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Intel DEQ permit – Media and blog coverage

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Media

(4/6/16) Dale Feik: An open letter to Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel
(3/9/16) DEQ should do the right thing
(3/3/16) Petition seeks review of Intel air quality permit
(2/11/16) DEQ issues long-awaited Intel air quality permit
(1/7/16) Chip manufacturer agrees to increased transparency in toxic air emission reports
(1/6/15) Intel meetings public – and important – Intel negotiating over emissions with EQC, AQAC
(1/2/16) Two meetings will address Intel air emissions
(12/12/15) Intel officials slate meeting with county residents over emissions
(2/23/15) Dale Feik: Book About Corrales and Intel Reverberates in Oregon
We ask ODEQ to fulfill its mission as a regulating agency by writing a strict permit that will protect the public.  Even a strict permit, of course, will do no good unless it is enforced.  So we also ask ODEQ to require Intel to comply with the new permit, rather than excuse major violations as “oversights,” with trivial fines imposed as penalties.  Even that may not be enough to protect public health, because safe exposure limits do not exist for many of Intel's toxic chemicals.
(11/20/14) Intel air quality: Committee created by fluoride settlement begins work
The first meeting of a committee created in the wake of Intel's failure to disclose fluoride emissions began with a polite – but adversarial – greeting. … The committee – charged with negotiating a “good neighbor agreement” between Intel, Neighbors for Clean Air and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center – held its inaugural meeting Wednesday night at the Hillsboro Public Library's Shute Park branch.
(11/19/14) Hillsboro hoping to curtail harmful PM2.5 emissions; industry's contribution called 'insignificant'
(Oregonian reporter Luke Hammill) asked Hillsboro sustainability guru and Senior Project Manager Peter Brandom about the industrial contribution to PM2.5 levels, and he described it as "virtually insignificant."
The Environmental Protection Agency says that sources of PM2.5 "include all types of combustion activities (motor vehicles, power plants, wood burning, etc.) and certain industrial processes."
(5/29/14) Intel strikes deal with Oregon environmental groups on air quality
Intel pledged Thursday to adopt a broad regime of air quality monitoring and public reporting of atmospheric pollutants, settling with environmental groups that had threatened to sue over the company's failure to disclose fluoride emissions at its Washington County computer chip factories.
(4/24/14) Intel's fluoride error: What the $143,000 DEQ fine means for D1X construction and emissions
Intel will have to obtain a permit for construction already underway at its multibillion-dollar D1X factory in Hillsboro.  That was perhaps the most confusing takeaway from DEQ's announcement Thursday that Intel will pay $143,000 for failing to disclose its fluoride emissions.
(4/24/14) Intel will pay $143,000 penalty for fluoride violations in Hillsboro
Intel will pay $143,000 – one of the largest air-quality penalties in Oregon history – for violating environmental laws by failing to disclose fluoride emissions at its Washington County computer-chip factories.
(1/11/14) Intel's letter to DEQ about fluoride fallout actions: Read the full document
This week's news that Intel committed in November to pursuing an environmentally rigorous construction permit to make up for its fluoride omission came courtesy of a letter from the company's lawyer to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.  We're posting it here for reader perusal.
(1/8/14) Intel committed to applying for rigorous retroactive construction permit for D1X following fluoride flub
Intel committed to pursuing an environmentally rigorous, retroactive construction permit for its multibillion-dollar D1X expansion in an attempt to mitigate fallout from its fluoride flub, according to a letter its lawyer sent the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in November.
(11/26/13) In wake of fluoride mistake, Intel, DEQ in talks about possible retroactive construction permit for D1X
Intel and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality are trying to pin down what would be required for the company to secure a retroactive construction permit for its well-underway, multibillion-dollar expansion in Hillsboro, according to DEQ officials.
That the chipmaker might need a permit for work that's been under way since 2011 is tied to its admission that it has been emitting fluoride for years without state knowledge.
(11/14/13) Russ Dondero and Dale Feik: Hold Intel and DEQ accountable
At the end of the day, the problem will be resolved by the public demanding that our local officials, our county board, our governor and our legislators give DEQ and other state agencies the tools to protect the public health.
(11/13/13) Hillsboro Airport leaded fuel issue drawing more attention amid Intel's fluoride flub
“The Intel issue has shed light on it,” Barnes said of environmental concerns about area industry.  “More people are interested.  I'm hearing more people ask ‘is Intel air monitored”  What about these other industries?’”
(10/26/13) Intel's fluoride flub might trigger brief, painful delay at D1X
Intel's failure to disclose fluoride emissions at its Washington County factories has embarrassed the company and, in its own estimation, cost it neighbors' trust.  But for the first time, environmentalists and regulators are raising the possibility the issue could briefly delay operations and construction at the site.
(10/25/13) Intel permit faces opposition
For months, regional government leaders and business boosters have been cheering the construction of the two large manufacturing facilities now under construction at Intel's Ronler Acres Campus in Hillsboro.  Now, however, there's a growing push to slow the project down and require Oregon's largest employer to install additional emission control equipment, regardless of the cost.
