2013 Oregon Revised Statutes
Volume : 13 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food
Chapter 540 - Distribution of Water; Watermasters; Change in Use; Transfer or Forfeiture of Water Rights
Section 540.155 - Periodic review and report regarding department program for Deschutes Basin ground water study area.

(1) As used in this section, "Deschutes Basin ground water study area" has the meaning given that term in ORS 540.531.

(2) The Water Resources Department shall periodically review the department program for the Deschutes Basin ground water study area. The review shall include, but need not be limited to, the identification of regulatory and statutory changes that may improve the program in order to address and mitigate injury to existing water rights and spring systems and to offset measurable reductions of scenic waterway flows.

(3) The department shall report to the Legislative Assembly every five years on outcomes of the department program for the Deschutes Basin ground water study area. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, program impacts on other users of the Deschutes River Basin, the potential timing of mitigation, identification of zones of impact, a review of impacts on the headwaters of the Metolius River and other key reaches of the Metolius River system, the potential timing of federal, state and local storage improvements and other issues identified by stakeholders. [2011 c.694 §2]

Note: 540.155 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 540 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.