TITLE 45
WATER
RESOURCES: IRRIGATION, DRAINAGE, FLOOD CONTROL, RECLAMATION
Chapter 536. Water Resources Administration
537. Appropriation of Water Generally
538. Withdrawal of Certain Waters From
Appropriation; Special Municipal and County Water Rights
539. Determination of Water Rights Initiated
Before February 24, 1909; Determination of Water Rights of Federally Recognized
Indian Tribes
540. Distribution of Water; Watermasters; Change
in Use; Transfer or Forfeiture of Water Rights
541. Water Distributors; Water Releases;
Conservation and Storage; Water Development Projects; Watershed Management and
Enhancement
542. Water Resource Surveys and Projects;
Compacts
543. Hydroelectric Projects
543A. Reauthorizing and Decommissioning
Hydroelectric Projects
545. Irrigation Districts
547. Drainage Districts
548. Provisions Applicable Both to Drainage
Districts and to Irrigation Districts
549. Drainage and Flood Control Generally
551. Diking Districts
552. Water Improvement Districts
553. Water Control Districts
554. Corporations for Irrigation, Drainage,
Water Supply or Flood Control
555. Reclamation Projects
558. Weather Modification
_______________
Chapter 536 — Water
Resources Administration
2011 EDITION
WATER RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION
WATER LAWS
GENERAL PROVISIONS
536.007 Definitions
536.009 Water
Resources Department Water Right Operating Fund; uses; sources
536.015 Water
Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund; uses; sources
536.017 Records
of expenditures from Water Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund
536.021 Water
Measurement Cost Share Program Revolving Fund; uses; sources; prioritization
WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
536.022 Water
Resources Commission; members; terms; confirmation; compensation and expenses
536.025 Duty
of commission; delegation to Water Resources Director; exception
536.026 Powers
of Water Resources Commission
536.027 Rules
and standards
536.028 Rules
pertaining to human or livestock consumption uses within or above scenic
waterway
536.031 Applicability
of rules to completed application for permit
WATER RESOURCES DIRECTOR
536.032 Water
Resources Director; term; qualifications
536.037 Functions
of director
536.039 Water
Resources Department
536.040 Public
records; copies as evidence
536.045 Sending
or receipt of documents in electronic form; rules; fees
536.050 Fees;
rules; refunds; waiver and reduction of certain fees
536.055 Agreements
to expedite processing and review of applications, permits and other
administrative matters; fees
536.075 Judicial
review of final order of commission or department; stay of order; scope of
review
536.080 Effect
of records of former State Water Board and State Water Superintendent
536.090 Ground
water advisory committee; duties; qualification; term; expenses
WATER RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION
536.220 Policy
on water resources generally; integrated state water resources strategy
536.235 Policy
on minimum streamflows
536.238 Policy
on water storage facilities
536.241 Policy
on water supply
536.295 Conditions
for consideration of application for use not classified in basin program; rules
536.300 Formulation
of state water resources program; public hearing in affected river basin
536.310 Purposes
and policies to be considered in formulating state water resources program
536.315 Designation
of exact land areas included within auxiliary lands
536.320 Limitation
of powers of commission
536.330 Water
Resources Act as supplemental to and including existing statutes
536.340 Classification
of water as to highest and best use and quantity of use; enforcement of laws
concerning loss of water rights; prescribing preferences for future uses
536.350 Delivery
of water resources statement to certain public bodies; effect
536.360 State
agencies and public corporations to conform to statement of state water
resources policy
536.370 Exercise
of power in conflict with state water resources policy not effective until
approved by commission
536.380 Notification
to commission of proposed exercise of power involving water resources required;
review and determination by commission
536.390 Approval
without filing notification
536.400 Application
to court to compel compliance with state water resources policy
536.410 Withdrawal
of unappropriated waters from appropriation by commission order
536.420 Representation
of state in carrying out compacts and agreements with other governmental
agencies regarding water resources
536.430 Commission
to devise plans and programs for development of water resources
536.440 Investigations
and studies
536.450 Assistance
by commission to other persons and agencies
536.460 Preparation
and submission of information or recommendations to other persons or agencies
536.470 Coordination
of local, state, interstate and federal programs
536.480 Making
available information concerning water resources
536.490 Attendance
at conferences and meetings
536.500 Acceptance
and expenditure of moneys from public and private sources
536.520 State
agencies and public corporations furnishing information and services to
commission
536.540 Approval
of voucher claims
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
536.570 Moneys
and securities of irrigation districts in possession of Water Resources
Commission; deposit with State Treasurer
536.580 Rights
acquired prior to August 3, 1955, not affected
536.590 Rights
acquired prior to January 1, 1956, not affected
536.595 Department
discussions with Corps of Engineers over operation of Detroit Lake
EMERGENCY WATER SHORTAGE POWERS
536.700 “Drainage
basin” defined
536.710 Policy
536.720 Declaration
of state authority; Governor’s power to order water conservation or curtailment
plan
536.730 Effect
of emergency powers on vested water rights
536.740 Governor’s
authority to declare drought
536.750 Powers
of commission after declaration of drought; rules
536.760 Cessation
of actions taken under ORS 536.750
536.770 Purchase
of option or agreement for use of water permit or right during declared
drought; application; fee
536.780 Water
conservation or curtailment plan; contents; review; effect of failure to file
or implement
PENALTIES
536.900 Civil
penalties; imposition
536.905 Notice;
application for hearing
536.910 Amount
of penalty; rules
536.915 Remission
or reduction of penalty
536.920 Factors
to be considered in imposition of penalty
536.930 Consequence
of failure to follow order
536.935 Disposition
of penalties; appropriation
536.005
[1975 c.581 §13; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
536.007 Definitions.
As used in ORS 196.600 to 196.905, 541.010 to 541.320 and 541.430 to 541.545,
541.700 to 541.990 and ORS chapters 536 to 540, 542 and 543:
(1)
“Commission” means the Water Resources Commission.
(2)
“Department” means the Water Resources Department.
(3)
“Director” means the Water Resources Director.
(4)
“Existing right” or “vested right” or words of similar import include an
inchoate right to the use of water to the fullest extent that the right is
recognized, defined or declared by the commission, the director or any court
within this state.
(5)
“Order” has the meaning given in ORS 183.310.
(6)
“Person” includes individuals, corporations, associations, firms, partnerships,
joint stock companies, public and municipal corporations, political
subdivisions, the state and any agencies thereof, and the federal government
and any agencies thereof.
(7)
“Public corporation” includes any city, county or district organized for public
purposes.
(8)
“Rule” has the meaning given in ORS 183.310.
(9)
“State agency” includes any office, board, commission or department of a state
government.
(10)
“State water resources policy” means the water resources policy provided for in
ORS 536.295 to 536.350 and 537.505 to 537.534.
(11)
“Undetermined vested right” means a water right claimed under ORS 539.010 as
having vested or as having been initiated before February 24, 1909, that has
not been determined in an adjudication proceeding under ORS chapter 539 nor is
evidenced by a permit or certificate issued under the Water Rights Act.
(12)
“Waters of this state” means any surface or ground waters located within or
without this state and over which this state has sole or concurrent
jurisdiction.
(13)
“Water resources of this state” means waters of this state and the following
auxiliary lands whose usage directly affects the development and control of the
waters of this state:
(a)
Potential reservoir sites.
(b)
Floodplain areas forming the predictable channels of floodwater drainage of
rivers and streams. [1985 c.673 §2; 1989 c.691 §5]
536.008 [1975
c.581 §14; 1985 c.421 §4; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.009 Water Resources Department Water
Right Operating Fund; uses; sources. (1) There is
established in the State Treasury the Water Resources Department Water Right
Operating Fund, separate and distinct from the General Fund, to provide for the
payment of the program and administrative expenses of the Water Resources
Commission and the Water Resources Department in carrying out the provisions of
ORS chapters 536, 537, 540 and 541. Interest earned by the fund shall be
credited to the fund.
(2)
The fund shall consist of:
(a)
All moneys received under ORS 536.050 and 537.747.
(b)
All moneys received on behalf of the fund by gift, grant or appropriation from
whatever source.
(3)
All moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Water Resources
Department for payment of expenses as described in this section. [1989 c.758 §3;
1993 c.765 §106; 1999 c.1026 §19; 2003 c.594 §5]
Note:
536.009 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 536 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
536.010
[Amended by 1955 c.707 §66; 1973 c.792 §23; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.014 [1975
c.581 §15; 1981 c.545 §12; 1983 c.643 §1; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.015 Water Resources Department
Hydroelectric Fund; uses; sources. (1) The Water
Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund is established separate and distinct
from the General Fund of the State Treasury. Except as provided in subsections
(4) to (6) of this section, of the moneys in the Water Resources Department
Hydroelectric Fund:
(a)
A portion equal to 67 percent of the total moneys received each year shall be
transferred to the fund created under ORS 496.835;
(b)
A portion equal to 10.3 percent of the total moneys received each year shall be
transferred to an account of the Department of Environmental Quality to be used
to review applications for certification of hydroelectric projects under ORS
468B.040 and 468B.045; and
(c)
All of the remaining moneys received each year are continuously appropriated to
the Water Resources Commission and the Water Resources Department to provide
for the payment of the administrative expenses of the commission and the
department in carrying out their responsibilities related to the issuance of
permits, licenses or water right certificates for hydroelectric projects.
(2)
The following shall be deposited into the State Treasury and credited to the
Water Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund:
(a)
Fees received by the Water Resources Department for hydroelectric projects
under ORS 536.050, 543.078 to 543.092, 543.210, 543.280, 543.300, 543.710,
543A.405 and 543A.415; and
(b)
All moneys received on behalf of this account by gift, grant or appropriation
from whatever source.
(3)
All interest, if any, from moneys credited to the Water Resources Department
Hydroelectric Fund shall be credited to the fund and shall inure to the benefit
of the Water Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund.
(4)
Application fees received under ORS 543A.405 shall be disbursed to the various
agencies in the amounts specified in the cost reimbursement agreement executed
with each reauthorization applicant.
(5)
Four cents of each 28 cents paid as a reauthorization fee under ORS 543A.415
shall be paid to the Department of Environmental Quality.
(6)
Annual fees paid under ORS 543.078 shall be disbursed to state agencies
pursuant to a memorandum of agreement developed by the Department of
Environmental Quality, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Water
Resources Department. [1991 c.869 §2; 1997 c.449 §36; 1999 c.873 §13]
536.017 Records of expenditures from Water
Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund. The Water
Resources Commission and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall
maintain records of expenditures from the Water Resources Department
Hydroelectric Fund established under ORS 536.015. The records shall account for
costs imposed against specific operating hydroelectric projects and against
projects in the process of obtaining a state or federal hydroelectric permit,
certificate or license. [1991 c.869 §13]
Note:
536.017 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 536 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
536.018 [1975
c.581 §16; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.020
[Repealed by 1955 c.707 §75]
536.021 Water Measurement Cost Share
Program Revolving Fund; uses; sources; prioritization.
(1) The Water Measurement Cost Share Program Revolving Fund is established
separate and distinct from the General Fund. All moneys in the Water
Measurement Cost Share Program Revolving Fund are continuously appropriated to
the Water Resources Department for the purposes described in this section.
(2)
The fund established in this section consists of moneys appropriated by the
Legislative Assembly and moneys gifted, bequested, donated or granted from any
person for the purpose of installing, substantially repairing or replacing
streamflow gauges, measuring devices or headgates with measuring devices.