(10/23/13) Grass-roots opposition to Intel permit grows
Can Washington County's largest employer be prevented from using the two large manufacturing facilities it is constructing – or at least be required to install additional emission control equipment, regardless of the cost?
(10/23/13) Editorial: Intel, DEQ need to reassure public about air quality
Intel's air quality plans might very well be adequate.  But in the wake of the fluoride oversight, it's hard to blame neighbors and environmental advocates for being less trusting.  Neighbors for Clean Air and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center on Tuesday revealed that they have filed a notice of intent to sue Intel for what they claim are company violations of the Clean Air Act.
(10/23/13) Intel Will Be Regulated as Major Source of Pollution: Public Comment Sought by Nov 1
Public comment is sought for Intel's new air pollution permit now that the factories here are considered major polluters for greenhouse gases.  Intel's draft Permit No. P257 under Title V of the federal 1977 Clean Air Act is expected to be approved by the N.M. Environment Department's Air Quality Bureau on or before December 19.  No hearing or public meetings have been set for review and comment on the draft permit that would allow Intel to dump into the air 50 tons of chemical pollutants an hour, 24 hours a day, indefinitely.
(10/22/13) Neighbors for Clean Air files intent to sue Intel over alleged Clean Air Act violations in Hillsboro
Neighbors for Clean Air and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center have filed a notice of their intent to sue Intel for what the groups claim are company violations of the Clean Air Act.
(10/18/13) Online petition asks Kitzhaber, state to impose highest emission controls
A Neighbors for Clean Air petition circulated this week calls on the state to hold Intel to the "highest standard of emission controls and testing" at its Washington County operation.
(10/17/13) Air pollution a leading cause of cancer - U.N. agency
The air we breathe is laced with cancer-causing substances and is being officially classified as carcinogenic to humans, the World Health Organization's cancer agency said on Thursday.
(10/17/13) DEQ now questioning whole process, may have issued wrong D1X approval
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality may have incorrectly granted Intel approval for its $3 billion expansion in Hillsboro, effectively bypassing public notice and now calling into question the company's pending air quality permit. … Neighbors for Clean Air attorney John Krallman said the answer to DEQ's question is simple: The company should have required a permit to start building.  It was a comment from Krallman earlier this week that first got Davis and other DEQ officials thinking about the process.
(10/14/13) Linda Peters in the Hillsboro Argus: Intel emissions remind us livable communities need clean air
A young couple living near Intel want to start a family, but worry the air won't be safe for a baby.  Folks at Orenco Station gaze up at bright, giant cranes wondering what will soon spew from those huge plants.  Employees, construction workers, and neighbors gossip about “Intel snow” that sometimes coats everything.  What is that stuff?  Is it safe?   The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) – now reviewing Intel s new air emissions permit – has no answers.
(10/14/13) Dale Feik: submitted to the Oregonian and published online by the Forest Grove News Times and the Hillsboro Tribune)
Intel: Are you a clean semi conductor manufacturer? Yes you are – for the chips and component parts that you make.  Your chips have to be made under the strictest conditions of cleanliness. … As much as I am concerned about employee safety and health, I am really concerned about the health of the people who live within a 25 mile dispersion radius from any Washington County Intel manufacturing plant.
(10/10/13) Intel promises to address Hillsboro neighbors' pollution concerns
The outreach represents a “first step” by Intel, according to former Washington County chairwoman Linda Peters, now chairwoman of the Washington County Citizen Action Network.  She said Intel called her Wednesday, and has also contacted Neighbors for Clean Air, Save Helvetia and a pair of Washington County neighborhood associations.
(10/9/13) Linda Peters: Confronting Intel's Dark Side
“The sky's the limit” used to mean endless possibilities.  In fact, though, the sky closest to us – our atmosphere – has its own limits.  It can carry only so much pollution without damaging us, our economy and our environment.  How much is too much?  We don't know, and no agency is asking.
(10/7/13) Hillsboro Tribune: DEQ: Go slow on Intel permit
We realize emission control devices and monitoring equipment will likely come with a significant price tag, but we believe DEQ should err on the side of caution as it considers the proposed air quality permit for Intel.
(10/7/13) Intel's air quality permit: DEQ reviewing when greenhouse gas regulations took effect in Oregon
DEQ approved Intel's massive buildout just days before more stringent federal regulations for greenhouse gases kicked in with the new year.  … For some Hillsboro residents who want tighter regulation of Intel's emissions, the timing is a source of tension.
(9/20/13) Intel: Manager says company will be 'responsive'
…most of the approximately 50 citizens who attended were highly skeptical of Intel's promises and called on DEQ to ramp up monitoring of what is being released.
(9/20/13) Oregonian: Intel, come clean on fluoride emissions
…the company needs to be forthright in its dealings with the state and the local community.  Though the state's regulatory powers may be limited, Intel would do itself a favor by divulging the amount of previous fluoride emissions in Hillsboro.  Doing so would contribute to public understanding of the issues involved and give Intel added credibility as it navigates the permitting process.
(9/11/13) Dale Feik: Intel emissions are corrosive and toxic
…Intel has proposed an increase in its toxic air emissions, some that are very corrosive and others that are very toxic to children and adults; particularly pregnant women.
