OAR 690-310-0130
Public Interest Presumption; Groundwater
(1)
The Department shall presume that a proposed groundwater use will ensure the preservation of the public welfare, safety and health as described in ORS 537.525 (Policy) if:(a)
The proposed use is allowed in the applicable basin program established pursuant to ORS 536.300 (Formulation of state water resources program) and 536.340 (Classification of water as to highest and best use and quantity of use) or given a preference under ORS 536.310 (Purposes and policies to be considered in formulating state water resources program)(12);(b)
Water is available;(c)
The proposed use will not injure other water rights; and(d)
The proposed use complies with the rules of the Commission.(2)
The presumption described in subsection (1) of this section is a rebuttable presumption and may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence that either:(a)
One or more of the criteria for establishing the presumption are not satisfied; or(b)
The proposed use would not ensure the preservation of the public welfare, safety and health as demonstrated in comments, protests or a finding of the Department that shows:(A)
The specific aspect of the public welfare, safety and health under ORS 537.525 (Policy) that would be impaired or detrimentally affected; and(B)
Specifically how the identified aspect of the public welfare, safety and health under ORS 537.525 (Policy) would be impaired or detrimentally affected.
Source:
Rule 690-310-0130 — Public Interest Presumption; Groundwater, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=690-310-0130
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