2.5 million pounds of radioactive waste
The Chemical Waste Management company was caught illegally dumping 2.5 million pounds of radioactive waste into a waste facility near the Columbia River in 2020. (1) This amount of waste accumulated over three years from 2016- 2019 in Arlington’s waste landfill (Oregon regulators fine two companies $368K for illegally disposing of radioactive oilfield waste at a landfill in Arlington. (2020, September 2)). Although the dumping is illegal, The Oregon Department of Energy cannot fine the company due to certain criteria that would deem the act fineable (The Oregon Department of Energy. (2020, February 14)); (Waste Dumped Illegally in Oregon. (2020, February 14)). A risk assessment plan by Chemical Waste Management for the site is predicted to be complete by the end of April, which will help restore the site from as much damage as possible (The Oregon Department of Energy. (2020, February 14)). The radium in the waste was found to be 300 times state limits, and The Department of Environmental Quality issued a $60,000 fine to Chemical Waste Management (Oregon regulators fine two companies $368K for illegally disposing of radioactive oilfield waste at a landfill in Arlington. (2020, September 2)). This radioactive waste leaches into the groundwater or off into nearby water sources. While the water quality monitoring process will be stringent on the company, The state Department of Energy suggested the waste is left in its place due to the risk it can pose to workers managing the waste (Illegally dumped radioactive fracking waste will stay, says Oregon state agency. (2021, March 25)).

Mercury dumping in the Columbia River
The Columbia River is susceptible to various sources of pollution. The Chemical Waste Management company and TD*X were accused of releasing mercury from oil operations in the landfill (A Dispute Is Brewing Over Mercury Air Pollution In Columbia River Gorge, (2018, August 24)). Mercury is a heavy metal that will fall into the Columbia River, contaminating the fish that indigenous tribes and locals rely on (A Dispute Is Brewing Over Mercury Air Pollution In Columbia River Gorge, (2018, August 24)). TD*X was fined for polluting a similar amount to Chemical Waste Management. However, the EPA did not fine Chemical Waste Management or use the same restrictions (Oregon landfill emitting poisonous mercury with no oversight, competitor alleges. 2018, August 17)). TD*X also pointed out how the same company in Louisiana had to follow strict rules to process their mercury waste. However, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality deems the amount of Mercury released as a complaint with the law (Oregon landfill emitting poisonous mercury with no oversight, competitor alleges. 2018, August 17)). 

Drought brings insect swarms
With worsening drought conditions and an advisory in Gillam County during 2015, the swarms are observed to be worsening in the West (‘Biblical’ insect swarms spur Oregon push to fight pests. (2022, June 26)); (In and for the Court of the State of Oregon for Gilliam County. (2015, June 3)). Although flightless, the shield-backed katydids or Mormon Crickets travel in huge swarms that attack crops (Swarms of Mormon Crickets Engulf Oregon Farms: 'Truly Biblical'. (2022, June 29)); (‘Biblical’ insect swarms spur Oregon push to fight pests. (2022, June 26)). They are considered pests but are native to the Western US. In order to contain their population, the grasshopper suspension program was set to provide funding for pesticide use (‘Biblical’ insect swarms spur Oregon push to fight pests. (2022, June 26)). Environmental groups oppose the reliance on pesticides, considering their environmental impact, especially on water quality (‘Biblical’ insect swarms spur Oregon push to fight pests. (2022, June 26)). The pesticides can be blown into waterways and contaminate drinking water (Drinking Water and Pesticides. (2022, June 13)). The situation is dire for agriculture, which had 10 million acres damaged by these swarms (Swarms of Mormon Crickets Engulf Oregon Farms: 'Truly Biblical.' (2022, June 29)). 2017 was the year with the largest swarm since the 1940s ('Biblical' cricket swarms ravage Oregon crops. (2022, June 26)).

Wildfire risk
The city of Condon is vulnerable to fires and is listed under the major risk of wildfire category on Risk Factor (Does Condon have risk? (2023)). Although the fire risk is very high, there have not been any occurrences of controlled burning, which relatively decreases the chances of wildfires during warm months. As air temperature increases due to climate change, Gilliam County must prepare some strategies to prevent future wildfires, which have caused many acres of land to burn (Firefighters contain Scott Canyon blaze near Condon. (2016, December 20)); (Crews contain wildfire near Condon Monday. (2020, July 27)); (Local fire crews head to eastern Oregon to fight Stubblefield Fire. (2018, August 17)). Natural wildfires occur in Gilliam county from lightning strikes.

1. https://www.opb.org/article/2020/09/02/radioactive-waste-oregon-landfill-fine/