OAR 690-315-0040
Criteria for Department Review of Extension Applications for Other Than Municipal and Quasi-Municipal Water Use Permits
(1)
In order to approve an application for an extension of time to complete construction and/or apply water to full beneficial use pursuant to ORS 537.230 (Time allowed for construction of irrigation or other work) or 537.630 (Time allowed for construction work under permit), or to begin construction, pursuant to ORS 537.248 (Requirement to include in reservoir permit date for beginning and completing construction and for perfecting water right), the Department shall find:(a)
The applicant has submitted a completed application, including the fee specified in ORS 536.050 (Fees). The Department shall return any incomplete or deficient applications to the applicant, and shall specify the deficiency;(b)
For applications filed pursuant to OAR 690-315-0020 (Application for Extension of Time for Other Than Municipal and Quasi-Municipal Water Use Permits), the applicant began construction on the project within the time period required by applicable statute;(c)
The applicant can complete the project within the time period requested for the extension; and(d)
There is good cause to approve the extension.(2)
In order to make a finding of good cause to approve the extension, the Department shall consider, but is not limited to, the following criteria:(a)
Whether the applicant has demonstrated reasonable diligence in previous performance under the permit;(b)
The cost to appropriate and apply the water to a beneficial purpose;(c)
The good faith of the appropriator;(d)
The market for water or power to be supplied;(e)
The present demands for water or power to be supplied;(f)
The income or use that may be required to provide fair and reasonable returns on investment;(g)
Whether other governmental requirements relating to the project have significantly delayed completion of construction or perfection the right;(h)
Any unforeseen events over which the water right permit holder had no control and which delayed development under the permit;(i)
Whether denial of the extension will result in undue hardship to the applicant and that there are no other reasonable alternatives exist for meeting water use needs; and(j)
Any other factors relevant to a determination of good cause.(3)
In determining reasonable diligence in subsection (2)(a), the Department shall consider, but is not limited to, the following factors:(a)
The amount of construction completed within the time allowed in the permit or previous extension;(b)
The amount of beneficial use made of the water during the permit or previous extension time limits;(c)
Water right permit holder conformance with the permit or previous extension conditions; and(d)
Financial investments made toward developing the beneficial water use.(4)
In determining the market and the present demand for water or power to be supplied pursuant to subsections (2)(d) and (e) above, the Department shall consider, but is not limited to, the following factors:(a)
The amount of water available to satisfy other affected water rights and scenic waterway flows;(b)
Special water use designations established since permit issuance, including but not limited to state scenic waterways, federal wild and scenic rivers, serious water management problem areas or water quality limited sources established under 33 U.S.C. 1313(d);(c)
The habitat needs of sensitive, threatened or endangered species, in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife;(d)
Economic investment in the project to date;(e)
Other economic interests dependent on completion of the project; and(f)
Other factors relevant to the determination of the market and present demand for water and power.(5)
If the extension is requested pursuant to ORS 537.230 (Time allowed for construction of irrigation or other work) or 537.630 (Time allowed for construction work under permit), the applicant must have begun actual construction work, as defined in OAR 690-315-0020 (Application for Extension of Time for Other Than Municipal and Quasi-Municipal Water Use Permits)(3)(d)(A) and (B), during the period required by statute. If the Department finds the applicant did not begin construction by that date, the permit cannot be extended and the Department may begin cancellation proceedings pursuant to ORS 537.260 (Cancellation of permit for failure of proof of completion of appropriation) or 537.410 (Failure to commence or complete work, or to properly apply water, as grounds for cancellation of permit).(6)
The Department may request additional information necessary to evaluate an application.
Source:
Rule 690-315-0040 — Criteria for Department Review of Extension Applications for Other Than Municipal and Quasi-Municipal Water Use Permits, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=690-315-0040.