It has been said "the solution to pollution is dilution." And for eons that included throwing it into rivers and the ocean.
While the ocean is big, humans are not immune to ocean pollution as demonstrated by Minamata Disease and mercury bioaccumulation in seafood. An estimated 45% of mercury pollution is caused by burning coal. Then, of course, plastics, dramatized by Seattle artist https://www.chrisjordan.com/ including his film Alabatros. Micro- and nano-plastics are in our bodies.
I worked in a laboratory studying sewage and I can guarantee poop flows downhill.
Once upon a time, as little Portland grew, we dumped many bad things into the Willamette River. President Nixon famously created the EPA in the long arc from Walden, to Silent Spring, and Earth Day.
We owe a lot to Silent Spring, which influenced the thinking of President Kennedy. The author was a force of nature and her life story fascinating.
In 1976 toxic waste was discovered at the Love Canal in Niagra Falls.
In response at the end of 1980, President Carter signed into law the Superfund Program as a result of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. That was passed in the House 351–23, and the Senate by a voice vote.
Of course today the EPA is under corrupt top management. Their bad decisions are only starting https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/epa-will-no-longer-consider-health-related-monetary-benefits-of-reducing-air-pollution/.
The Superfund program cleans up severely polluted places. The Willamette River is a Superfund site https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=1002155#:~:text=We%20selected%20Alternative%20F%20Modified,Part%203%20of%20the%20ROD.&text=Note:%20This%20is%20a%20special,from%20the%20larger%20Administrative%20Record. The sedements are polluted.
One of those spots is the former McCormick & Baxter plant that treated utility poles and railroad ties with wood preservatives. They went bankrupt leaving their problems for us.
That location has a Superfund cleanup plan and will now be transformed into a garden park by the river.
There is an exhibit open throughout the month and many public talks about the project. https://portlandbg.org/2026/01/14/design-portland-2026/
Talks are on February 4, 8, & 15. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pdx-design-collaborative-105537641091
Visioning the Portland Botanical Gardens at the JK Gill Building at 426 SW Harvey Milk. The month open hours are yet unknown. Opening party First Thursday 5:30PM - 8:30 Free
