Public comments taken until June 14 on changes to Oregon groundwater rules; commission meeting set in Bend
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is updating the rules for new groundwater rights applications and is seeking public input on proposed rules that have been developed with input from a Rules Advisory Committee. OWRD is hosting two in-person public hearings and one virtual hearing in May to allow for the public to provide input. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. on June 14, 2024.
Current groundwater right permitting rules allow for aquifers to decline beyond what nature can replace and do not consider long-term or cumulative impacts on surface water. Addressing the long-term impacts of groundwater use requires updating the rules for reviewing new water rights applications. These new rules will only apply to new water rights applications and not to existing or permit-exempt water users. For more information about the proposed rules, please see the background information, informational flyer, and Frequently Asked Questions.
To provide the best opportunity for members of the public to provide input, OWRD is hosting two more informational sessions before each public hearing where staff will review the proposed rules. Public comments will not be accepted at the information sessions but will be accepted at the public hearings following each session.
There will be an informational item about the proposed rules at the next Water Resources Commission meeting in Bend on June 14. Commission meetings are open for public comment. Information about providing public comments at commission meetings is available online. All commission meetings are available to view or attend online. Links are available in the meeting agenda, once posted.
Written comments can be submitted by email to:
WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov
or by mail:
Laura Hartt – Rulemaking Coordinator
Oregon Water Resources Department 725 Summer St. N.E. Suite A
Salem, OR 97301-1271
Details on Information Sessions and Public Hearings
Videos of the two previous information sessions and public hearings are available on the Groundwater Allocation Rulemaking page under the “Public Comment, Public Hearings & Pre-Hearing Information Sessions” dropdown.
SOUTHERN OREGON
Date: Thursday, May 16
Information Session: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Jackson County Auditorium, 7520 Table Rock Rd., Central Point, OR 97502
SALEM AND VIRTUAL
Date: Tuesday, May 21
Information Session: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Both in-person and virtual
In-person: Oregon Water Resources Department, North Mall Office Building, Room 124, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
Virtually (via Zoom): Information Session Registration Link
Virtually (via Zoom): Public Hearing Registration Link
Alternatively, you may email WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov no later than noon on May 21, 2024, to receive the registration link via email.
Phone: 253-205-0468 (please email WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov no later than noon on May 21, 2024, to receive the conference ID and passcode).
If you have questions or need to request accommodations in advance of one of the scheduled meetings, please contact WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov or 971-720-0963.
OWRD is the state agency that allocates and distributes water in Oregon. The Oregon Water Resources Commission is a seven-member citizen body that sets state water policy and oversees OWRD’s activities. For more information, please visit www.oregon.gov/owrd.
