All landowners, operators, and USDA program participants must comply. Permits for placement of material, excavation, or similar alteration of material in waterways and wetlands are issued by the Corps of Engineers (Corps) under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and by the Department of State Lands (DSL) under the state Removal-Fill Law. The Natural Resource Conservation Service NRCS (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) administers the Swampbuster provisions of the 1985 Food Security Act, as amended in 1990, 1996, 2002, and 2008. All landowners and operators are responsible for obtaining any necessary federal and state permits or clearances for Swampbuster provisions.

Regulated activities​

Placement of material, excavation, and alteration below ordinary high water of any waterway or wetland and some jurisdictional ditches. Ditching, draining, stump removal (large clearing projects), and plowing or discing wetlands not previously farmed are all regulated activities in the areas described below.

Areas reg​ulated

Regulated areas where alteration permits or clearances may be required include rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands:

• Streams and creeks include all perennial and some intermittent creeks, including ones that have been ditched or channelized.
  
• Lakes include the permanent water area and any seasonally saturated wetlands that surround the permanent water body.
  
• Wetlands include areas known as swamps, sloughs, marshes, ponds, and wet meadows. They may be forested, shrubby, prairie-like, or have no vegetation if they have been altered. Wetlands that are being farmed may be supporting crops or pasture plants.
  

Note: Many wetlands are only seasonally wet and may not look like wetlands during certain times of the year. Typically, seasonal wetlands are very wet areas in the winter and spring but dry by early-to-mid summer. If an area is difficult to farm because it is too wet, the site may be a regulated wetland that should be evaluated prior to conducting regulated activities. Wetlands subject to regulation are identified in the field, based upon soils, vegetation, and hydrology.

Exemptio​ns

Some wetland types and some activities are exempt from permit requirements and from Swampbuster provisions. Exempt activities include established ongoing farming activities, such as plowing, seeding, and cultivation; routine maintenance of ditches (to original capacity); replacement of malfunctioning drainage systems or water control structures (to original capacity); and some minor projects involving small amounts of fill or excavation. You may not perform maintenance activities that increase the original scope and design of the drainage system without a permit.

However, there is not an exact correspondence between the Swampbuster provisions, Clean Water Act, or the state removal-fill law. If you are planning to conduct any of the activities listed above (regulated activities), you should contact NRCS, Corps, and DSL for information regarding any restrictions, regulations, or exemptions that may apply. The information in this handbook is intended only as a guide.

Technical assistance

Programs and permits

US Department of Agriculture
For USDA program participants, the first point-of-contact is NRCS. There is a field office in most counties. The local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) can help you locate the nearest office, or you may phone the state office in Portland. In addition to administering Swampbuster, NRCS provides landowner technical and financial assistance with natural resource conservation, including wetland restoration.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd, Suite 900
Portland, OR 97232
Phone 503-414-3200
Web or.nrcs.usda.gov

State Habitat Biologist
Jeremy Maestas
625 SE Salmon Ave, Suite 4
Redmond, OR 97756
Phone 541-923-4358 ext. 109

US Army Corps of Engineers
For non-USDA program participants, the first point-of-contact is the Corps and DSL. Corps and DSL have a joint permit application that must be sent to both agencies for earthwork in waterways and wetlands. The landowner will generally need to have a wetland determination from a private consultant (determination subject to review and approval) prior to applying for a permit to work in wetlands. Permits may be approved (usually with conditions) or denied. The Corps and DSL also provide assistance to landowners regarding wetlands and permits.

Regulatory and Resource Branch
Wetlands Specialist
PO Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208-2946
Phone 503-808-4376

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
ODFW provides technical and financial assistance to landowners who want to improve conservation practices (wetland or upland) on their lands. They also provide information to the regulatory agencies (through the permit process) and to landowners on the best timing of in-stream work to minimize effects on fish.

Habitat Conservation Division
3406 Cherry Ave NE
Salem, OR 97303-4924
Phone 503-947-6000
Web dfw.state.or.us

US Fish and Wildlife Service
The US Fish and Wildlife Service provides financial and technical assistance through such programs as Partners for Wildlife.

