ORS 522.015
Policy


(1)

The Legislative Assembly hereby finds and declares that:

(a)

The people of the State of Oregon have a direct and primary interest in the development of geothermal resources situated in this state.

(b)

The State of Oregon, through the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, shall control the drilling, redrilling and deepening of wells for the discovery and production of geothermal resources so that such wells will be constructed, operated, maintained, plugged and decommissioned in the manner necessary to safeguard the life, health, property and welfare of the people of this state, to safeguard the air, water and other natural resources of this state, and to encourage the maximum economic recovery of geothermal resources therefrom.

(2)

It is the policy of the Legislative Assembly that this chapter be administered:

(a)

To prevent damage to and waste of geothermal resources;

(b)

To prevent interference with or damage to waters used or to be used for beneficial purposes that may result from improper drilling, operation, maintenance, plugging or decommissioning of geothermal or prospect wells;

(c)

To supervise the drilling, operation, maintenance, plugging and decommissioning of geothermal or prospect wells in a manner permitting the operator to utilize all methods known to the industry for the purpose of increasing the ultimate economic recovery of geothermal resources, that are suitable, and consistent with protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the state; and

(d)

To provide for the development, management and production of geothermal resources in a manner that minimizes state involvement, enhances resource recovery, prevents waste, maximizes economic development and protects correlative rights of the resource owners. [Formerly 522.050; 1981 c.588 §4; 2009 c.794 §2]
522.005
Definitions
522.015
Policy
522.019
Injection of geothermal fluids
522.025
Application
522.035
Ownership rights
522.045
Decommissioned well
522.055
Permit
522.065
Circulation of application to state agencies
522.075
Bond or security
522.080
Operator liability
522.085
Report certifying completion of decommissioning plan
522.115
Permit
522.125
Circulation of application to state agencies
522.135
Permit
522.145
Bond or security
522.155
Liability for failure to protect ground water and surface water
522.165
Request for permit modification
522.175
Plugging and decommissioning
522.195
Monthly production statement
522.205
Notice by prospective operator of transfer or purchase of well
522.215
Suspension of drilling or operation
522.225
Notice of intent to plug and decommission
522.245
Department approval of plugging and decommissioning
522.255
Resolution of conflicts between geothermal and water uses
522.275
Administration by State Geologist
522.305
Rules
522.315
Final order of department
522.325
Compliance with final order
522.355
Records of well
522.365
Filing record with department
522.405
Unitization
522.415
Unit operation plan
522.425
Provisions in rule or order requiring unit operation
522.435
Rule, order to supersede previous board action
522.445
Condition to effectiveness of unitization plan and unit agreement
522.455
Rehearing on rule or order
522.465
Appointment of unit operator
522.475
Board review of disputes over unit operation
522.485
Amendment of unitization plan
522.495
Presumptions regarding conduct of operation
522.505
Unauthorized operation in unit area prohibited
522.515
When agreement or plan held not to violate state securities or trade law
522.525
Land subject to board authority
522.535
Fees
522.545
Rulemaking authority
522.810
Suits to enjoin violations
522.815
Rules by board
522.910
Aiding in violations prohibited
522.915
False entries, omissions, destruction or removal of records or reports
522.990
Penalties
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