Pacific Seafood's $3.2 million fine exposes clash over Oregon water rules

Pacific Seafood, a major Oregon coastal processor based in Clackamas, was hit with three water pollution fines in April totaling $3.2 million. The penalties include the agency’s second-largest fine on record and were tied to violations at three plants along the Oregon coast. The company argues the standards set by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality are economically unachievable, adding pressure to an industry already facing consolidation and shrinking employment. DEQ Director Leah Feldon said the goal is to keep bays and ocean waters free of pollution that can harm fish and other aquatic life. A June 25 meeting produced no public results.