Located off Interstate 5 in Douglas County, the Cow Creek Rest Area was found to exceed the total coliform bacteria amount in its reclaimed water by five times the limit when it was tested on 15 July 2009.
Exceeding permit limits for treated wastewater poses a risk of harm to the environment and presents a health hazard to the public, through direct contact, or through contact with pets, insects or other organisms which come into contact with the discharge.
The Oregan Department of Environmental Quality noted that the Oregan Department of Transportation had violated state water pollution laws in three other instances. The Department of Transportation has appealed the penalty.