WaterWatch of Oregon, based out of Portland, is the premier outside expert on
Water Resources Dept. decisions and processes. I know they monitor and comment
on both surface and groundwater in basins around the state, including Malheur,
Klamath, and Chewaucan. Anyone interested in effectively commenting on rule
revisions or specific permit applications should consider contacting their
office through their website:
waterwatch.org
Jim Fairchild
From: boo-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:boo-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of ;
clay crofton
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2016 8:39 AM
To: boo@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; onda@xxxxxxxx
Subject: [boo] Harney County Ground Water Issue
The Oregon Water Resources Department is about to change their rules to allow
additional Pivots to be installed in the Greater Malheur Lake Basin. The
proposal states that the ground water is being drawn down (over allocated). The
Impact statement only addresses the benefits of additional farming. It does not
address the effects of springs that will go dry and the loss of that habitat to
wildlife. They do take measures to protect the Senior Water Rights by requiring
the pumpers to monitor the draw down.
Public meetings will be held March 30.
Wish I understood how to advocate that the Senior right to water is that of the
wildlife, springs and rivers dependent on the ground water.
http://www.oregon.gov/owrd/Pages/law/Department_Rulemaking.aspx
Division 512 – Malheur Lake Basin Program
NOTE: TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC REVIEW, THE COMMENT PERIOD ON THESE DRAFT
RULES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MARCH 30, 2016. THE PUBLIC HEARINGS HAVE ALSO BEEN
RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 30, 2016.
In general, a Basin Program describes how water may be used in major river and
lake basins and their tributaries. The Malheur Lake Basin Program currently
describes that new uses may only be established if water is available unless
the use is for an instream right, permit to store water between March 1 and May
31, use of stored water, and multi-purpose storage projects authorized under
OAR 690-512-0100. The Malheur Lake Basin Program also reserves water for future
economic development in the Home Creek sub-basin.
Current data, comprising substantial evidence, indicate that groundwater levels
are declining in areas of the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of
Concern. Additional allocation of groundwater within this area may exacerbate
these declines. A comparison between estimated annual recharge and previously
allocated groundwater volumes indicates that groundwater is fully allocated in
some areas of the basin. The Department is proposing to establish the Greater
Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern in part of the Malheur Lake Basin,
which will allow some pending applications to be approved if offset water can
be provided, and limit future applications from being approved while a
groundwater study is completed. Exempt uses will not be limited.
Two public hearings will be held on these draft rules. One is at the Harney
County Community Center on March 30, 2016 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Another
hearing will be held at the Oregon Water Resources Department, 725 Summer St.
NE, Rogue Conference Room, Salem, OR 97301 on March 30, 2016 from 10:00 am to
11:00 am. Written comments will be accepted until 5 pm on March 30, 2016. See
below for more information.
<http://www.oregon.gov/owrd/LAW/docs/law/690-2016212Notice.pdf> Click here for
the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing
<http://www.oregon.gov/owrd/LAW/docs/law/690-2016212Fiscal.pdf> Click here for
the Statement of Need and Fiscal Impact
<http://www.oregon.gov/owrd/LAW/docs/law/Div512FinalDraftRules.docx> Click
here for the Draft Rules
<http://www.oregon.gov/owrd/LAW/docs/law/Exhibit1GreaterHarneyValley.pdf>
Click here for the Exhibit 1 Map
--
Happy birding
Clay
There's more Birders than Golfers
