Federal nitrate pollution lawsuit against eastern Oregon farms moves forward

Farming lobby raises doubts over nitrate harm

A public health expert giving evidence at a freshwater trial, taken by Ngāi Tahu, has been challenged over the threat posed by nitrates in drinking water.The South Island iwi have asked the High Court to make a series of declarations, including Crown recognition of its rangatiratanga over wai māori (freshwater) within its takiwā (territory). The Crown ought to re-design and implement “in cooperation and partnership with Ngāi Tahu” a wai māori ma…

Federal nitrate pollution lawsuit against eastern Oregon farms moves forward

Port of Morrow's East Beach Facility in Boardman, Oregon on April 15, 2022. Gov. Tina Kotek recently signed an executive order allowing the Port of Morrow to dump more nitrate-laden wastewater on agricultural fields. (Photo by Monica Samayoa/OPB)A federal lawsuit accusing agricultural businesses of polluting groundwater in the Lower Umatilla Basin is moving forward and changing venues. In an 80-page recommendation released Monday, U.S. Magistrat…