The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said that Vancouver Iron & Steel Inc is paying a USD 4,693 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fine for failing to conduct all required storm water discharge monitoring at its foundry at 866 N. Columbia Boulevard in North Portland.

The facility has a DEQ issued permit which allows it to discharge storm water from activities on its foundry site to the Columbia Slough, within strict limits. The permit requires it to monitor its storm water through the regular taking of samples and to conduct monthly visual monitoring of storm water discharge. Vancouver Iron & Steel failed to conduct visual monitoring for six months between November 2010 and May 2011.

DEQ issued the penalty because regular monitoring of the facility's discharge helps ensure that the discharge meets benchmark limits outlined in its permit. Failure to meet the benchmarks may indicate the presence of harmful levels of industrial pollutants that could enter the Columbia Slough from the foundry. These discharges can damage aquatic species and their habitat, and reduce the safety of public waters for public use.

Vancouver Iron & Steel Inc had appealed the penalty shortly after DEQ issued it in November 2011. After meeting with DEQ to discuss the violations further, the company signed a settlement agreement requiring the company to pay a total fine of USD 4,693.