Imagine your drinking water becoming a health hazard, forcing you to pay for a problem you didn’t create. That’s the stark reality for Boardman’s West Glen residents battling severe nitrate pollution. A new community group is fighting back, demanding accountability and clean water. Will their voices be heard, or will big companies continue to pollute without consequence?

A pressing environmental advocacy movement has emerged in Boardman’s West Glen neighborhood, where residents have formed West Glen United to confront escalating nitrate pollution in their vital drinking water supply. This newly organized community group is amplifying concerns over the severe groundwater contamination that has plagued their area for over a year, demanding accountability and effective solutions from local governance.

The severity of this community health crisis cannot be overstated; nitrate levels in some West Glen wells have tested as high as 60 milligrams per liter, significantly exceeding the safe limit of 10 mg/L. Such elevated concentrations pose dire risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like young children and pregnant women, with numerous residents already experiencing health problems directly linked to unknowingly consuming contaminated water for extended periods.

Residents voice profound frustration over the financial and personal toll exacted by the pollution. Anniese Philpott, a member of West Glen United, articulates the sentiment of many, stating, “We’ve had our drinking water stolen from us and we shouldn’t have to pay even more because these big companies polluted our groundwater.” This highlights the perceived injustice of residents bearing the cost of a problem they did not create, enduring lost property values and significant health impacts.

Supported by Oregon Rural Action, West Glen United aims to ensure their neighborhood’s voice is heard as Morrow County grapples with finding solutions. Kaleb Lay, policy and research director for Oregon Rural Action, points out a critical flaw in the process: despite the long-standing issue, public meetings to discuss solutions have only recently begun and were inadequately publicized, fostering a sense of exclusion among affected residents.

The group strongly advocates that the burden of cleanup should fall squarely on those responsible for the initial groundwater contamination. Lay emphatically states, “The people who are affected by this pollution didn’t cause it. They just should not be the ones on the hook to pay one more thin dime,” echoing the community’s refusal to accept further financial penalties for corporate negligence impacting water quality concerns.

During a recent county-run community meeting at Sam Boardman Elementary School, members of West Glen United presented their collective grievances and proposed solutions. A key takeaway from residents was a strong aversion to the idea of incurring additional water bills while still maintaining their private well systems, a common sentiment given the existing financial strain.

Despite the initial communication challenges, there appears to be a glimmer of hope for future engagement. Matt Jensen and other county commissioners reportedly expressed openness to hearing more from the community, even beyond the initially scheduled public input sessions. This suggests a potential for continued dialogue and a more collaborative approach to resolving the pressing Boardman nitrate pollution crisis.

West Glen United remains steadfast in its mission. Members plan to persistently push local officials to collaborate closely with them, ensuring that any proposed solutions to the pervasive nitrate pollution effectively address the unique needs and concerns of their community, ultimately restoring safe and affordable drinking water to all residents.