Voluntary Cleanup

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DEQ created the Independent Cleanup Pathway to assist parties wishing to clean up contaminated sites without ongoing DEQ oversight. If a cleanup is completed to a level that is protective of human health and the environment and is consistent with Oregon's cleanup regulations, DEQ will issue a No Further Action (NFA) letter to the responsible party when the cleanup activities are completed, reviewed, and approved. The ICP is specifically designed for low- and medium-priority sites; it is not available for high-priority sites.

• Independent Cleanup Pathway Information Packet
  Program and sign-up information.​​

Next Steps 

Your DEQ Online is our online system for enrolling in our Independent Cleanup Pathway. See instructions for setting up your account. For detailed instructions on how to complete this submittal please reference the Your DEQ Online User Guide.

1. Completed the “Cleanup Program Intake" submittal. This will trig​ger DEQ review.
   
2. After the review is completed, staff will send back your submittal and request a $1500 deposit.
3. After the submittal is accepted and the deposit is received by DEQ, you'll prepare and provide your Independent Cleanup Pathway report. To submit a report to DEQ, use Your DEQ Online.
4. DEQ will review the final report. 

DEQ issues the No Further Action determination after having satisfied public notice and participation requirements.

Report guide

The report guide and outline are helpful both in determining the scope of a project and in preparing the final report to DEQ.

• Independent Cleanup Pathway Report Preparation Guide
• Independent Cleanup Pathway Final Report Outline
  
• ICP Final Report Checklist
  

The Voluntary Cleanup Pathway is the original voluntary cleanup path, where DEQ provides oversight throughout the investigation and cleanup. This option is available for voluntary high-priority sites, as well as lower priority sites, with contamination in any environmental medium (soil, groundwater, sediment, surface water, or air). VCP provides a flexible schedule. Work can be completed as part of a site development project, as operable units, or based on an annual budget. DEQ oversight ensures that your cleanup will meet Oregon's Environmental Cleanup Law.

• Voluntary Cleanup Pathway Information Packet
  Program and sign-up information.

Next Steps 

Your DEQ Online is our online system for enrolling in our Voluntary Cleanup pathway. See instructions for setting up your account. For detailed instructions on how to complete this submittal please reference the Your DEQ Online User Guide. 

1. Completed the “Cleanup Program Intake" submittal. This will trigger DEQ review.
2. After the review is completed, staff will send back your submittal and request a $5000 deposit.
3. After the submittal is accepted and the deposit is received by DEQ, staff will assess conditions at your site.
4. DEQ works with you to develop an appropriate scope of work for your project.
5. You develop work plans and reports for DEQ approval.
6. You propose a remedy to DEQ; we then evaluate it to be sure it meets requirements of the Environmental Cleanup Law.
7. You implement the remedy that DEQ selects.

​DEQ issues a  No Further Action  determination once protective conditions have been achieved through remediation and/or institutional controls. This process also includes a public comment period. ​