for RESCINDING permission for this!!
THANK YOU to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Delores Pigsley, Tribal Chairman; Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Angela Sondenna, PhD, Certified Senior Ecologist;
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, & Cindy George!!
THANK YOU to All of Save Our Siletz River members/supporters - TOGETHER WE HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE!! 💦🦅🐋🌲💖

"...Per communication from the permittee (Aug. 10, 2026), the Wyscaver property owner (mentioned in the above comment) has rescinded their permission for biosolids land application on their property. In response, DEQ has terminated the Wyscaver land application site approval letter and removed it from the biosolids management plan and land application plan. C3WC maintains their DEQ-approved biosolids management plan and land application plan, however the plan currently does not identify an approved land application site. C3WC has not distributed biosolids for land application at the Wyscaver site since 2018. ..." 💦🦅🐋🌲💖

fil:///C:/Users/Admin/Downloads/101269-PERMRTC_Iss-OTTERCREST-20260901.pdf

08/19/2026

The following are the reasons we are trying to get Toxic Gas Monitors in front of the schools in Toledo. Toxic pollutants are the worse for children as their immune system is developing. Our county has all three polluters in our area. A pulp & paper mill, wildfire smoke, and biomass logging debris burns.
" ... Health Risks of Pulp & Paper Mill Emissions, Wildfire Smoke, and Biomass Logging Debris Burns
Exposure to pulp & paper mill emissions, wildfire smoke, and burned biomass debris can all contribute to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia, due to their shared toxic components.

1. Wildfire smoke and cardiovascular disease
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and toxic gases that can trigger or worsen heart disease. The American Heart Association warns that smoke exposure can cause heart problems or worsen existing ones, especially when combined with extreme heat. Studies show that high PM₂.₅ levels from wildfires are linked to:

Nearly doubled risk of fatal heart attacks during heat waves with high pollution American Heart Association

Increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (up to 70% higher risk in some studies) American Heart Association

Higher emergency room visits for ischemic heart disease, heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and stroke within a day of exposure American Heart Association

2. Pulp & paper mill emissions
Pulp & paper mills emit pollutants such as fine particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances are known carcinogens and can cause:

Respiratory and cardiovascular disease from chronic inhalation of PM₂.₅ and other pollutants U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Cancer risk from PAHs and dioxins, which are linked to lung, bladder, and other cancers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Neurological effects from chronic exposure to certain VOCs and metals, potentially contributing to cognitive decline over time

3. Biomass logging debris burns
Burning biomass (wood, peat, eucalyptus, etc.) releases similar toxic mixtures to wildfire smoke, including PM₂.₅, PAHs, and other combustion byproducts. EPA research shows:

Peat smoke can cause inflammation markers like elevated LDL cholesterol after single exposures U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Biomass smoke can damage DNA, cause oxidative stress, and affect brain function in animal studies pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chronic exposure may increase cardiovascular disease risk and neurological health impacts

4. Cancer and dementia risks
Long-term exposure to fine particles and toxic gases from these sources is associated with:

Lung cancer from PAHs and other carcinogens U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Neurodegenerative disease risk from chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential neurotoxicity pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Key takeaway:
All three sources—pulp & paper mill emissions, wildfire smoke, and biomass burns—can cause heart disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia through shared mechanisms: inhalation of fine particles, toxic gases, and carcinogenic compounds. Vulnerable populations (older adults, those with preexisting heart or lung disease, and people with lower socioeconomic status) are at higher risk American Heart Association.

Protection measures:
Limit outdoor activity during high pollution days
Use air purifiers indoors
Follow local air quality advisories
Support regulations to reduce industrial and biomass burning emissions
If you live near a pulp & paper mill, wildfire-prone areas, or biomass logging zones, monitoring local air quality and taking protective steps can significantly reduce health risks. ..."

08/04/2026

Toledo Air Quality - Currently Unhealthy for All! This is very unhealthy for all, worse for babies, children, the elderly, the vulnerable. The wildfires are effecting the air quality throughout Oregon. The DEQ PM 2.5 Sensor sets at the Toledo Police Department about 15 feet off the ground at one of the lowest levels of Toledo, according to DEQ. Here's the link to the DEQ Air Quality Site: https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/

08/03/2026

"... A limit of 15 horsepower motors from Jack Morgan Park to Old Mill Park, which would prohibit jet sleds and effectively mean smaller motors only on drift boats;
No motors above Old Mill Park, which is the west terminus of a popular “town drift” around the city of Siletz; and
Instead of implementing the rule Oct. 1, its effective date would be March 31, 2027, to allow the fall salmon season and winter steelhead season to proceed as normal.
The board also authorized the agency’s director to spend up to $500,000 to make improvements to the Old Mill Park boat launch and parking area, a process that could stretch into late 2027 or 2028. The park is owned by the city of Siletz.
The Old Mill Park’s boat ramp needs replacement and there is only parking for five vehicles with trailers, said agency facilities manager Janine Belleque. The city of Siletz provides overflow parking at city hall, but it is a 15-20 minute walk, she said.
“It needs a lot of work,” Belleque said. ..."
https://www.klcc.org/environment/2026-07-31/oregon-marine-board-oks-limits-siletz-river-boat-motors-delays-implementation-until-next-march?fbclid=IwY2xjawTdzclwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7TpHDp3xOUq160M1E1iUF31E0-nRo1u3Wg065YjVZEGwL2JNbZC0NcnUOQ6w_aem_HGIpwY3ZQMV8saBFes7TZA

The Oregon Marine Board voted unanimously Thursday to restrict the size of boat motors in a middle section of the Siletz River but delayed the new rule until after the fall salmon and winter steelhead seasons.

08/03/2026

https://youtu.be/DolJT2Na2Bs?si=oQ9anELraXVaKEEL

After months of seeking answers, we sat down with EPA Administrator...

07/31/2026

"... This research is good news for farmers and their communities, as it shows that farmers can reduce the amount of pollution they create by foregoing fertilizer with chemicals, which will reduce health risks for those living nearby. ..."

It could prompt changes in the agricultural industry. Researchers make stunning discovery after studying farmland treated with organic fertilizers for years: 'This is the first direct evidence' first appeared on The Cool Down.

07/30/2026

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORWRD/bulletins/422dc35

07/23/2026

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/general/how-pfas-contaminated-20-of-america-s-farmland-and-why-the-government-looked-away/vi-AA274XcR?ocid=socialshare&fbclid=IwY2xjawTO9KBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeUaG-_vkUy4D4t5c6wz0Jc1-SAPaYtm-J7uA1psG5Lz5gmoS23ewCKbuhFEU_aem_uImRM1iX2orMgc6kG26cWw

PFAS forever chemicals have silently spread through America's soil, water, and food supply for decades, with regulators failing to act even after learning the truth. This video breaks down how the contamination happened, what states are doing to fight back, and how you can protect yourself.