Rumble On The River presents free community forums throughout Portland neighborhoods. Topics have included urban forestry, shade equity, Columbia & Willamette River ecosystems, false climate solutions  and salmon restoration. The prevailing Rumble focus has been on the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub.

For this Rumble on the River Community Forum, we will be focusing on the PSU/Multnomah County Report – “Risky Reality of Our Toxic Mix”

“Over 1000 hazardous storage containers at local industries in Multnomah County are in danger of leaking in an earthquake because they were not built to seismic design standards. Those holding hazardous gasses may release toxic plumes into the air that can be life-threatening. These plumes will be carried by the wind to other locations. Other hazmats may spill onto soil and water with dire environmental impacts.” —Tank The Tanks

We will have a panel of folks who will present on toxic plume releases following an earthquake or other accident. 

This will include a Review of the Report, Emergency Management of a Toxic Scenario, Public Safety Education Resources, Community Resilience and Preparedness Strategies, Risk Bonding and Calls To Action.

Panelists include:

Luke Hanst: Writer, Project Director, Institute of Sustainable Solutions, PSU

Chris Voss: Director, Emergency Management, Multnomah County

Alice Busch: Emergency Management, Multnomah County; EMT, former Firefighter and Portland NET

Melanie Plaut: Retired OB-GYN with Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

LINK HERE for ”Risk of Earthquake-Induced Hazardous Materials Releases in Multnomah County. Oregon: Two Scenarios Examined” and other reports. Oct 2023