(3)
The department may use the moneys in the fund to contribute up to 75 percent of
the moneys needed to install, substantially repair or replace a streamflow
gauge, measuring device or headgate with a measuring device on authorized
diversions on the waters of this state where the gauge, measuring device or
headgate will be used to protect in-stream flow or to monitor water rights and
streamflow.
(4)
The department may receive funds from, and may enter into agreements or
contracts with, any person for the purpose of implementing the Water
Measurement Cost Share Program Revolving Fund.
(5)
The department shall prioritize the expenditure of moneys from the fund for
streamflow gauges, measuring devices and headgates with measuring devices in
the following descending order:
(a)
Installation.
(b)
Replacement.
(c)
Substantial repair. [2001 c.808 §2]
WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
536.022 Water Resources Commission;
members; terms; confirmation; compensation and expenses.
(1) There is created a Water Resources Commission consisting of seven members,
appointed by the Governor, one of whom the Governor shall designate as
chairperson. The members appointed to the commission shall be subject to
confirmation by the Senate as provided in ORS 171.562 and 171.565. One member
of the commission shall be appointed from each of the five regional river basin
management areas set forth in subsection (3) of this section, one member shall
be appointed from east of the summit of the Cascade Mountains, as defined in
ORS 477.001, and one member shall be appointed from west of that summit.
(2)
The term of office of a member shall be four years. Before the expiration of
the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor to assume the
retiring member’s duties on July 1 next following. A member shall be eligible
for reappointment, but no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
In case of a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to
become immediately effective for the unexpired term. The members of the
commission shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
(3)
For purposes of appointing members under subsection (1) of this section, the
drainage basins of the state shall be divided into the following regional river
basin management areas:
(a)
Upper Northwest Region, consisting of the Lower and Middle Willamette, North
Coast and Sandy drainage basins and that portion of the Columbia River drainage
basin below Bonneville Dam.
(b)
Southwest Region, consisting of the Rogue, Klamath, Goose and Summer Lakes
drainage basins and that portion of the South Coast drainage basins south of
the mouth of the Rogue River.
(c)
West Central Region, consisting of the Umpqua, Mid Coast, Upper Willamette and
that portion of the South Coast drainage basins north of the mouth of the Rogue
River.
(d)
North Central Region, consisting of the Umatilla, John Day, Hood and Deschutes
drainage basins and that portion of the Columbia River drainage basin above
Bonneville Dam.
(e)
Eastern Region, consisting of the Owyhee, Malheur, Grande Ronde, Malheur Lake,
Middle Snake and Powder drainage basins.
(4)
A member of the commission is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided
in ORS 292.495. [1985 c.673 §3; 1995 c.548 §1]
536.025 Duty of commission; delegation to
Water Resources Director; exception. (1) It is the
function of the Water Resources Commission to establish the policies for the operation
of the Water Resources Department in a manner consistent with the policies and
purposes of ORS 196.600 to 196.905, 537.525, 541.010 to 541.320, 541.430 to
541.545, 541.700 to 541.990 and ORS chapters 536 to 540, 542 and 543. In
addition, the commission shall perform any other duty vested in it by law.
(2)
Except for the commission’s power to adopt rules, the commission may delegate
to the Water Resources Director the exercise or discharge in the commission’s
name of any power, duty or function of whatever character, vested in or imposed
by law upon the commission. The official act of the director acting in the
commission’s name and by the commission’s authority shall be considered to be
an official act of the commission.
(3)
The commission may delegate to the director the authority to conduct a public
hearing relating to the adoption or amendment of a basin program as provided in
ORS 536.300. However, the commission may not delegate to the director the
authority to adopt or amend a basin program. [1985 c.673 §4]
536.026 Powers of Water Resources
Commission. (1) The Water Resources Commission, its
members or a person designated by and acting for the commission may:
(a)
Conduct public hearings.
(b)
Issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of books,
records and documents relating to matters before the commission.
(c)
Administer oaths.
(d)
Take or cause to be taken depositions and receive such pertinent and relevant
proof as may be considered necessary or proper to carry out duties of the
commission and Water Resources Department under ORS 196.600 to 196.905, 541.010
to 541.320, 541.430 to 541.545, 541.700 to 541.990 and ORS chapters 536 to 540,
542 and 543.
(2)
Subpoenas authorized by this section may be served by any person authorized by
the person issuing the subpoena. Witnesses who are subpoenaed shall receive the
fees and mileage provided in ORS 44.415 (2). [Formerly 536.029]
536.027 Rules and standards.
(1) In accordance with the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183, the Water
Resources Commission shall adopt rules and standards to perform the functions
vested by law in the commission.
(2)
Except as provided in ORS 183.335 (5), the commission shall cause a public
hearing to be held on any proposed rule or standard before its adoption. The
hearing may be before the commission, any designated member of the commission
or any person designated by and acting for the commission. [1985 c.673 §5]
536.028 Rules pertaining to human or
livestock consumption uses within or above scenic waterway.
In accordance with applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183, the Water
Resources Commission may adopt rules necessary to administer the provisions of
ORS 390.835 pertaining to the issuance of a water right within or above a
scenic waterway. [1993 c.99 §3; 1995 c.719 §2]
536.029 [1985
c.673 §11; 1989 c.980 §14c; renumbered 536.026 in 1999]
536.030
[Repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.031 Applicability of rules to
completed application for permit. (1) Except as
provided in subsection (2) of this section, the Water Resources Department may
apply only those rules of the department that are in effect as of the date that
a completed application is made for a permit in deciding whether to approve,
deny or impose conditions on the permit.
(2)
This section does not affect the application of any rule of the department
that:
(a)
Is required by federal law;
(b)
Is required by any agreement between the state and a federal agency;
(c)
The applicant voluntarily agrees to make applicable to the application; or
(d)
Is necessary to protect public health and safety. [1999 c.301 §2]
WATER RESOURCES DIRECTOR
536.032 Water Resources Director; term;
qualifications. Subject to confirmation by the
Senate in the manner provided in section 4, Article III, Oregon Constitution,
the Governor shall appoint a Water Resources Director. The director shall be an
individual qualified by training and experience and shall serve for a term of
four years at the pleasure of the Governor. The director or a principal assistant
must be a registered engineer experienced in water-related engineering. [1975
c.581 §18; 1985 c.673 §7; 2009 c.259 §28]
536.035 [1955
c.513 §1; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.037 Functions of director.
(1) Subject to policy direction by the Water Resources Commission, the Water
Resources Director shall:
(a)
Be administrative head of the Water Resources Department;
(b)
Have power, within applicable budgetary limitations, and in accordance with ORS
chapter 240, to hire, assign, reassign and coordinate personnel of the
department;
(c)
Administer and enforce the laws of the state concerning the water resources of
this state;
(d)
Be authorized to participate in any proceeding before any public officer,
commission or body of the United States or any state for the purpose of
representing the citizens of Oregon concerning the water resources of this
state;
(e)
Have power to enter upon any private property in the performance of the duties
of the director, doing no unnecessary injury to the private property; and
(f)
Coordinate any activities of the department related to a watershed enhancement
project approved by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board under ORS 541.932
with activities of other cooperating state and federal agencies participating
in the project.
(2)
In addition to duties otherwise required by law, the director shall prescribe
internal policies and procedures for the government of the department, the
conduct of its employees, the assignment and performance of its business and
the custody, use and preservation of its records, papers and property in a
manner consistent with applicable law.
(3)
The director may delegate to any employee of the department the exercise or
discharge in the director’s name of any power, duty or function of whatever
character, vested in or imposed by law upon the director. The official act of a
person so acting in the director’s name and by the director’s authority shall
be considered to be an official act of the director. [1985 c.673 §8; 1987 c.734
§14]
536.039 Water Resources Department.
There is hereby established in the executive-administrative branch of the
government of the state under the Water Resources Commission a department to be
known as the Water Resources Department. The department shall consist of the
director of the department and all personnel employed in the department
including but not limited to all watermasters appointed under ORS 540.020. [1985
c.673 §§6,203]
536.040 Public records; copies as
evidence. (1) The records of the Water Resources
Department are public records and shall remain on file in the department and be
open to the inspection of the public at all times during business hours. The
records shall show in full all maps, profiles, and engineering data relating to
the use of water, and certified copies thereof shall be admissible as evidence
in all cases where the original would be admissible as evidence.
(2)
Whenever a record is required to be filed or maintained in the Water Resources
Department, the record may be handwritten, typewritten, printed or a
photostated or photographic copy and any means of recording the information is
acceptable, including but not limited to papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes,
photographic films and prints, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums or other
preservation of the document or the information contained in the document.
(3)
Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (2) of this section, the Water
Resources Department shall maintain a paper copy of each final water use
permit, certificate, order of the Water Resources Commission or Water Resources
Director, decree or certificate of registration. The copies shall be retained
in a secure location in the department. [Amended by 1975 c.581 §20; 1991 c.102 §1]
536.045 Sending or receipt of documents in
electronic form; rules; fees. (1)
Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapters 536 to 540, 543 or 543A that
requires the mailing of a document, the submission of a document in written
form or the provision of a certified copy of a document, the Water Resources
Department may adopt rules:
(a)
Allowing the submission of one or more types of document to the department by
electronic means in lieu of submission by mailing or submission in written
form;
(b)
Allowing the department, with the consent of the recipient, to send one or more
types of document in electronic form in lieu of mailing or other sending of the
document in written form; or
(c)
Identifying acceptable means for verifying the authenticity of a document sent
by electronic means in lieu of the provision of a certified copy of the
document.
(2)
The department may not adopt rules to require the submission of documents to
the department by electronic means. The department may not require a recipient
to consent to the receipt of documents from the department by electronic means.
The department may not use electronic means in lieu of service under ORCP 7 or
notice under ORS 183.413 or 183.415.
(3)
For purposes of determining timeliness or calculating deadlines, a document
sent by electronic means in accordance with department rules is considered to
be delivered when sent.
(4)
Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapters 536 to 540, 543 or 543A that
specifies a fee amount, the department may reduce or waive the fee for a
document that the department sends or receives by electronic means. [2011 c.51 §1]
Note:
536.045 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 536 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
536.050 Fees; rules; refunds; waiver and reduction
of certain fees. (1) The Water Resources
Department may collect the following fees in advance:
(a)
For examining an application for a permit:
(A)
To appropriate water, except as provided under ORS 543.280 for an application
for a hydroelectric project:
(i)
A base fee of $700 for an appropriation of water through a single use, point of
diversion or point of appropriation;
(ii)
$250 for the first second-foot or fraction thereof appropriated under the
permit;
(iii)
$250 for each additional second-foot or fraction thereof appropriated under the
permit;
(iv)
$250 for each additional use, point of diversion or point of appropriation
included in the application;
(v)
If appropriating stored water, $25 for the first acre-foot or fraction thereof
up to 20 acre-feet, plus $1 for each additional acre-foot or fraction thereof;
and
(vi)
If appropriating ground water, in addition to any other fees, $300 for each
application filed.
(B)
To store water under ORS 537.400 or 537.534 (4):
(i)
A base fee of $700;
(ii)
$25 for the first acre-foot or fraction thereof up to 20 acre-feet, plus $1 for
each additional acre-foot or fraction thereof; and
(iii)
$100 for each additional storage location.
