November 10, 2021 10:40 a.m. 

Five staff from Western States Environmental hired by the Oregon Department of Transportation are working on a cleanup project this week under the bridge located near the corner of Northeast Stephens Street and Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard in Roseburg.

Dan Latham of ODOT said the area is of concern primarily because of fire hazards. Latham said in the course of the cleanup, containers of paint have been found along with thinners, kerosene, and other hazardous materials, including hypodermic needles. Latham said there has also been concern about debris falling into the stream below.

Information from ODOT said the cleanup process involves providing 10 days of written and verbal notification. Written notices were posted and those under the bridge were talked to. Those camping under the bridge were encouraged to remove their belongings. Latham said items left were placed in storage containers and will be held for thirty days. Anyone who calls the number provided can look through the stored items and retrieve their property.

Latham said an estimated 140 cubic yards will be cleaned up, filling seven containers.

Sergeant Daniel Allen of the Roseburg Police said an officer was on scene to assist while the work takes place.

Latham said it’s estimated the cleanup will cost around $10,000. Funding comes the Oregon gas tax.