2019 Oregon Revised Statutes
Volume : 15 - Water Resources, Agriculture and Food
Chapter 540 - Distribution and Storage of Water; Watermasters; Water Right Changes, Transfers and Forfeitures
Section 540.467 - Owner action to address maintenance issues; hearing; proposed and final orders; penalty.
(1) If, as the result of an inspection under ORS 540.455 of a dam that has a significant hazard rating or high hazard rating, the Water Resources Department concludes that maintenance actions are needed, the department shall inform the dam owner of the need for maintenance actions. The department shall provide the information by inclusion in the inspection document and provide the dam owner with the opportunity to meet with the department concerning the information.
(2) If the department or its agent or representative conducts an inspection and the department determines that the dam owner has failed to take needed maintenance actions identified in a prior inspection document, in addition to any other available remedies, the Water Resources Director may issue a proposed final order under subsection (3) of this section. A proposed final order under subsection (3) of this section shall include notice and opportunity for hearing under ORS 183.413 to 183.470.
(3) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the director may issue a proposed final order that includes, but need not be limited to, provisions:
(a) Requiring the dam owner to perform the needed maintenance actions by a specified date; and
(b) Imposing a civil penalty under ORS 540.995, not to exceed an amount established by the Water Resources Commission by rule, for failing to address the needed maintenance actions identified in the proposed final order or failing to comply with a resolution reached through informal or alternative means.
(4) If the dam owner performs needed maintenance actions required by a proposed final order issued under subsection (3) of this section to the satisfaction of the department by the date specified in the proposed final order, the director may not impose any civil penalty that was described in the proposed final order.
(5) After issuing a proposed final order and allowing an opportunity for hearing, the director may issue a final order as provided under ORS chapter 183.
(6) The department and a dam owner may at any time use informal or alternative means, including but not limited to stipulation, agreed settlement or consent orders, to resolve a matter for which the department has notified the dam owner as described in this section. [2019 c.390 §10]
Note: 540.467 becomes operative July 1, 2020. See section 28, chapter 390, Oregon Laws 2019.