(C)
To exclusively appropriate stored water:
(i)
A base fee of $400; and
(ii)
$25 for the first acre-foot or fraction thereof up to 20 acre-feet, plus $1 for
each additional acre-foot or fraction thereof.
(b)
For a permit issued under ORS 537.147, 537.211, 537.409 or 537.625 to
appropriate or store water:
(A)
A base fee of $400 for recording the permit; and
(B)
An additional fee of $500 if the permit is issued pursuant to a final order
that contains provisions requested by the applicant for mitigating impacts to
the proposed water source.
(c)
For filing and recording the assignment or partial assignment of a water right
application, permit or license under ORS 537.220 or 537.635, $75.
(d)
For copying records in the department, $2 for the first page and 50 cents for
each additional page.
(e)
For certifying copies, documents, records or maps, $10 for each certificate.
(f)
For a blueprint copy of any map or drawing, the actual cost of the work.
(g)
For a computer-generated map, the actual cost of the work.
(h)
For examining an application for approval of a change to an existing water
right or permit:
(A)
A base fee of $900 for a change to a single water right or permit;
(B)
$700 for each additional type of change requested;
(C)
For a request for a change in place of use or type of use or for a water
exchange under ORS 540.533, $250 for each second-foot or fraction thereof
requested beyond the first second-foot;
(D)
$400 for each additional water right or permit included in the application; and
(E)
An additional fee of $300 per application, if the application is for an
additional point of appropriation, a change in a point of appropriation or a
change from surface water to ground water or for substitution as described in
ORS 540.524.
(i)
For examining an application for a temporary change in place of use under ORS
540.523, for a temporary transfer under ORS 540.585 or for a temporary change
in place of use, a change in the point of diversion to allow for the
appropriation of ground water or a change of a primary right to a supplemental
right under ORS 540.570, a base fee of $600 for the first water right or
permit, plus $200 for each additional water right or permit included in the
application and:
(A)
For nonirrigation uses, $150 for each second-foot or fraction thereof requested
beyond the first second-foot; or
(B)
For irrigation uses, $2 per acre of land irrigated or, if the application and
required map are submitted to the department in a department-approved digital
format, 50 cents per acre of land irrigated.
(j)
For submitting a protest to the department:
(A)
$600 if the protest is by a nonapplicant; and
(B)
$300 if the protest is by an applicant.
(k)
For filing an application for extension of time within which irrigation or other
works shall be completed or a water right perfected, $500.
(L)
For a limited license under ORS 537.143 or 537.534 (2), the fee established by
rule by the Water Resources Commission.
(m)
For filing, examining and certifying a petition under ORS 541.329, $300 plus 10
cents per acre of water involved in the application. For purposes of computing
this fee, when any acreage within a quarter quarter of a section is involved,
the 10 cents per acre shall apply to all acres in that quarter quarter of a
section. Notwithstanding the fee amount established in this paragraph, a
district notifying the department under ORS 541.327 (4) shall pay the actual
cost of filing, examining and certifying the petition.
(n)
For requesting standing under ORS 537.153, 537.621 or 543A.120, $150.
(o)
For participating in a contested case proceeding under ORS 537.170, 537.622 or
543A.130, $350.
(p)
Except for an applicant, for obtaining a copy of both a proposed final order
and a final order for a water right application under ORS 537.140 to 537.252,
537.505 to 537.795 or 543A.005 to 543A.300 or an extension issued under ORS
537.230, 537.248 or 537.630, $20.
(q)
For examining an application to store water under ORS 537.409:
(A)
A base fee of $300; and
(B)
$25 for each acre-foot or fraction thereof.
(r)
For submitting a notice of intent under ORS 543A.030 or 543A.075, the amount
established by the Water Resources Director under ORS 543A.410.
(s)
For examining an application for a substitution made under ORS 540.524:
(A)
A base fee of $630 for the first well substitution; and
(B)
A fee of $300 for each additional well substitution.
(t)
For examining an application for an allocation of conserved water under ORS
537.455 to 537.500:
(A)
A base fee of $850 for the first water right that is part of the allocation;
and
(B)
An additional fee of $300 for each water right that is part of the allocation
beyond the first water right.
(u)
For submitting a water management and conservation plan pursuant to rules of
the commission:
(A)
$400, if the plan is submitted by an agricultural water supplier;
(B)
$800, if the plan is submitted by a municipal water supplier serving a
population of 1,000 or fewer persons; or
(C)
$1,600, if the plan is submitted by a municipal water supplier serving a
population of more than 1,000 persons.
(v)
For examining a new application for an in-stream water right lease under ORS
537.348:
(A)
$400 for an application for a lease with four or more landowners or four or
more water rights; or
(B)
$250 for all other applications.
(w)
For examining an application for an in-stream water right lease renewal, $100.
(x)
For submitting a claim of beneficial use under a permit having a priority date
of July 9, 1987, or later, $150.
(y)
For submitting a request no later than 60 days after cancellation of a permit
under ORS 537.260 to reinstate the permit, $400.
(z)
For submitting a request for a basin program exception under ORS 536.295, $500.
(2)(a)
The department may charge a dam owner an annual fee based upon the dam’s hazard
rating as determined by the department. The fees the department may charge the
dam owner are:
(A)
$75 for a dam with a low hazard rating.
(B)
$150 for a dam with a significant hazard rating.
(C)
$500 for a dam with a high hazard rating.
(D)
If the dam owner fails to pay an annual fee on or before six months after the
billing date, a late fee of $100.
(b)
If a dam owner fails to pay an annual fee or a late fee charged by the
department, the department may, after giving the dam owner notice by certified
mail, place a lien on the real property where the dam is located for the fees
owed by the dam owner.
(3)
Notwithstanding the fees established under subsection (1) of this section, the
commission may establish lower examination and permit fees by rule for:
(a)
The right to appropriate water for a storage project of five acre-feet or less;
or
(b)
The right to appropriate water for the purpose of allowing the applicant to
water livestock outside of a riparian area, as that term is defined in ORS
541.890.
(4)(a)
The director may refund all or part of a fee paid to the department under this
section if the director determines that a refund of the fee is appropriate in
the interests of fairness to the public or necessary to correct an error of the
department.
(b)
The director may refund all or part of the protest fee described in subsection
(1)(j) of this section to the legal owner or occupant who filed a protest under
ORS 540.641 if an order of the Water Resources Commission establishes that all
or part of a water right has not been canceled or modified under ORS 540.610 to
540.650.
(5)
The director may waive all or part of a fee for a change to a water right
permit under ORS 537.211 (4), a change to a water right subject to transfer
under ORS 540.520 or 540.523 or an allocation of conserved water under ORS
537.470, if the change or allocation of conserved water is:
(a)
Made pursuant to ORS 537.348;
(b)
Necessary to complete a project funded under ORS 541.932; or
(c)
Approved by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife as a change or allocation
of conserved water that will result in a net benefit to fish and wildlife
habitat.
(6)
Notwithstanding the fees established pursuant to this section, the commission
may adopt by rule reduced fees for persons submitting materials to the
department in a digital format approved by the department.
(7)
All moneys received under this section, less any amounts refunded under
subsection (4) of this section, shall be deposited in the Water Resources
Department Water Right Operating Fund.
(8)
Notwithstanding subsection (7) of this section, all fees received by the
department for power purposes under ORS 543.280 shall be deposited in the Water
Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund established by ORS 536.015. [Amended by
1961 c.187 §3; 1967 c.36 §1; 1973 c.163 §4; 1975 c.581 §21; 1981 c.627 §1; 1983
c.256 §1; 1985 c.673 §12; 1987 c.815 §8; 1989 c.587 §1; 1989 c.758 §1; 1989
c.933 §4; 1989 c.1000 §6; 1991 c.734 §49a; 1991 c.869 §4; 1995 c.416 §1; 1995
c.752 §6; 1997 c.449 §35; 1997 c.587 §1; 1999 c.555 §3; 1999 c.664 §1; 1999
c.665 §1; 1999 c.873 §19; 2003 c.594 §1; 2003 c.691 §4; 2003 c.705 §7; 2005
c.156 §1; 2007 c.188 §1; 2007 c.267 §1; 2009 c.819 §5]
Note: The
amendments to 536.050 by section 12, chapter 819, Oregon Laws 2009, become
operative July 1, 2013. See section 18, chapter 819, Oregon Laws 2009. The text
that is operative on and after July 1, 2013, is set forth for the user’s
convenience.
536.050. (1)
The Water Resources Department may collect the following fees in advance:
(a)
For examining an application for a permit:
(A)
To appropriate water, except as provided under ORS 543.280 for an application
for a hydroelectric project:
(i)
A base fee of $500 for an appropriation of water through a single use, point of
diversion or point of appropriation;
(ii)
$200 for the first second-foot or fraction thereof appropriated under the
permit;
(iii)
$100 for each additional second-foot or fraction thereof appropriated under the
permit;
(iv)
$200 for each additional use, point of diversion or point of appropriation
included in the application; and
(v)
If appropriating stored water, $20 for the first acre-foot or fraction thereof
up to 20 acre-feet, plus $1 for each additional acre-foot or fraction thereof.
(B)
To store water under ORS 537.400 or 537.534 (4):
(i)
A base fee of $500; and
(ii)
$20 for the first acre-foot or fraction thereof up to 20 acre-feet, plus $1 for
each additional acre-foot or fraction thereof.
(C)
To exclusively appropriate stored water:
(i)
A base fee of $250; and
(ii)
$15 for the first acre-foot or fraction thereof up to 10 acre-feet, plus $1 for
each additional acre-foot or fraction thereof.
(b)
For recording a permit to appropriate or store water, $300.
(c)
For filing and recording the assignment or partial assignment of a water right
application, permit or license under ORS 537.220 or 537.635, $50.
(d)
For copying records in the department, $2 for the first page and 50 cents for
each additional page.
(e)
For certifying copies, documents, records or maps, $10 for each certificate.
(f)
For a blueprint copy of any map or drawing, the actual cost of the work.
(g)
For a computer-generated map, the actual cost of the work.
(h)
For examining an application for approval of a change to an existing water
right or permit:
(A)
A base fee of $400 for a change to a single water right or permit;
(B)
$400 for each additional type of change requested;
(C)
For a request for a change in place of use or type of use or for a water
exchange under ORS 540.533, $200 for each second-foot or fraction thereof
requested beyond the first second-foot; and
(D)
$200 for each additional water right or permit included in the application.
(i)
For examining an application for a temporary change in place of use under ORS
540.523, for a temporary transfer under ORS 540.585 or for a temporary change
in place of use, a change in the point of diversion to allow for the
appropriation of ground water or a change of a primary right to a supplemental
right under ORS 540.570, a base fee of $200 for the first water right or
permit, plus $50 for each additional water right or permit included in the
application and:
(A)
For nonirrigation uses, $80 for each second-foot or fraction thereof requested
beyond the first second-foot; or
(B)
For irrigation uses, $1 per acre of land irrigated or, if the application and
required map are submitted to the department in a department-approved digital
format, 25 cents per acre of land irrigated.
(j)
For submitting a protest to the department, $350.
(k)
For filing an application for extension of time within which irrigation or
other works shall be completed or a water right perfected, $350.
(L)
For a limited license under ORS 537.143 or 537.534 (2), the fee established by
rule by the Water Resources Commission.
