A vast array of tank farms, housing an even vaster array of toxic chemicals and fossil fuels, lines the Willamette River as you head north along highway 30 in Northwest Portland. Known as Oregon’s Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, these tanks provide most of the fuel storage for the entire state. Since the release of the 2013 Oregon Resilience Plan, emergency officials have become increasingly concerned about the impact to the state’s fuel supply following a damaging earthquake. But according to my guest today these tank farms pose far greater risks than just a disruption of the fuel supply. Jay Wilson, Resilience Coordinator for Clackamas County Emergency Management, believes these tank farms are a ticking time bomb for a major environmental catastrophe.
- KBOO