Or. Admin. Code § 690-310-0270 - Timelines

(1) Except as provided in section (2) of this rule, the Department shall issue a final order or schedule a contested case hearing on an application for a water right within 180 days after the Department proceeds with the application under OAR 690-310-0080(2).

(2) At the request of the applicant, the Department may extend the 180-day period set forth in section (1) of this rule for a reasonable period of time. The extension shall not exceed 180 days except upon a finding by the Director that a longer extension is reasonable and necessary.

(3) If a contested case hearing is held, the Department shall issue a final order:

(a) Within 270 days after scheduling the hearing for a contested case proceeding that involves three or more parties not including the Department; and

(b) Within 180 days after scheduling the hearing for all other contested case proceedings.

(4) If the applicant does not request an extension under section (2) of this rule and the Department fails to issue a proposed final order or schedule a contested case hearing on an application for a water right within 180 days after the Department proceeds with the application under OAR 690-310-0080(2), the applicant may apply in the Circuit Court for Marion County for a writ of mandamus to compel the Department to issue a final order or schedule a contested case hearing on an application for a water right. If the application is for an out-of-stream use or for the use of ground water, the writ of mandamus shall compel the Department to issue a water right permit, unless the Department shows by affidavit that to issue a permit may result in harm to an existing water right holder.

Notes

Or. Admin. Code § 690-310-0270

WRD 1-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-31-96

Stat. Auth.: ORS 536.027

Stats. Implemented: ORS 537.175 & ORS 537.627