(m)
For filing, examining and certifying a petition under ORS 541.329, $250 plus 10
cents per acre of water involved in the application. For purposes of computing
this fee, when any acreage within a quarter quarter of a section is involved,
the 10 cents per acre shall apply to all acres in that quarter quarter of a
section. Notwithstanding the fee amount established in this paragraph, a
district notifying the department under ORS 541.327 (4) shall pay the actual
cost of filing, examining and certifying the petition.
(n)
For requesting standing under ORS 537.153, 537.621 or 543A.120, $100.
(o)
For participating in a contested case proceeding under ORS 537.170, 537.622 or
543A.130, $250.
(p)
Except for an applicant, for obtaining a copy of both a proposed final order
and a final order for a water right application under ORS 537.140 to 537.252,
537.505 to 537.795 or 543A.005 to 543A.300 or an extension issued under ORS
537.230, 537.248 or 537.630, $10.
(q)
For examining an application to store water under ORS 537.409:
(A)
A base fee of $80; and
(B)
$20 for each acre-foot or fraction thereof.
(r)
For submitting a notice of intent under ORS 543A.030 or 543A.075, the amount
established by the Water Resources Director under ORS 543A.410.
(s)
For examining an application for a substitution made under ORS 540.524, $280.
(t)
For examining an application for an allocation of conserved water under ORS
537.455 to 537.500, $700.
(u)
For submitting a water management and conservation plan pursuant to rules of
the commission:
(A)
$250, if the plan is submitted by an agricultural water supplier;
(B)
$500, if the plan is submitted by a municipal water supplier serving a
population of 1,000 or fewer persons; or
(C)
$1,000, if the plan is submitted by a municipal water supplier serving a
population of more than 1,000 persons.
(v)
For examining a new application for an in-stream water right lease under ORS
537.348:
(A)
$200 for an application for a lease with four or more landowners or four or
more water rights; or
(B)
$100 for all other applications.
(w)
For examining an application for an in-stream water right lease renewal, $50.
(2)
Notwithstanding the fees established under subsection (1) of this section, the
commission may establish lower examination and permit fees by rule for:
(a)
The right to appropriate water for a storage project of five acre-feet or less;
or
(b)
The right to appropriate water for the purpose of allowing the applicant to
water livestock outside of a riparian area, as that term is defined in ORS
541.890.
(3)(a)
The director may refund all or part of a fee paid to the department under this
section if the director determines that a refund of the fee is appropriate in
the interests of fairness to the public or necessary to correct an error of the
department.
(b)
The director may refund all or part of the protest fee described in subsection
(1)(j) of this section to the legal owner or occupant who filed a protest under
ORS 540.641 if an order of the Water Resources Commission establishes that all
or part of a water right has not been canceled or modified under ORS 540.610 to
540.650.
(4)
The director may waive all or part of a fee for a change to a water right
permit under ORS 537.211 (4), a change to a water right subject to transfer
under ORS 540.520 or 540.523 or an allocation of conserved water under ORS
537.470, if the change or allocation of conserved water is:
(a)
Made pursuant to ORS 537.348;
(b)
Necessary to complete a project funded under ORS 541.932; or
(c)
Approved by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife as a change or allocation
of conserved water that will result in a net benefit to fish and wildlife
habitat.
(5)
Notwithstanding the fees established pursuant to this section, the commission
may adopt by rule reduced fees for persons submitting materials to the
department in a digital format approved by the department.
(6)
All moneys received under this section, less any amounts refunded under
subsection (3) of this section, shall be deposited in the Water Resources
Department Water Right Operating Fund.
(7)
Notwithstanding subsection (6) of this section, all fees received by the
department for power purposes under ORS 543.280 shall be deposited in the Water
Resources Department Hydroelectric Fund established by ORS 536.015.
536.055 Agreements to expedite processing
and review of applications, permits and other administrative matters; fees.
(1) The Water Resources Department may, with any person, enter into an
agreement that sets fees to be paid to the department for the purpose of
enabling the department to expedite or enhance the regulatory process to
provide services voluntarily requested under the agreement. Pursuant to the
agreement, the department may hire additional temporary staff members, contract
for services or provide additional services to the person that are within the
authority of the department to provide.
(2)
Notwithstanding the fees established in ORS 536.050, as part of an agreement
entered into under this section, the department may waive all or part of a fee
imposed for a service.
(3)
The department may not modify existing processing priorities or schedules or
create processing priorities or schedules for a particular department-provided
service in order to compel a person to enter into an agreement under this
section. However, without violating this subsection, the department may modify
its processing priorities or schedules based on the overall operating needs of
the department.
(4)
The department may not require that a person pay more for a service under an
agreement entered into under this section than the cost to the department in
providing the service to the person.
(5)
The department shall review the responsibilities of the department to identify
services provided by the department that are appropriate for the department to
perform under the provisions of this section. Failure to identify
responsibilities under this subsection does not prohibit the department from
entering into agreements under this section.
(6)
Fees paid under this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the
credit of the department. Such moneys are continuously appropriated to the
department for the purpose of reviewing department responsibilities to
determine those services for which the authority provided in this section may
be used and for fulfilling the individual agreements entered into pursuant to
this section, including the processing and review of:
(a)
Water right permit applications, permit extensions, permit amendments and final
proof surveys;
(b)
Water right exchanges and transfers; and
(c)
Water management and conservation plans required by rule by the department. [2003
c.745 §2]
536.060
[Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]
536.065 [1971
c.734 §77; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.070
[Amended by 1975 c.581 §21a; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.075 Judicial review of final order of
commission or department; stay of order; scope of review.
(1) Any party affected by a final order other than contested case issued by the
Water Resources Commission or Water Resources Department may appeal the order
to the Circuit Court of Marion County or to the circuit court of the county in
which all or part of the property affected by the order is situated. The review
shall be conducted according to the provisions of ORS 183.484, 183.486, 183.497
and 183.500. A final order other than contested case issued by the Water
Resources Commission or the Water Resources Department must state on the first
page of the order that the order is a final order other than contested case,
that the order is subject to judicial review under ORS 183.484 and that any
petition for judicial review of the order must be filed within the time
specified by ORS 183.484 (2). Any order other than contested case issued by the
Water Resources Commission or by the Water Resources Department that does not
comply with the requirements of this section is not a final order.
(2)
Any party affected by a final order in a contested case issued by the Water
Resources Commission or the Water Resources Department may appeal the order to
the Court of Appeals.
(3)
An appeal under subsection (2) of this section shall be conducted as provided
in ORS 183.482 except as specifically provided in subsections (4), (5) and (6)
of this section.
(4)
The petition shall state the facts showing how the petitioner is adversely
affected by the order and the ground or grounds upon which the petitioner
contends the order should be reversed or remanded.
(5)
The filing of a petition in either the circuit court or the Court of Appeals
shall stay enforcement of the order of the commission or the department unless
the commission or the department determines that substantial public harm will
result if the order is stayed. If the commission or the department denies the stay,
the denial shall be in writing and shall specifically state the substantial
public harm that will result from allowing the stay.
(6)
The review by the Court of Appeals under subsection (2) of this section shall
be on the entire record forwarded by the commission or department. The court
may remand the case for further evidence taking, correction or other necessary
action. The court may affirm, reverse, modify or supplement the order appealed
from, and make such disposition of the case as the court determines to be
appropriate.
(7)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any proceeding under ORS
537.670 to 537.695 or ORS chapter 539.
(8)
For the purposes of this section, “final order” and “contested case” have the
meanings given those terms in ORS 183.310. [1985 c.673 §9; 1999 c.791 §1]
536.080 Effect of records of former State
Water Board and State Water Superintendent. The
transfer of functions from the former State Water Board and State Water
Superintendent to the State Engineer, effected by chapter 283, Oregon Laws
1923, shall not impair the legal force and effect in any water right
adjudication, suit, action or other proceeding before the State Engineer, or in
the courts or other tribunals of the state, of the official records of, or any
evidence filed with, said State Water Board or State Water Superintendent.
536.090 Ground water advisory committee;
duties; qualification; term; expenses. (1) In
carrying out the duties, functions and powers prescribed by law, the Water
Resources Commission shall appoint a ground water advisory committee to:
(a)
Advise the commission on all matters relating to:
(A)
Rules for the development, securing, use and protection of ground water; and
(B)
Licensing of well constructors, including the examination of such persons for
license.
(b)
Review the proposed expenditure of all revenues generated under ORS 537.762
(5). At least once each year, and before the expenditure of such funds on new
program activities, the Water Resources Department and the ground water
advisory committee shall develop jointly a proposed expenditure plan for
concurrence by the Water Resources Commission. The plan may be modified, if
necessary, upon the joint recommendation of the department and the ground water
advisory committee with concurrence by the commission.
(2)
The committee shall consist of nine members who represent a range of interests
or expertise. At least three of the members shall be individuals actively
engaged in some aspect of the water supply or monitoring well drilling
industry. Members shall serve for such terms as the commission may specify. The
committee shall meet at least once every three months and at other times and
places as the commission may specify.
(3)
A member of the committee shall not receive compensation, but at the discretion
of the commission may be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred, subject to
ORS 292.495. [1977 c.749 §2; 1981 c.416 §9; 1985 c.673 §18; 1991 c.925 §1; 1993
c.774 §1]
536.100 [1985
c.666 §1; 1989 c.904 §67; repealed by 1995 c.690 §§25,26]
536.104
[Formerly 536.110; repealed by 1995 c.690 §§25,26]
536.108
[Formerly 536.120; 1989 c.833 §52; 1995 c.690 §9; renumbered 468B.162 in 1995]
536.110 [1985
c.666 §2; renumbered 536.104 in 1989]
536.112
[Formerly 536.130; 1995 c.690 §10; renumbered 468B.164 in 1995]
536.116
[Formerly 536.140; repealed by 1995 c.690 §§25,26]
536.120 [1985
c.666 §3; 1989 c.833 §52; renumbered 536.108 in 1989]
536.121
[Formerly 536.150; repealed by 1995 c.690 §§25,26]
536.125 [1989
c.833 §20; 1995 c.79 §301; 1995 c.690 §11; renumbered 468B.167 in 1995]
536.129 [1989
c.833 §21; 1995 c.690 §12; renumbered 468B.169 in 1995]
536.130 [1985
c.666 §4; renumbered 536.112 in 1989]
536.133 [1989
c.833 §22; 1995 c.690 §13; renumbered 468B.171 in 1995]
536.137 [1989
c.833 §24; 1995 c.690 §14; renumbered 468B.166 in 1995]
536.140 [1987
c.409 §§1,2; renumbered 536.116 in 1989]
536.141 [1989
c.833 §34; 1995 c.690 §15; renumbered 468B.177 in 1995]
536.145 [1989
c.833 §35; 1995 c.690 §16; renumbered 468B.179 in 1995]
536.149 [1989
c.833 §39; renumbered 468B.183 in 1995]
536.150 [1987
c.409 §3; renumbered 536.121 in 1989]
536.153 [1989
c.833 §40; 1995 c.690 §17; renumbered 468B.182 in 1995]
536.157 [1989
c.833 §41; 1993 c.18 §127; 1995 c.690 §18; renumbered 468B.184 in 1995]
536.161 [1989
c.833 §42; renumbered 468B.186 in 1995]
536.165 [1989
c.833 §43; 1995 c.690 §19; renumbered 468B.187 in 1995]
536.169 [1989
c.833 §44; 1995 c.690 §20; renumbered 468B.188 in 1995]
536.210 [1955
c.707 §2; 1965 c.355 §1; 1975 c.581 §22; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
WATER RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION
536.220 Policy on water resources
generally; integrated state water resources strategy.
