The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) has officially opened the public comment period for its new Groundwater Allocation Rules. As part of the public comment period, OWRD will be holding public hearings throughout Oregon.
The proposed rules could significantly reduce the ability to obtain a groundwater permit and will impact all basins including those that are not experiencing serious water level declines. OFB is concerned that there will be significant impacts on a variety of water users. Considering the vast scope of the impact of the proposed rule, Oregon Farm Bureau encourages its members to participate in the public hearings scheduled in their regions.
Please find the most current information provided by OWRD on the public hearings outlined below. Additionally, the most up-to-date information can be found on OWRD’s website here.
Public Hearing Dates, Times and Locations
CENTRAL OREGON
Date: April 4
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Place: Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR 97703??
A pre-hearing information-only session will be offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Both the information session and the hearing will be recorded and posted online here within 48 hours.
EASTERN OREGON
Date: April 18
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Place: Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building, Room 339, 1 University Blvd., La Grande, OR 97850?
A pre-hearing information-only session will be offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Both the information session and the hearing will be recorded and posted online here within 48 hours.
SOUTHERN OREGON
Date: May 16
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Place: Jackson County Auditorium, 7520 Table Rock Rd., Central Point, OR 97502
A pre-hearing information-only session will be offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Both the information session and the hearing will be recorded and posted online here within 48 hours.
SALEM AND VIRTUAL
Date: May 21
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Place: North Mall Office Building, Room 124, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
Zoom registration link (P?ublic Hearing)
This meeting will be hybrid, hosted on Zoom and in person. ?
A pre-hearing information-only session will be offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m., hosted on Zoom and in person.
Zoom registration link (Pre-Hearing Info Session)
This meeting will be hybrid, hosted on Zoom and in person.?
Both the information session and the hearing will be recorded and posted online here within 48 hours.