Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 690 - WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Division 51 - APPROPRIATION AND USE OF WATER FOR HYDROELECTRIC POWER AND STANDARDS FOR HYDROELECTRIC APPLICATIONS
Section 690-051-0180 - Mitigation, No Net Loss

Universal Citation: OR Admin Rules 690-051-0180

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

(1) The following standards on mitigation and no net loss are minimums. They apply to all natural resources in the project vicinity. Resource specific rules may impose stricter standards. In order to approve an application, the Director must determine the natural resources of the state will be maintained or enhanced. In making such a determination, the following standards must be applied:

(a) No activity may be approved that may result in the net loss of natural resources. In determining whether a proposed activity may result in a net loss of natural resources, the department may consider mitigation.

(b) Proposed mitigation must be in the project vicinity and determined as acceptable to the Director or Commission;

(c) All mitigation measures which reasonably can, shall be fully functional when the project begins operation; and

(d) The Collective benefits of all mitigation measures must equal or exceed the collective adverse impacts on natural resources so there is no net loss of natural resources.

(2) In applying the standards in section (1) of this rule, the Commission or Director shall:

(a) Consult with federal, state, and local resource agencies, and the appropriate affected tribe(s); and

(b) Prefer mitigation that benefits the natural resource(s) affected, over mitigation that benefits some other natural resource(s). If mitigation that benefits the affected natural resource(s) is unacceptable or not possible, mitigation that benefits some other natural resource(s) may be considered.

(3) The standards in section (1) of this rule shall apply to the following natural resources: water quality; wildlife; scenic and aesthetic resources; historic, cultural, and archaeologic; agricultural lands; forest resources; wetlands; plant life; fish life; recreation; soils; and natural communities and geologic features.

(4) At the Director's discretion, the standards in section (1) of this rule may apply to natural resource(s) not identified in section (3) of this rule that an applicant or interested party can demonstrate to be a natural resource of value to the public. Anyone making a showing of value for a natural resource not listed in section (3) of this rule shall also propose, for consideration, a standard for the protection of the natural resource. If agreed by the Director and upon acceptable showing of public value, an applicant may propose enhancement or other mitigation of an unlisted natural resource to offset impacts on natural resources listed in section (3) of this rule.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 536.025, 536.027, 537 & 543

Stats. Implemented:

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