(1) The Legislative Assembly recognizes and declares that:
(a)
The maintenance of the present level of the economic and general welfare of the
people of this state and the future growth and development of this state for
the increased economic and general welfare of the people thereof are in large
part dependent upon a proper utilization and control of the water resources of
this state, and such use and control is therefore a matter of greatest concern
and highest priority.
(b)
A proper utilization and control of the water resources of this state can be
achieved only through a coordinated, integrated state water resources policy,
through plans and programs for the development of such water resources and
through other activities designed to encourage, promote and secure the maximum
beneficial use and control of such water resources, all carried out by a single
state agency.
(c)
The economic and general welfare of the people of this state have been
seriously impaired and are in danger of further impairment by the exercise of
some single-purpose power or influence over the water resources of this state
or portions thereof by each of a large number of public authorities, and by an
equally large number of legislative declarations by statute of single-purpose
policies with regard to such water resources, resulting in friction and duplication
of activity among such public authorities, in confusion as to what is primary
and what is secondary beneficial use or control of such water resources and in
a consequent failure to utilize and control such water resources for multiple
purposes for the maximum beneficial use and control possible and necessary.
(2)
The Legislative Assembly, therefore, finds that:
(a)
It is in the interest of the public welfare that a coordinated, integrated
state water resources policy be formulated and means provided for its
enforcement, that plans and programs for the development and enlargement of the
water resources of this state be devised and promoted and that other activities
designed to encourage, promote and secure the maximum beneficial use and
control of such water resources and the development of additional water
supplies be carried out by a single state agency which, in carrying out its
functions, shall give proper and adequate consideration to the multiple aspects
of the beneficial use and control of such water resources with an impartiality
of interest except that designed to best protect and promote the public welfare
generally.
(b)
The state water resources policy shall be consistent with the goal set forth in
ORS 468B.155.
(3)(a)
The Water Resources Department shall develop an integrated state water
resources strategy to implement the state water resources policy specified in
subsection (2) of this section. The department shall design the strategy to
meet Oregon’s in-stream and out-of-stream water needs.
(b)
The Water Resources Department shall work in close cooperation with the
Department of Environmental Quality and the State Department of Fish and
Wildlife to develop the integrated state water resources strategy in
consultation with other state, local and federal agencies, with other states,
with Indian tribes, with stakeholders and with the public.
(c)
The Water Resources Department, in close cooperation with the Department of
Environmental Quality and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, shall
develop data on an ongoing basis to forecast Oregon’s in-stream and
out-of-stream water needs, including but not limited to in-stream, underground
water, human consumption and water supply needs, for the purpose of developing
and updating the integrated state water resources strategy.
(d)
The integrated water resources strategy shall describe the following:
(A)
Oregon’s in-stream and out-of-stream water needs, including but not limited to
ecosystem services, water quality and water supply needs.
(B)
Objectives of the strategy.
(C)
Actions that are designed to achieve the objectives of the strategy.
(D)
Plans related to the challenges presented by climate change.
(E)
Provisions to ensure communication and partnership with key stakeholders.
(F)
Specific functions and roles to be played by state agencies, including but not
limited to the State Department of Agriculture, the State Forestry Department,
the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Business Development Department,
the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the Oregon Watershed
Enhancement Board, the State Parks and Recreation Department, the Department of
State Lands and other relevant state agencies.
(G)
Public policy options and recommendations.
(H)
Relevant strategy factors, including but not limited to population growth and
land use change.
(I)
Recommendations of the Water Resources Department regarding the continuous
monitoring of climate change effects on Oregon’s water supply and regarding
water user actions that are necessary to address climate change.
(e)(A)
The Water Resources Commission shall give the Environmental Quality Commission,
the State Department of Agriculture and the State Department of Fish and
Wildlife notice of the integrated state water resources strategy prior to
adoption of the strategy. The strategy shall take effect upon adoption by the
Water Resources Commission.
(B)
The Water Resources Commission shall review and update the integrated state
water resources strategy every five years. The Water Resources Commission shall
give notice to the Environmental Quality Commission, the State Department of
Agriculture and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife prior to adopting any
revisions of the strategy. Revisions of the strategy shall take effect upon the
Water Resources Commission’s adoption of the revised strategy by reference in
rule.
(4)
This section does not limit the authority granted the Environmental Quality
Commission or the Department of Environmental Quality under ORS chapter 468B. [1955
c.707 §1; 1989 c.833 §53; 2009 c.907 §44]
536.230 [1955
c.707 §3; 1969 c.695 §12; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.235 Policy on minimum streamflows.
It is the policy of the State of Oregon that establishment of minimum perennial
streamflows is a high priority of the Water Resources Commission and the Water
Resources Department. [1983 c.796 §2; 1985 c.673 §13]
536.238 Policy on water storage
facilities. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds and
declares that:
(a)
The water resources of the state are critical to the economic and recreational
well-being of the people of Oregon.
(b)
The future vitality of the state’s economy depends on immediate planning to
insure future availability of water resources.
(c)
Measures to insure adequate water resources to meet the needs of future
generations of Oregonians must be pursued.
(d)
The potential for a future shortage of water poses serious risks to public
health, safety and welfare and therefore is a matter of statewide concern.
(2)
Therefore, the Legislative Assembly, in addressing the problem of how to insure
adequate water resources for in-stream and out-of-stream uses in the future,
declares that it is a high priority of the state to both:
(a)
Develop environmentally acceptable and financially feasible multipurpose water
storage facilities; and
(b)
Enhance watershed storage capacity through natural processes using
nonstructural means. [1993 c.386 §1]
Note:
536.238 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 536 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
536.240 [1955
c.707 §4; 1969 c.314 §63; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.241 Policy on water supply.
(1) The Legislative Assembly finds that the availability of an adequate water
supply is essential to the continued health and safety of all Oregonians.
(2)
The Legislative Assembly declares that it is the policy of the State of Oregon
to ensure a water supply sufficient to meet the needs of existing and future
beneficial uses of water, and to adequately manage the state’s water resources.
Further, in recognition of this policy, the Legislative Assembly declares that
the planning and management of the water resources of this state shall be
conducted in a consistent and coordinated manner. [1999 c.984 §2]
Note:
536.241 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 536 by legislative action
but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised
Statutes for further explanation.
536.250 [1955
c.707 §5; 1969 c.706 §64f; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.260 [1955
c.707 §6; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.265 [1967
c.157 §2; 1975 c.581 §23; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.270 [1955
c.707 §7; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.280 [1955
c.707 §8; repealed by 1971 c.418 §23]
536.290 [1955
c.707 §9; 1967 c.156 §1; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29]
536.295 Conditions for consideration of
application for use not classified in basin program; rules.
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of ORS 536.300 or 536.340, the Water
Resources Commission may allow the Water Resources Department to consider an
application to appropriate water for a use not classified in the applicable
basin program if the use:
(a)
Will be of short duration during each year;
(b)
Will be for a continuous period of no longer than five years;
(c)
Is largely nonconsumptive in nature and not likely to be regulated for other
water rights;
(d)
Is necessary to ensure public health, welfare and safety;
(e)
Is necessary to avoid extreme hardship;
(f)
Will provide a public benefit such as riparian or watershed improvement; or
(g)
Is of an unusual nature not likely to recur in the basin, and unlikely to have
been within the uses considered by the commission in classifying the uses
presently allowed in the applicable basin program including but not limited to:
(A)
Exploratory thermal drilling;
(B)
Heat exchange;
(C)
Maintaining water levels in a sewage lagoon; or
(D)
Facilitating the watering of livestock away from a river or stream.
(2)
A permit granted on or before January 1, 1993, for a quasi-municipal use of
water shall be considered a permit for a classified use under ORS 536.340 if at
the time the application was submitted or the permit was granted, the basin
program identified municipal use as a classified use.
(3)
The commission by rule may determine the specific uses permitted within a
classified use.
(4)
In making the determination under subsection (1) of this section, the
commission shall evaluate whether the proposed use is consistent with the
general policies established in the applicable basin program.
(5)
The Water Resources Department shall process and evaluate an application
allowed by the commission under subsections (1) to (4) of this section in the
same manner as any other water right application, including determining whether
the proposed use would result in injury to an existing water right. [1989 c.9 §1;
1993 c.591 §1; 1999 c.703 §1]
536.300 Formulation of state water
resources program; public hearing in affected river basin.
(1) The Water Resources Commission shall proceed as rapidly as possible to
study: Existing water resources of this state; means and methods of conserving
and augmenting such water resources; existing and contemplated needs and uses
of water for domestic, municipal, irrigation, power development, industrial,
mining, recreation, wildlife, and fish life uses and for pollution abatement,
all of which are declared to be beneficial uses, and all other related
subjects, including drainage, reclamation, floodplains and reservoir sites.
(2)
Based upon said studies and after an opportunity to be heard has been given to
all other state agencies which may be concerned, the commission shall
progressively formulate an integrated, coordinated program for the use and
control of all the water resources of this state and issue statements thereof.
(3)
The commission may adopt or amend a basin program only after holding at least
one public hearing in the affected river basin. After the commission itself
conducts one public hearing in the affected river basin, the commission may
delegate to the Water Resources Director the authority to conduct additional
public hearings in the affected river basin. [1955 c.707 §10(1), (2); 1965
c.355 §2; 1985 c.673 §14]
536.310 Purposes and policies to be
considered in formulating state water resources program.
In formulating the water resources program under ORS 536.300 (2), the Water
Resources Commission shall take into consideration the purposes and declarations
enumerated in ORS 536.220 and also the following additional declarations of
policy:
(1)
Existing rights, established duties of water, and relative priorities
concerning the use of the waters of this state and the laws governing the same
are to be protected and preserved subject to the principle that all of the
waters within this state belong to the public for use by the people for
beneficial purposes without waste;
(2)
It is in the public interest that integration and coordination of uses of water
and augmentation of existing supplies for all beneficial purposes be achieved
for the maximum economic development thereof for the benefit of the state as a
whole;
(3)
That adequate and safe supplies be preserved and protected for human
consumption, while conserving maximum supplies for other beneficial uses;
(4)
Multiple-purpose impoundment structures are to be preferred over single-purpose
structures; upstream impoundments are to be preferred over downstream
impoundments. The fishery resource of this state is an important economic and
recreational asset. In the planning and construction of impoundment structures
and milldams and other artificial obstructions, due regard shall be given to
means and methods for its protection;
(5)
Competitive exploitation of water resources of this state for single-purpose
uses is to be discouraged when other feasible uses are in the general public
interest;
(6)
In considering the benefits to be derived from drainage, consideration shall
also be given to possible harmful effects upon ground water supplies and
protection of wildlife;
(7)
The maintenance of minimum perennial streamflows sufficient to support aquatic
life, to minimize pollution and to maintain recreation values shall be fostered
and encouraged if existing rights and priorities under existing laws will
permit;
(8)
Watershed development policies shall be favored, whenever possible, for the
preservation of balanced multiple uses, and project construction and planning
with those ends in view shall be encouraged;
(9)
Due regard shall be given in the planning and development of water recreation
facilities to safeguard against pollution;
(10)
It is of paramount importance in all cooperative programs that the principle of
the sovereignty of this state over all the waters within the state be protected
and preserved, and such cooperation by the commission shall be designed so as
to reinforce and strengthen state control;
(11)
Local development of watershed conservation, when consistent with sound
engineering and economic principles, is to be promoted and encouraged;
(12)
When proposed uses of water are in mutually exclusive conflict or when
available supplies of water are insufficient for all who desire to use them,
preference shall be given to human consumption purposes over all other uses and
for livestock consumption, over any other use, and thereafter other beneficial
purposes in such order as may be in the public interest consistent with the
principles of chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955, under the existing circumstances;
and
(13)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, when available supplies of
water are insufficient in the South Umpqua River to provide for both the needs
of human consumption pursuant to a municipal water right and the maintenance of
previously established minimum streamflows, preference shall be given to the
municipal needs if the municipality adopts and enforces an ordinance
restricting use of the water so obtained to direct human consumption uses. [1955
c.707 §10(3); 1979 c.170 §1; 1987 c.546 §1]
Note: The
Legislative Counsel has not, pursuant to 173.160, undertaken to substitute
specific ORS references for the words “chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955,” in
536.310 and 536.330. Chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955, enacted into law and amended
the ORS sections which may be found by referring to the 1955 Comparative
Section Table located in Volume 20 of Oregon Revised Statutes.