Portland Field Office
2600 SE 98th St, Suite 100
Portland, OR 97266
Phone 503-231-6179
Web fws.gov 

Owners/operators who construct, abandon, enlarge, or replace major parts of an in-channel artificial obstruction (i.e., dam, culvert, dike, levee, tidegate, etc.) to the upstream and downstream movement of native migratory fish must provide adequate fish passage at the obstruction unless granted a waiver or exemption [ORS 509.580 through 509.910, and OAR 635-412-0005 through 0040]. Waivers can be granted when mitigation must result in a net benefit to native migratory fish, as compared to the benefit that would’ve occurred if passage were provided. Exemptions are only granted if providing fish passage would provide no appreciable benefit to fish. Passage plans, waivers, or exemptions must be approved by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) prior to construction, abandonment, enlargement, major replacement, or a fundamental change in permit status at the artificial obstruction.

Fish passage facilities must be operated and maintained by the owner or operator of the artificial obstruction to provide adequate passage of native migratory fish at all times.

Definitions

Fish passage facilities at dams usually involve a fishway of some type for upstream passage and other measures for downstream passage.

Artificial obstruction

An artificial obstruction is any dam, diversion, dike, berm, levee, tide or flood gate, road, culvert, or other human-made device placed in the waters of this state that precludes or prevents the migration of native migratory fish.

Fishway

A fishway is the set of human-built and/or operated facilities, structures, devices, and measures that together constitute, are critical to the success of, and were created for the sole purpose of providing upstream fish passage at artificial or natural obstructions which create a discontinuity between upstream and downstream water or bed surface elevations. A fishway generally takes the form of a series of stair-stepped pools (fish ladder) through which fish can migrate upstream.

Native migratory fish

Those native fish that migrate during their life cycle. A fish species list can be obtained from the ODFW statewide fish passage coordinator.

Net benefit

An increase in the overall, proximate habitat quality or quantity, as determined by ODFW, that is biologically likely to lead to an increased number of native migratory fish after a development action and any subsequent mitigation measure have been completed.

Wa​iver

An owner/operator with an artificial obstruction may apply for a waiver of the requirement to provide fish passage if mitigation will be provided that creates a net benefit to fish [ORS 509.585(7)(a)].

Exemption

An owner/operator with an artificial obstruction may apply for an exemption to the requirement to provide fish passage if

• a lack of fish passage was mitigated.
  
• a waiver was granted for the artificial obstruction.
  
• no appreciable benefit exists for providing fish passage [ORS 509.585(9)(a)].
  

Cost sharing program

ODFW administers a cost share program that provides assistance to owners/operators for fishway construction. If an owner/operator is selected for the program, the State of Oregon covers 60 percent of the costs of each fish passage device (not to exceed $75,000) and the owner/operator covers 40 percent. An ODFW cost share grant application may be obtained on the website. In most cases, owners/operators are also eligible for a tax credit.

Web​ dfw.state.or.us/fish/screening/grant_info.asp

Tax credit

An owner/operator may be eligible for a state income tax or corporate excise tax credit of 50 percent, not to exceed $5,000, per fishway. The owner/operator must apply for preliminary certification from ODFW prior to construction [ORS 315.138].

Technical assistance

Technical assistance for providing fish passage may be obtained from ODFW’s field coordinators (listed in the application), local field offices, the statewide fish passage coordinator, or the website.
Web dfw.state.or.us/fish/passage

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Greg Apke, Statewide Fish Passage Program Leader
3406 Cherry Ave NE
Salem, Oregon 97303
Phone 503-947-6228
Email greg.d.apke@state.or.us

Ken Loffink, Assistant Fish Passage Coordinator
Phone 503-947-6256
Fax 503-947-6203
Email ken.j.loffink@state.or.us

Fish screening and by-pass devices prevent the loss of fish when diverting water for human use. These devices are an important element in protecting or restoring fish populations throughout Oregon and are a critical tool in preventing additional endangered species act listing. A number of fish screen designs are available that work in conjunction with gravity and pumped water diversions.

Who must comply?

The installation of a fish screen may be required under the following circumstances [ORS 498.306]:

• The water diversion is 30 cfs or more.
  
• A new water right is issued for the diversion.
  
• The point of diversion is transferred.
  
• Less than 150 persons per biennium volunteer for a screen installation.
  
• The Fish Screening Task Force has reviewed and approved a request to require screening.
  

