OAR 690-517-0020
Minimum Perennial Streamflows
(1)
For the purpose of maintaining a minimum perennial streamflow sufficient to support aquatic life, no appropriations of water except for domestic or livestock uses and irrigation of noncommercial gardens not exceeding one-half acre in area shall be allowed for waters of the streams and tributaries listed in Table 1 when flows are below the specified levels.(2)
The Water Resources Commission requests the opportunity to review applications for an allowed beneficial use that has traditionally been identified as nonconsumptive or take-and-put, such as fish hatcheries, hydroelectric facilities, municipal or water process industries that could potentially impact, in an adverse way, the Commission’s minimum flow regime or the public interest. The Water Resources Commission intends to continue to protect, in its entirety, that portion of the stream system on which any minimum streamflow has been established. Permitting procedures and water use regulation should reflect that objective as far as possible under the law. The Commission solicits the advice or complaints of any party who is aware that the objectives are not being met.(3)
Minimum flows established in the Water Resource Program for the South Coast Basin dated May 22, 1964 (Table 2), shall remain in full force and effect except as follows:(a)
The minimum perennial streamflow for the Elk River above U.S. Highway 101 crossing (45 cfs) is rescinded;(b)
The minimum perennial streamflow for the Coquille River Middle Fork above Bear Creek (4 cfs) is rescinded;(c)
The minimum perennial streamflow for the Sixes River above the U.S. Highway 101 crossing is reduced to 25 cfs during the period from August 1 to September 30;(d)
The minimum perennial streamflow for the South Fork Coquille River near Powers is reduced to 15 cfs during the period from June 16 to September 30.(4)
For purposes of distributing water, minimum flows established in 1964 shall be considered part of and not in addition to revised minimum flow regimes.(5)
To support aquatic life and minimize pollution, in accordance with Section 3, Chapter 796, Oregon Laws 1983, no appropriations of water shall be granted for the waters of the Coquille River and tributaries when flows are below the specified levels in Table 2. This limitation shall not apply to:(a)
Domestic and livestock uses and irrigation of non-commercial gardens not exceeding 1⁄2 acre in area;(b)
Water legally released from storage.
Source:
Rule 690-517-0020 — Minimum Perennial Streamflows, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=690-517-0020.