536.315 Designation of exact land areas
included within auxiliary lands. As part of
the water resources policy statement authorized under ORS 536.300, the Water
Resources Commission may designate the exact land areas included within the
auxiliary lands described in ORS 536.007. [1965 c.355 §4; 1985 c.673 §179; 1987
c.158 §114]
536.320 Limitation of powers of commission.
The Water Resources Commission shall not have power:
(1)
To interfere with, supervise or control the internal affairs of any state
agency or public corporation;
(2)
To modify, set aside or alter any existing right to use water or the priority
of such use established under existing laws; or
(3)
To modify or amend any standard or policy as prescribed in ORS 536.310 nor to
adopt any rule or regulation in conflict therewith. [1955 c.707 §10(4)]
536.325 [1979
c.319 §2; 1983 c.796 §4; 1985 c.673 §15; repealed by 1997 c.212 §1]
536.330 Water Resources Act as
supplemental to and including existing statutes.
Chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955, shall be construed by the Water Resources
Commission as supplemental to existing statutes and not in lieu thereof except
to the extent that existing statutes are expressly amended or repealed by
chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955. ORS 536.220 to 536.540 and the authority of the
Water Resources Department thereunder shall include all laws now existing or
hereinafter enacted that relate to or affect the use and control of the water
resources of this state. [1955 c.707 §10(5); 1963 c.415 §1; 1975 c.581 §24;
1985 c.673 §180]
Note: See
note under 536.310.
536.340 Classification of water as to
highest and best use and quantity of use; enforcement of laws concerning loss
of water rights; prescribing preferences for future uses.
(1) Subject at all times to existing rights and priorities to use waters of
this state, the Water Resources Commission:
(a)
May, by a water resources statement referred to in ORS 536.300 (2), classify
and reclassify the lakes, streams, underground reservoirs or other sources of
water supply in this state as to the highest and best use and quantities of use
thereof for the future in aid of an integrated and balanced program for the
benefit of the state as a whole. The commission may so classify and reclassify
portions of any such sources of water supply separately. Classification or
reclassification of sources of water supply as provided in this subsection has the
effect of restricting the use and quantities of use thereof to the uses and
quantities of uses specified in the classification or reclassification, and no
other uses or quantities of uses except as approved by the commission under ORS
536.370 to 536.390 or as accepted by the commission under ORS 536.295.
Restrictions on use and quantities of use of a source of water supply resulting
from a classification or reclassification under this subsection shall apply to
the use of all waters of this state affected by the classification or
reclassification, and shall apply to uses listed in ORS 537.545 that are
initiated after the classification or reclassification that imposes the
restriction.
(b)
Shall diligently enforce laws concerning cancellation, release and discharge of
excessive unused claims to waters of this state to the end that such excessive
and unused amounts may be made available for appropriation and beneficial use
by the public.
(c)
May, by a water resources statement referred to in ORS 536.300 (2) and subject
to the preferential uses named in ORS 536.310 (12), prescribe preferences for
the future for particular uses and quantities of uses of the waters of any
lake, stream or other source of water supply in this state in aid of the
highest and best beneficial use and quantities of use thereof. In prescribing
such preferences the commission shall give effect and due regard to the natural
characteristics of such sources of water supply, the adjacent topography, the
economy of such sources of water supply, the economy of the affected area,
seasonal requirements of various users of such waters, the type of proposed use
as between consumptive and nonconsumptive uses and other pertinent data.
(2)
In classifying or reclassifying a source of water supply or prescribing
preferences for the future uses of a source of water supply under subsection
(1) of this section, the commission shall:
(a)
Comply with the requirements set forth in the Water Resources Department
coordination program developed pursuant to ORS 197.180; and
(b)
Cause notice of the hearing held under ORS 536.300 (3) to be published in a
newspaper of general circulation once each week for two successive weeks in
each county:
(A)
In which waters affected by the action of the commission under subsection (1)
of this section are located; or
(B)
That is located within the basin under consideration.
(3)
Before beginning any action under subsection (2) of this section that would
limit new ground water uses that are exempt under ORS 537.545 from the requirement
to obtain a water right, the commission shall:
(a)
Review the proposed action to determine whether the proposal is consistent with
ORS 537.780;
(b)
Provide an opportunity for review by:
(A)
Any member of the Legislative Assembly who represents a district where the
proposed action would apply; and
(B)
Any interim committee of the Legislative Assembly responsible for water-related
issues; and
(c)
Receive and consider a recommendation on the proposal from the ground water
advisory committee appointed under ORS 536.090. [1955 c.707 §10(6); 1963 c.414 §1;
1989 c.9 §2; 1989 c.833 §54; 1997 c.510 §1; 2011 c.52 §1]
536.350 Delivery of water resources
statement to certain public bodies; effect. The
Water Resources Commission shall deliver a copy of each water resources
statement referred to in ORS 536.300 (2) to each state agency or public
corporation of this state which may be concerned with or which may carry on
activities likely to affect the use or control of the water resources of this
state. Each state agency or public corporation of this state which receives a
copy of a water resources statement shall give to the commission a receipt for
the water resources statement. A copy of any such statement duly certified by
the Water Resources Director to be a full, true and correct copy shall be
received in evidence in any court in the state and if the certificate recites
that a copy of the statement was delivered to a particular state agency or
public corporation of this state, it shall be presumed that the same was
actually delivered as stated in the certificate. [1955 c.707 §10(7); 1985 c.673
§16]
536.360 State agencies and public
corporations to conform to statement of state water resources policy.
In the exercise of any power, duty or privilege affecting the water resources
of this state, every state agency or public corporation of this state shall
give due regard to the statements of the Water Resources Commission and shall
conform thereto. No exercise of any such power, duty or privilege by any such
state agency or public corporation which would tend to derogate from or
interfere with the state water resources policy shall be lawful. [1955 c.707 §11]
536.370 Exercise of power in conflict with
state water resources policy not effective until approved by commission.
(1) No exercise by any state agency or public corporation of this state which
has received a copy of a state water resources statement as provided in ORS
536.350, of any power, duty or privilege, including the promulgating or
undertaking of any order, rule, regulation, plan, program, policy, project or
any other activity, which would in any way conflict with the state water
resources policy as set forth in the statement, shall be effective or
enforceable until approved by the Water Resources Commission as provided in
subsection (2) of this section.
(2)
The exercise of any power, duty or privilege referred to in subsection (1) of
this section shall be deemed approved by the commission if:
(a)
The commission grants its approval as provided in ORS 536.390; or
(b)
The commission does not notify the state agency or public corporation within 30
days after the filing of the notification as provided in ORS 536.380 (1) of the
intention of the commission to review the proposed exercise of the power, duty
or privilege; or
(c)
The commission grants its approval as provided in ORS 536.380 (4). [1955 c.707 §12]
536.380 Notification to commission of
proposed exercise of power involving water resources required; review and
determination by commission. (1) Except as
otherwise provided in ORS 536.390, whenever any state agency or public
corporation of this state which has received a copy of a state water resources
statement as provided in ORS 536.350, proposes to exercise any power, duty or
privilege referred to in ORS 536.370 (1), it shall first file with the Water
Resources Commission a notification of the proposed exercise. The notification
shall be in such form and shall contain a description of the proposed exercise
and such other information as the commission may require. The notification
shall be a public record in the office of the commission.
(2)
Within 30 days after the filing of the notification as provided in subsection
(1) of this section, the commission shall notify the state agency or public
corporation of the intention of the commission to review the proposed exercise
of the power, duty or privilege, if:
(a)
The commission, in its discretion, determines that a review should be
undertaken; or
(b)
A protest against the proposed exercise is filed with the commission within 25
days after the filing of the notification as provided in subsection (1) of this
section by any person, state agency or public corporation of this state or
agency of the federal government.
(3)
The commission, in its discretion, may hold a public hearing on the proposed
exercise of the power, duty or privilege. The commission shall determine the
time and place of the public hearing, and shall give written notice thereof to
the state agency or public corporation whose proposed exercise of a power, duty
or privilege is being reviewed and to each protestant under subsection (2)(b)
of this section, if any, at least 10 days prior to the hearing. Notice of the
hearing shall also be published in at least one issue each week for at least
two consecutive weeks prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general
circulation published in each county in which the proposed exercise of the
power, duty or privilege is to take place or be effective.
(4)
After the commission has notified the state agency or public corporation of the
intention of the commission to review the proposed exercise of the power, duty
or privilege as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the commission
shall undertake the review and proceed therewith with reasonable diligence. At
the conclusion of the review the commission shall make a determination
approving the proposed exercise, approving the proposed exercise subject to
conditions specified in the determination or disapproving the proposed
exercise. A copy of the determination by the commission shall be delivered to
the state agency or public corporation whose proposed exercise of a power, duty
or privilege was reviewed and to each protestant under subsection (2)(b) of
this section, if any. [1955 c.707 §14]
536.390 Approval without filing
notification. The Water Resources Commission may
enter into agreements or provide by orders, rules or regulations whereby it
approves the exercise of any one or more of the powers, duties or privileges
referred to in ORS 536.370 (1) by a state agency or public corporation of this
state which has received a copy of a state water resources statement as
provided in ORS 536.350, without the filing of the notification as provided in
ORS 536.380 (1). Each agreement, order, rule or regulation shall specifically
provide for the modification or revocation thereof at the discretion of the
commission and upon reasonable notice to the state agency or public
corporation, and may contain such other conditions, limitations or requirements
as the commission, in its discretion, may require to insure the accomplishment
of the purposes of the state water resources policy. [1955 c.707 §13]
536.400 Application to court to compel
compliance with state water resources policy. (1) As
used in subsection (2) of this section, “violation” means any exercise or
attempt to exercise by any state agency or public corporation of this state
which has received a copy of a state water resources statement as provided in
ORS 536.350, of any power, duty or privilege which would in any way conflict
with the state water resources statement, without the approval of the Water
Resources Commission as provided in ORS 536.370 (2).
