ORS 465.245

When the Department of Environmental Quality receives information about a release or a threat of release from a potential facility, the department shall evaluate the information and document its conclusions and may approve or conduct a preliminary assessment. However, if the department determines there is a significant threat to present or future public health, safety, welfare or the environment, the department shall approve or conduct a preliminary assessment according to rules of the Environmental Quality Commission. The preliminary assessment shall be conducted as expeditiously as possible within the budgetary constraints of the department.