Like water bodies in all industrialized areas, the Tualatin River watershed is facing growing concern over emerging contaminants—specifically PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-q). These substances, often undetectable by traditional water quality monitoring, pose significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in non-stick coatings, firefighting foams, and water-resistant materials. Their persistence in the environment allows them to accumulate in water bodies, where they have been linked to serious human health issues such as cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system effects.
We’re fortunate in our watershed to have Clean Water Services taking a leading role to ensure that biosolids remain free from elevated PFAS levels.To better understand the presence of PFAS in the Tualatin River, particularly in comparison to other watersheds around the nation, TRK is participating in Waterkeeper Alliance's national PFA Monitoring Project. Our participation will not only give us better insight into the presence of PFAS in the Tualatin, but also allows for deeper collaboration with our Waterkeeper peers. On the national level, the Waterkeeper Alliance continues to push the EPA (LINK TO https://waterkeeper.org/news/epas-announcement-on-pfas-contamination-poses-more-questions-than-answers/) to remain committed to PFAS regulations and to continue funding critical research.
6PPD-q, a byproduct of a tire preservative (6PPD), was only identified a few years ago as highly toxic to certain fish species, including many salmonids. Studies have shown that stormwater runoff containing 6PPD-q can cause acute mortality in coho salmon, steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout, important species in the Pacific Northwest. With new development occurring throughout the Tualatin watershed, thoughtful stormwater management will be critical to the health of our river and its salmonid populations. TRK is an active participant in the Oregon 6PPDq Working Group, a collaborative effort between dozens of organizations to address the impacts from 6PPDq in our region.
As we continue to address the presence and impact of these emerging contaminants in the Tualatin River, we are also working with partners to push the Oregon legislature to take action during this session. HB 3362 proposes a tax on sales of tires to fund tire pollution prevention and mitigation, while HB 3512 seeks to prohibit the manufacture and use of toxic PFAS chemicals within Oregon. Both bills are both moving through their respective committees and regardless of their outcomes, they have served to raise awareness of the harm these contaminants perpetuate.
Continued research, updated treatment technologies, and proactive pollution prevention will be key to protecting water quality and aquatic life in our region. Tualatin Riverkeepers is committed to advocating for a healthy and clean Tualatin and to keeping our members and watershed residents informed of emerging threats.