(2)
The commission, may apply to the circuit court of the county in which a
violation is alleged to exist for the restraining by appropriate process of the
commission or continuation of a violation, or for the enforcement by
appropriate process of compliance with ORS 536.370 to 536.390. [1955 c.707 §15]
536.410 Withdrawal of unappropriated
waters from appropriation by commission order.
(1) When the Water Resources Commission determines that it is necessary to
insure compliance with the state water resources policy or that it is otherwise
necessary in the public interest to conserve the water resources of this state
for the maximum beneficial use and control thereof that any unappropriated
waters of this state, including unappropriated waters released from storage or
impoundment into the natural flow of a stream for specified purposes, be
withdrawn from appropriation for all or any uses including exempt uses under
ORS 537.545, the commission, on behalf of the state, may issue an order of
withdrawal.
(2)
Prior to the issuance of the order of withdrawal the commission shall hold a
public hearing on the necessity for the withdrawal. Notice of the hearing shall
be published in at least one issue each week for at least two consecutive weeks
prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation published in each
county in which are located the waters proposed to be withdrawn.
(3)
The order of withdrawal shall specify with particularity the waters withdrawn
from appropriation, the uses for which the waters are withdrawn, the reason for
the withdrawal and the duration of the withdrawal. The commission may modify or
revoke the order at any time.
(4)
Copies of the order of withdrawal and notices of any modification or revocation
of the order of withdrawal shall be filed in the Water Resources Department.
(5)
While the order of withdrawal is in effect, no application for a permit to
appropriate the waters withdrawn for the uses specified in the order and no
application for a preliminary permit or license involving appropriations of
such waters shall be received for filing by the Water Resources Commission. [1955
c.707 §16; 1961 c.224 §11; 1985 c.673 §17; 1989 c.833 §55]
536.420 Representation of state in
carrying out compacts and agreements with other governmental agencies regarding
water resources. (1) The Governor shall designate
the Water Resources Director or a member or members of the Water Resources
Commission to act on behalf of and to represent the state in formulating,
entering into and carrying out any formal or informal compact or other
agreement authorized by the Legislative Assembly concerning the use and control
of the water resources of this state, between this state or any state agency or
public corporation thereof and any other state, any state agency or public
corporation thereof or the federal government or any agency thereof.
(2)
The representative or representatives designated by the Governor under
subsection (1) of this section shall make every effort practicable to ensure
that the compact or other agreement, as formulated, entered into and carried
out, is in harmony with the state water resources policy and otherwise with the
public interest in encouraging, promoting and securing the maximum beneficial
use and control of the water resources of this state.
(3)
The commission in carrying out an investigation pertaining to water resources
may cooperate with state agencies of California for the purpose of formulating,
executing and submitting to the legislatures of Oregon and California for their
approval, interstate compacts relative to the distribution and use of the
waters of Goose Lake and tributaries thereto. No compacts or agreements
formulated as provided in this section are binding upon this state until they
have been approved by the legislature of this state and the Congress of the
United States.
(4)
Any state agency or public corporation of this state required or permitted by
law to formulate, enter into or carry out any compact or other agreement
referred to in subsection (1) of this section shall give timely and adequate
notice to the commission before it undertakes any action under such requirement
or permission. [1955 c.707 §17; 1961 c.298 §1; 1975 c.581 §25; 1999 c.59 §169]
536.430 Commission to devise plans and
programs for development of water resources. The
Water Resources Commission shall devise plans and programs for the development
of the water resources of this state in such a manner as to encourage, promote
and secure the maximum beneficial use and control thereof. [1955 c.707 §18]
536.440 Investigations and studies.
The Water Resources Commission, by itself or in conjunction with any person,
local voluntary committee or association, state agency or public corporation of
this or any other state, any interstate agency or any agency of the federal
government, may conduct such investigations, surveys or studies, including the
holding of public hearings, relating to the water resources of this state as it
deems necessary to facilitate and assist in carrying out its functions as
provided by law. [1955 c.707 §20]
536.450 Assistance by commission to other
persons and agencies. The Water Resources Commission
may make available technical advice and information for the purpose of
assisting any person, local voluntary committee or association, state agency or
public corporation of this state, any interstate agency or any agency of the
federal government in the preparation, carrying into effect and properly
sustaining any plan, program or project concerning the use or control of the
water resources of this state in harmony with the state water resources policy
or otherwise with the public interest in encouraging, promoting and securing
the maximum beneficial use and control of the water resources of this state. [1955
c.707 §19]
536.460 Preparation and submission of
information or recommendations to other persons or agencies.
The Water Resources Commission may prepare and submit information or proposals
and recommendations relating to the water resources of this state or the
functions of the commission as provided by law to any person, local voluntary
committee or association, state agency or public corporation of this or any
other state, any interstate agency, any agency of the federal government or any
committee of the legislature of this or any other state or of the Congress of
the United States. [1955 c.707 §22]
536.470 Coordination of local, state,
interstate and federal programs. The Water
Resources Commission may consult and cooperate with any state agency or public
corporation of this or any other state, any interstate agency or any agency of
the federal government for the purpose of promoting coordination between local,
state, interstate and federal plans, programs and projects for the use or
control of the water resources of this state or to facilitate and assist the
commission in carrying out its functions as provided by law. [1955 c.707 §21]
536.480 Making available information concerning
water resources. The Water Resources Commission,
insofar as practicable, shall make available, free or at cost, to the public
and to any state agency or public corporation of this or any other state, any
interstate agency or any agency of the federal government, information
concerning the water resources of this state or the functions of the commission
as provided by law, including information relating to the state water resources
policy, to any plan or program devised by the commission for the development of
the water resources of this state, to the results of any investigation, survey
or study conducted by the commission and to the results of any hearing held by
the commission. [1955 c.707 §23]
536.490 Attendance at conferences and
meetings. The Water Resources Commission, or any
member thereof or any other person designated by the commission, may attend and
participate in any public conference, meeting or hearing held within or without
this state for the purpose of considering water resources problems. [1955 c.707
§24]
536.500 Acceptance and expenditure of
moneys from public and private sources. The Water
Resources Commission may accept and expend moneys from any public or private source,
including the federal government, made available for the purpose of
encouraging, promoting and securing the maximum beneficial use and control of
the water resources of this state or to facilitate and assist in carrying out
its functions as provided by law. All moneys received by the commission under
this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury and, unless otherwise
prescribed by the source from which such moneys were received, shall be kept in
separate accounts in the General Fund designated according to the purposes for
which the moneys were made available. Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS
291.238, all such moneys are continuously appropriated to the commission for
the purposes for which they were made available and shall be expended in
accordance with the terms and conditions upon which they were made available. [1955
c.707 §25]
536.510 [1955
c.707 §26; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.520 State agencies and public
corporations furnishing information and services to commission.
(1) In order to facilitate and assist in carrying out its functions as provided
by law, the Water Resources Commission may:
(a)
Call upon state agencies or public corporations of this state to furnish or
make available to the commission information concerning the water resources of
this state which such state agencies or public corporations have acquired or
may acquire in the performance of their functions.
(b)
Have access to the records, facilities or projects of state agencies or public
corporations of this state, insofar as such records, facilities or projects may
concern the water resources of this state or the functions of the commission
with regard thereto.
(c)
Otherwise utilize the services, records and other facilities of state agencies
or public corporations of this state to the maximum extent practicable.
(2)
Upon request by the commission, all officers and employees of state agencies or
public corporations of this state shall cooperate to the maximum extent
practicable with the commission under subsection (1) of this section.
(3)
Upon receipt and approval by the commission of approved claims therefor, any
special or extraordinary expense incurred by any state agency or public
corporation of this state in cooperating with the commission under this section
shall be paid by the commission. [1955 c.707 §§27,28]
536.530 [1955
c.707 §29; repealed by 1975 c.581 §29 and by 1975 c.605 §33]
536.540 Approval of voucher claims.
All voucher claims for indebtedness or expenses authorized and incurred by the
Water Resources Commission in carrying out its functions as provided by law
shall be approved by the commission or as provided in ORS 293.330. [1955 c.707 §31]
536.550 [1955
c.707 §30; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
536.560 [1955
c.707 §76; 1979 c.284 §164; repealed by 1985 c.673 §185]
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
536.570 Moneys and securities of
irrigation districts in possession of Water Resources Commission; deposit with
State Treasurer. The Water Resources Commission
may deposit with the State Treasurer for safekeeping all moneys and securities
which may come into the commission’s possession in connection with the
reorganization, retirement or settlement of the bonds, warrants or other
evidences of indebtedness of any irrigation district within the state. When so
deposited the State Treasurer shall safely keep the same subject to call of the
Water Resources Commission. [Formerly 544.050; 1957 c.351 §3; 1985 c.673 §19]
536.580 Rights acquired prior to August 3,
1955, not affected. Nothing in ORS 509.645, 536.220
to 536.540 or 543.225, as enacted by chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955, nor in the
amendments made by chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955, to ORS 225.290, 225.300,
261.325, 261.330, 509.610, 509.625, 537.170, 537.200 (1969 Replacement Part),
543.050 or 543.230, nor in sections 38, 41, 43, 45 or 50 of chapter 707, Oregon
Laws 1955, nor in ORS 509.585 shall be construed to take away or impair any
right to any waters or to the use of any waters vested and inchoate prior to
August 3, 1955. [1955 c.707 §55; 1973 c.723 §125; 1985 c.673 §181; 2001 c.923 §15]
536.590 Rights acquired prior to January
1, 1956, not affected. Nothing in the amendments made
by chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955, to ORS 182.410, 536.010 (1973 Replacement
Part), 542.110, 548.365, 555.030 or 555.070, nor in sections 58 to 65, 70 or 75
of chapter 707, Oregon Laws 1955, shall be construed to take away or impair any
right to any waters or to the use of any waters vested or inchoate prior to
January 1, 1956. [1955 c.707 §77; 1969 c.168 §2; 1985 c.673 §182]
536.595 Department discussions with Corps
of Engineers over operation of Detroit Lake. In
discussions held with the United States Army Corps of Engineers over seasonal
operations of impoundments within the Willamette Basin reservoir system, including
Detroit Lake, the Water Resources Department shall:
(1)
Specify that the State of Oregon has determined that Detroit Lake is an
important recreational resource to the citizens of Oregon.
(2)
Encourage the United States Army Corps of Engineers to place Detroit Lake as
the highest priority recreational use lake in the Willamette Basin reservoir
system.
(3)
If the United States Army Corps of Engineers indicates that recreational use of
Detroit Lake will not receive the highest priority, notify communities that may
be detrimentally affected by such a decision and hold public meetings within
the affected communities. [2001 c.837 §1]
Note:
536.595 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to
or made a part of ORS chapter 536 or any series therein by legislative action.
See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
536.600 [1993
c.765 §104; renumbered 541.345 in 1995]
EMERGENCY WATER SHORTAGE POWERS
536.700 “Drainage basin” defined.
As used in ORS 536.700 to 536.780, “drainage basin” means one of the 18 Oregon
drainage basins identified by the Water Resources Department as shown on maps
published by that department dated January 1976. [1977 c.541 §3]
536.710 Policy.
(1) The Legislative Assembly finds that an emergency may exist when a severe,
continuing drought results in a lack of water resources, thereby threatening
the availability of essential services and jeopardizing the peace, health,
safety and welfare of the people of Oregon.
