OAR 690-230-0005
Policy and Purpose

(1)

All low-temperature geo-thermal fluids are part of the groundwater resources of the State of Oregon and shall be administered by the Water Resources Commission (Commission) under the provisions of ORS 537.010 (Definition of “Water Rights Act”) to 537.796 (Rules regarding low temperature geothermal appropriations). The Commission recognizes that these fluids are developed primarily because of their thermal characteristics and that special management is necessary. Reservoir assessment of low-temperature geothermal fluids shall be conducted by the Commission in the same manner as groundwater investigations outlined in ORS 537.665 (Investigation of ground water reservoirs) and 537.685 (Findings of fact and order of determination).

(2)

In areas where substantial thermal alteration exists, the Commission may declare a critical groundwater area, or may otherwise control use of groundwater, or order the discontinued use, repair or permanent abandonment of a well(s) causing substantial thermal alteration, in order to protect the thermal characteristics of the groundwater resource. The Commission may also regulate appropriations to limit thermal interference between wells. Low-temperature geothermal appropriations with a bottom hole temperature less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (F) shall not be protected from thermal interference caused by groundwater appropriations for other purposes.

(3)

The purpose of the following rules is to provide standards and procedures for the development, use and management of low-temperature geothermal fluids, while insuring proper management of all groundwater resources so maximum beneficial use of the resource will be most effectively attained.

(4)

These rules supplement OAR 690-200-0005 (Basis for Regulatory Authority) to 690-225-0110 (Schedule of Civil Penalties).

Source: Rule 690-230-0005 — Policy and Purpose, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=690-230-0005.

690–230–0005
Policy and Purpose 690–230–0020
Definitions 690–230–0030
Construction of Low-Temperature Geothermal Production and Injection Wells 690–230–0040
Location of Low-Temperature Geothermal Injection Wells Not Exceeding 15,000 Gallons Per Day 690–230–0045
Location of Low-Temperature Geothermal Injection Wells Exceeding 15,000 Gallons Per Day 690–230–0050
Description of Proposed Well Use (Start Card) 690–230–0060
Identification of Intended Well Use (Well Log) 690–230–0070
Well-Head Protection Equipment 690–230–0075
Disposal of Low-Temperature Geothermal Fluids Produced During Drilling and Testing 690–230–0080
Pump Testing of Low-Temperature Geothermal Injection Wells with an Anticipated Injection Rate of Less than 15,000 Gallons Per Day 690–230–0085
Pump Testing of Low-Temperature Geothermal Injection Wells with an Anticipated Injection Rate Exceeding 15,000 Gallons Per Day 690–230–0090
Water Temperature Measurement 690–230–0100
Additional Standards for Low-Temperature Geothermal Injection Wells 690–230–0110
Injection Plan for Wells with an Anticipated Injection Rate Not Exceeding 15,000 Gallons Per Day 690–230–0115
Injection Plan for Wells with an Anticipated Injection Rate Exceeding 15,000 Gallons Per Day 690–230–0120
Water Rights Procedure Processing of Applications 690–230–0130
Exemption from Water Right Permit Application/Use of Low-Temperature Geothermal Fluid 690–230–0140
Water Right Limitation for Nonstandard Effluent Disposal Systems
Last Updated

Jun. 24, 2021

Rule 690-230-0005’s source at or​.us