By Brenden Jin | Non Stop Local | Jan. 16, 2025

Lower Umatilla Basin, Ore. – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to the risk of economic shutdown in Morrow and Umatilla Counties. 

The emergency declaration allows the Port of Morrow to release extra wastewater onto fields within the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. This exception to the current wastewater permit is intended to manage the overflow of wastewater and keep the local economy running.

Governor Kotek said recent above-average rainfall affects the Port of Morrow wastewater site. This decision aims to prevent a shutdown of food processing and agricultural industries in Morrow and Umatilla counties.