(2)
The Legislative Assembly finds it necessary in the event of an emergency
described in subsection (1) of this section, to promote water conservation and
to provide an orderly procedure to assure equitable curtailment, adjustment,
allocation or regulation in the domestic, municipal and industrial use of water
resources where more than one user is dependent upon a single source of supply.
[1977 c.541 §1]
536.720 Declaration of state authority;
Governor’s power to order water conservation or curtailment plan.
(1) Because municipal and other political subdivision boundaries do not conform
with the geographic boundaries of the 18 major drainage basins, or associated
subbasins in the state, and because problems caused by a severe continuing
drought may exceed local ability to control, the Legislative Assembly declares
that water resource conservation in time of severe, continuing drought requires
the exercise of state authority.
(2)(a)
After a declaration that a severe, continuing drought exists, or is likely to
exist, the Governor may order individual state agencies and political
subdivisions within any drainage basin or subbasin to implement, within a time
certain following the declaration, a water conservation or curtailment plan or
both, approved under ORS 536.780.
(b)
Each state agency and political subdivision ordered to implement a water
conservation or curtailment plan shall file with the Water Resources Commission
such periodic reports regarding implementation of the plans as the commission
or the Governor may require.
(3)
Orders provided for in subsection (2) of this section and curtailments,
adjustments, allocations and regulations ordered pursuant thereto shall be
designed insofar as practicable not to discriminate within any class of
consumers.
(4)
It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that curtailments, adjustments,
allocations and regulations ordered pursuant to subsection (2) of this section
be continued only so long as a declaration by the Governor of the existence of
severe, continuing drought is in effect.
(5)
The Governor may direct individual state agencies and political subdivisions of
this state to seek enforcement of all orders and regulations issued pursuant to
ORS 536.780 and subsection (2) of this section. [1977 c.541 §2; 1985 c.673 §20;
1989 c.87 §7]
536.730 Effect of emergency powers on vested
water rights. Except as provided in ORS 536.740 and
536.750, nothing in ORS 536.700 to 536.780 is intended to permit the Governor
or the Water Resources Commission to hinder the ability of any holder of a
vested water right to obtain and use legally assured benefits of that right. [1977
c.541 §4; 1989 c.87 §8]
536.740 Governor’s authority to declare
drought. Upon finding that a need exists for
statewide coordination of water resource conservation measures by municipal and
other political subdivisions of this state in order to minimize problems caused
by a severe shortage of water, the Governor may declare that a severe,
continuing drought exists or is likely to exist. [1989 c.87 §2]
536.750 Powers of commission after
declaration of drought; rules. (1)
Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapters 536 to 543A, after a declaration
that a severe, continuing drought exists, the Water Resources Commission may:
(a)
Issue without first conducting a hearing under ORS 537.170, a temporary permit
for an emergency use of water;
(b)
Allow a temporary change in use, place of use or point of diversion of water
without complying with the notice and waiting requirements under ORS 540.520;
(c)
Notwithstanding the priority of water rights, grant preference of use to rights
for human consumption or stock watering use;
(d)
Waive the notice requirements under ORS 537.753 and the report required under
ORS 537.762;
(e)
Allow a temporary exchange of water without giving notice as required under ORS
540.535; and
(f)
Utilize an expedited notice and waiting requirement established by rule for the
substitution of a supplemental ground water right for a primary water right
under drought conditions in place of the notice and waiting requirement
provided in ORS 540.524.
(2)
The commission by rule may establish procedures for carrying out the provisions
of this section and a schedule of fees that must accompany a request under
subsection (1) of this section. [1989 c.87 §3; 1999 c.873 §20; 2001 c.788 §1]
536.760 Cessation of actions taken under
ORS 536.750. Any action taken under ORS 536.750 may
be carried out only during the period of severe, continuing drought. After the
drought, any water use undertaken under ORS 536.750 must cease or comply with
the applicable provisions of ORS 537.110 to 537.252, 537.505 to 537.795 and
537.992 or 540.520 and 540.530. [1989 c.87 §4]
536.770 Purchase of option or agreement
for use of water permit or right during declared drought; application; fee.
(1) The Water Resources Commission or a local government, public corporation or
water right holder may purchase an option or enter an agreement to use an
existing permit or water right during the time in which a severe, continuing
drought is declared to exist.
(2)
A local government, public corporation or water right holder proposing to
purchase an option or enter an agreement under this section shall submit to the
commission an application accompanied by the fee required under ORS 536.050
(1)(a).
(3)
After approval of the application by the commission, the option or agreement
user:
(a)
Is not required to construct any diversion or appropriation facilities or
works;
(b)
May use the water acquired under the option or agreement on property or for a
use different than allowed in the permit or water right transferred under the
option or agreement, if the water is used to replace water not available to the
local government, public corporation or water right holder because of the
drought; and
(c)
May begin use at any time after approval by the commission so long as the total
use by the water right or permit holder and the option or agreement user is
within the rate, volume and seasonal limits of the permit or water right. [1989
c.87 §5; 1993 c.349 §1; 1997 c.587 §3; 2001 c.788 §2]
536.780 Water conservation or curtailment
plans; contents; review; effect of failure to file or implement.
(1) The Water Resources Commission, upon a finding that a severe or continuing
drought is likely to occur, may order individual state agencies and political
subdivisions within any drainage basin or subbasin to develop and file with the
commission, within 30 days following the order, a water conservation or
curtailment plan or both. The commission may allow the state agencies and
political subdivisions more than 30 days following the order to file the plan
depending on the urgency for the plan.
(2)(a)
The water conservation plan shall specify efforts to be made:
(A)
To reduce usage of water resources for nonessential public purposes;
(B)
To undertake activities consistent with law designed to promote conservation,
prevention of waste, salvage and reuse of water resources; and
(C)
To establish programs consistent with law designed to promote conservation,
prevention of waste, salvage and reuse of water resources.
(b)
When a state agency or political subdivision files a water conservation plan
with the Water Resources Commission, the commission shall review the plan and
approve it if the commission finds that the plan satisfactorily promotes
uniformity in water conservation practices and the coordination of usage
regulation, taking into account local conditions.
(3)(a)
The water curtailment plan, in order to provide water necessary for human and
livestock consumption during a severe and continuing drought, shall specify
efforts to be made:
(A)
To curtail, adjust or allocate the supply of water resources for domestic,
municipal and industrial use; and
(B)
To regulate the times and manner in which water resources are consumed.
(b)
When a state agency or political subdivision files a water curtailment plan
with the Water Resources Commission, the commission shall review the plan and
approve it if the commission finds that the plan satisfactorily promotes
uniformity in water curtailment practices and the coordination of usage
regulation, taking into account local conditions.
(4)
If a state agency or political subdivision fails to file a water conservation
or curtailment plan when so ordered, or if the commission does not approve a
filed plan, the commission may develop appropriate plans. [1989 c.87 §6]
PENALTIES
536.900 Civil penalties; imposition.
(1) In addition to any other liability or penalty provided by law, the Water
Resources Commission may impose a civil penalty on a person for any of the
following:
(a)
Violation of any of the terms or conditions of a permit, certificate or license
issued under ORS chapters 536 to 543A.
(b)
Violation of ORS 537.130 or 537.535.
(c)
Violation of ORS 537.545 (5) or (6) or of a rule described in ORS 537.545 (8).
(d)
Violation of any rule or order of the Water Resources Commission that pertains
to well maintenance.
(e)
Violation of ORS 540.045, 540.145, 540.210, 540.310, 540.320, 540.330, 540.340,
540.435, 540.440, 540.570 (5), 540.710, 540.720 and 540.730 or rules adopted
under ORS 540.145.
(2)
A civil penalty may be imposed under this section for each day of violation of
ORS 537.130, 537.535, 540.045, 540.310, 540.330, 540.570 (5), 540.710, 540.720
or 540.730.
(3)
In the event the petitioner knowingly misrepresents the map and petition
required in ORS 541.329, the commission may assess a penalty of up to $1,000
based upon guidelines to be established by the commission. In addition, the
petition and map shall be amended to correct the error at the petitioner’s
cost. Affected users shall be given notice as provided in ORS 541.329 (5).
(4)
A civil penalty may not be imposed until the commission prescribes a reasonable
time to eliminate the violation. The commission shall notify the violator of
the time allowed to correct a violation within five days after the commission
first becomes aware of the violation.
(5)
Notwithstanding any term or condition of a permit, certificate or license, the
rotation of the use of water under ORS 540.150 may not be considered a
violation under subsection (1) of this section. [1989 c.618 §1; 1991 c.869 §5;
1993 c.818 §5; 1999 c.873 §21; 2001 c.788 §§6,12; 2003 c.705 §§17,18; 2009
c.819 §2]
Note:
536.900 to 536.935 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were
not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 536 or any series therein by
legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further
explanation.
536.905 Notice; application for hearing.
(1) Any civil penalty under ORS 536.900 shall be imposed as provided in ORS
183.745.
(2)
Notwithstanding ORS 183.745, the person to whom the notice is addressed shall
have 10 days from the date of service of the notice in which to make written
application for a hearing before the commission. [1989 c.618 §2; 1991 c.734 §50]
Note: See
note under 536.900.
536.910 Amount of penalty; rules.
After public hearing, the Water Resources Commission by rule shall adopt a
schedule establishing the civil penalty that may be imposed under ORS 536.900
and the time allowed to correct each violation. However, the civil penalty may
not exceed $5,000 for each violation. [1989 c.618 §3]
Note: See
note under 536.900.
536.915 Remission or reduction of penalty.
A civil penalty imposed under ORS 536.900 may be remitted or reduced upon such
terms and conditions as the Water Resources Commission considers proper and
consistent with the public health and safety and protection of the public
interest in the waters of this state. [1989 c.618 §4]
Note: See
note under 536.900.
536.920 Factors to be considered in
imposition of penalty. In imposing a penalty pursuant
to the schedule adopted pursuant to ORS 536.910, the Water Resources Commission
shall consider the following factors:
(1)
The past history of the person incurring a penalty in taking all feasible steps
or procedures necessary or appropriate to correct any violation.
(2)
Any prior violations of statutes, rules or orders pertaining to water use.
(3)
The economic and financial conditions of the person incurring the penalty,
including any financial gains resulting from the violation.
(4)
The immediacy and extent to which the violation threatens other rights to the
use of water or the public health or safety or the public interest in the
waters of this state. [1989 c.618 §5]
Note: See
note under 536.900.
536.925 [1989
c.618 §12; repealed by 1991 c.734 §122]
536.930 Consequence of failure to follow
order. Any owner or operator who fails without
sufficient cause to take corrective action as required by an order of the Water
Resources Commission shall be liable for damages not to exceed the amount of
all expenses incurred by the Water Resources Department in carrying out the
department’s enforcement duties related to the corrective action. [1989 c.618 §7;
1991 c.734 §51]
Note: See
note under 536.900.
536.935 Disposition of penalties; appropriation.
All penalties recovered under ORS 536.930 shall be paid into the State Treasury
and credited to an account of the Water Resources Department. Such moneys are
continuously appropriated to the department to carry out the provisions of ORS
chapters 536 to 543A. [1989 c.618 §8; 1999 c.873 §22]
Note: See
note under 536.900.
_______________