Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 690 - WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Division 410 - STATEWIDE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Section 690-410-0020 - Hydroelectric Power Development

Universal Citation: OR Admin Rules 690-410-0020

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024

(1) Policy -- Development and production of hydroelectric power is a beneficial use. However, construction and operation of hydroelectric facilities have had significant adverse impacts on the state's natural resources. New hydroelectric development shall be permitted if it can be demonstrated that there will be no harm to the state's anadromous salmon and steelhead fish resource and habitat, and no net loss of the state's other natural resources. Relicensing of existing facilities, which have adversely impacted, or may preclude the recovery of, anadromous fish resources shall include measures to restore, enhance or improve the anadromous fish resource. The relicensing of any facility shall include measures to prevent the net loss of other natural resources resulting from future operation of the facility.

(2) Principles -- Programs to achieve the policy in section (1) of this rule shall be guided by the following principles:

(a) Hydroelectric power can provide valuable economic and social benefits when the natural resources of the state are protected from potential adverse impacts;

(b) Proposed or relicensed projects that can be developed consistent with Oregon's resource protection standards should be encouraged. New development shall be consistent with the provisions of the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program as adopted by the Northwest Power Planning Council pursuant to PL 96-501;

(c) Mitigation shall be required for harm to Oregon's natural resources caused or likely to be caused by new permitted hydroelectric power development. These natural resources include but are not limited to anadromous fish, wildlife, water quality, scenic and aesthetic values, historic, cultural and archeological sites;

(d) On relicensing of existing facilities, measures for restoration, enhancement or improvement for past harms to Oregon's anadromous and steelhead resource shall be considered and implemented; and

(e) The state shall ensure that the laws of the state and the rules of the Commission concerning hydroelectric power development are satisfied at every stage of any hydroelectric power project. The state shall assert these laws and rules when participating in federal proceedings involving hydroelectric power. Participation in these proceedings by state agencies shall be fostered through the Strategic Water Management Group (SWMG).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 536

Stats. Implemented: ORS 536

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Oregon may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.