(8/30/13) Oregon considers new air quality permit for Intel's factories amid neighbor concerns
As Intel readies two massive new research factories in Hillsboro, some of its Washington County are questioning how the expansion will affect their air and community. … Residents want a clearer understanding of how Intel's emissions, coupled with the Hillsboro Airport and other industrial operations nearby, affect overall air quality, [Linda] Peters said.
(8/2/13) Intel Urged to Start Continuous Emissions Monitoring for Toxins (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXII; No. 1-24)
Demanded by Intel downwinders for nearly 20 years, the microchip makers on the mesa above Corrales are now being nudged toward installing continuous emissions monitoring.
(8/2/13) Intel Air Pollution Report Expected in Spring (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
Long overdue, the final report on Intel air pollution from the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is supposed to be released next spring.
(2/3/13) Intel Air Pollution Permit Responds to EPA Crackdown (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
Intel is seeking significant changes to its state air pollution permit in partial response to a federal crackdown following a surprise, five-day inspection in December 2009.
(11/25/12) Intel Okays Study of Hydrogen Fluoride Air Pollution (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
Intel will proceed with a study of its emissions of the toxic industrial chemical hydrogen fluoride with the participation of Village Councillor John Alsobrook offering technical assistance.
(8/29/12) Intel Seeks Revision to How Pollution is Reported (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
Intel seeks approval to change the emissions factors (multipliers) it uses to report its air pollution.
(8/11/12) Separate Hydrogen Fluoride Study May Start (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
A peer-reviewed paper on Intel's hydrogen fluoride air pollution for publication in a technical journal has been proposed by a charter member of the microchip maker's Community Environmental Working Group (CEWG).
(7/7/12) Darko Koracin May Be Hired for Intel Toxic Air Study (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
The air pollution expert whose 2004 report indicated Intel's emissions plumes were passing through nearby residents' homes when they reported feeling ill may be called in for the chipmaker's proposed study of toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) releases.
(7/7/12) Intel Toxic Emissions Study Raises Questions of Credibility (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
Intel's emissions of hydrogen fluoride into the air Corraleños breathe have been a concern since at least 1994.  Now that the microchip maker on the mesa is considering a study of those emissions, the retired Los Alamos National Laboratories chemist who raised those concerns more than a decade ago has no faith in what the study outcome may show.
(6/17/12) Should Intel Study Hydrogen Fluoride Releases? (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
Intel wants to know whether Corrales residents are interested in knowing how its elevated releases, or “spikes,” of highly toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) may affect them.
(5/6/12) Intel Will Study Toxic Hydrogen Fluoride Releases As EPA Asks (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXXI, No. 1-24)
Intel hopes to improve community acceptance of its efforts to reduce air pollution by enlisting some of Corrales' elected officials for another round of emissions evaluation, this time for hydrogen fluoride (HF).
(4/8/12) Resident Reflects on Decades of Monitoring Intel (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXX, No. 1-24)
Probably no Corrales resident has more earnestly taken Intel up on its invitation to learn about the microchip maker on the mesa than Roberta King.
(1/15/12) Commentary by Barbara Rockwell (News/Commentaries, Corrales Comment)
Many people think of Intel as the “crown jewel” of New Mexico's economy.  Its apologists would argue that Intel provides a lot of jobs, but these jobs have come at a great price for the people of Sandoval County.
(1/15/12) Intel Shifts PR Tactics After EPA Pollution Bust (News/Corrales Comment Volume XXX, No. 1-24)
While awaiting the final “community health consultation” report from the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) on Intel's air pollution, the microchip manufacturer is re-making its public relations campaign.
(4/10/11) Prodding Intel To Cut Pollution Brings Results
If there are no federal or state limits on how much toxic chemicals Intel or any other factory can dump into the air we breathe, is there no way to limit exposures downwind residents must endure?  Yes, there is, if Intel voluntarily discovers and adopts those ways.  And those anti-pollution measures may even be written into Intel's State-issued permit – but only if Intel agrees.
Now there's hope change may be coming.  Air Quality Bureau Chief [Mary] Uhl said EPA officials investigating Intel's compliance with the Clean Air Act are focused on the adequacy of that permit and whether short-term limits should be set.  “The over-arching issue – and I think Intel would agree with this – is whether this is a ‘major source’ or a ‘minor source’” of air pollution, Uhl recalled.  “That was readily apparent,” from her discussions with EPA.  If EPA determines that the bureau's permit for Intel should be withdrawn and re-issued with regulations suitable for a major polluter, the new permit may, or may not, set hourly, daily or monthly emissions limits, Uhl cautioned.
(4/23/04) Late Report Links Illness To Intel Emissions Plume (News/Corrales Comment)
The validity of a health risk assessment which seemed to exonerate Intel from charges its toxic emissions are harming villagers' health is being further called into question.
(4/6/04) Intel Pollution Permit Will Be Examined By EIB
N.M. Environment Secretary Ron Curry has promised to present a staff analysis of Corrales residents' findings of harmful levels of Intel toxins to the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB).

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