This morning we went on a walking tour around Northwest Portland. Roaming the industrial area between the Willamette River and Forest Park, Sarah Taylor taught us the history of the land. Focusing on this area alone, we learned about the intersectionality of air pollution, health, social justice, and racism. Since the Industrial Revolution, the people of this area – historically people of color – have been put at risk of health impacts related to air pollution from oil transport. Here, trains and trucks load and unload from Zenith Energy’s fuel storage facility. It was insane to learn how many tons of flammable crude oil were being stored next to the tree line of Forest Park. What made this storage location even more fascinating was that it was located on a fault line. If not moved, the next major earthquake will cause a massive oil spill and/or explosion.
This afternoon we planned to meet a few members of the Portland Harbor Community Coalition (PHCC) to learn about the superfund site – area of mass pollution — along the Willamette River. When we arrived at Cathedral Park, two women were waiting for us. By the time we finished introducing ourselves, there were a total of seven who came to meet with us from various organizations! As a senior and aspiring environmental activist, it was extremely powerful to hear from so many women in the environmental field. They explained the history of Superfunds as they were established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act that was created in 1980. Most pollution associated with these Superfund Sites resulted from World War II ship-making before any environmental protections were adopted. As a result, we are forced to play catch-up to remediate both historical and more recent sources of pollution.
Talking individually with the women from the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and PHCC, I appreciated their excitement not just for their work but about helping us be able to join them in their efforts. Their enthusiasm made me excited to join the work force!
–By Julia Weinand