Cost Share​ Program

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) encourages the installation of fish screening or by-pass devices in water diversions of any size. As an additional incentive for water users to install fish screens, ODFW administers a cost-share program to assist with fish screen installation. Approved projects are eligible to receive up to 60 percent of the projects costs of each device with a $75,000 per project cap. The water user or ODFW can construct and install the devices. The cost share cap of $75,000 may be exceeded under certain circumstances. A tax credit is also available to qualified applicants for 50 percent (up to $5,000) of their costs to install a fish screen. An ODFW cost share grant application and additional information may be obtained from ODFW’s field coordinators:

Marty Olson, Northwest Oregon      541-296-8026
Adam Wulf, Eastern Oregon           541-575-0561
Rich Kilbane, Southwest Oregon     541-826-8774
Web dfw.state.or.us/fish/screening​

Fish screening and by-pass plans should be approved by ODFW prior to construction and installation of the fish screening or by-pass devices. Projects completed as part of the cost share program must receive approval as part of the application process.

Tax cre​dit

A water user may be eligible for a state income tax credit of 50 percent not to exceed $5,000 per fish screening or by-pass device. The water user must apply for preliminary certification from ODFW prior to construction [ORS 315.138].

For additional assistance or questions, please contact one of the coordinators listed above or the statewide fish screening coordinator.

Definitions

Fish screen

A fish screen is a screen, bar, rack, or other physical barrier, including related improvements necessary to ensure its effective operation, and to provide adequate protection for fish populations present at a water diversion.

By-pass

A by-pass is a pipe, flume, open channel, or other means of conveyance that transports fish back to the body of water from which the fish were diverted, but does not include fishways or other passages around a dam.

Technical assistance

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
Pete Baki, Statewide Fish Screening Coordinator
3406 Cherry Ave NE
Salem, OR 97303
Phone 503-947-6217
Email Pete.A.Baki@state.or.us
Web dfw.state.or.us/fish/screening​

The 1989 Oregon Legislature established a law intended to prevent contamination of Oregon’s groundwater resources. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lead responsibility to evaluate and implement strategies for preventing and correcting contamination of groundwater. Contamination sources might include residential, commercial, or farm sources such as fertilizers, pesticides, or other farm waste.

Well wate​r

If a residence is served by a well, Oregon law requires that the well be tested for arsenic, nitrates, and total coliform bacteria before any sale or exchange of the property and within 90 days of receiving test results. The seller must submit the test results to the Drinking Water Program of the Oregon Health Authority’s Center for Health Protection and the real estate buyer. The program may also require additional tests for specific contaminants in an area of groundwater concern or groundwater management. For more information on well water testing, contact the Drinking Water Program.

Drinking Water/Domestic Wells
PO Box 14350
Portland, OR 97293-0350
Phone 971-673-0405
Web public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/DrinkingWater​

Well construction

To secure a groundwater supply, you will need to estimate your water needs, locate a groundwater source, obtain a water right (in some cases), select and contract with a licensed and bonded well constructor or get the needed authorization to drill the well yourself. The OWRD recommends against drilling your own well. Standards on well depth, casing, sealing, development and yield testing, and developing a well log require specialized knowledge and equipment. Names of local well constructors are available from the OWRD website, the classified section of the local telephone directory, the Oregon Groundwater Association, or any OWRD office.

Web apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/gw/well_license/default.aspx​

Web ogwa.org​

If a water right permit is required, OWRD recommends that you obtain a permit prior to drilling a well; otherwise, you may spend money on a well that you cannot use. If a water right permit is not required, an exempt use recording fee and map requirement still apply.

Note: Exempt wells are described in further detail in the “Water Rights” chapter.

Finding gro​undwater

You can learn about the quantity and quality of well water in your area from local water well constructors and neighbors. Water well reports are required by Oregon water law and are a basic tool used in checking for groundwater availability. You may examine water well reports in your local watermaster’s office or at the OWRD’s central office in Salem.

Web ​apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/gw/well_log/Default.aspx​

The US Geological Survey and National Water Well Association advises against employing a waterwitch to search for groundwater.

In 1993, the State Legislature approved the Agricultural Water Quality Management (AgWQM) Act, which requires the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) to prevent and control water pollution and soil erosion from agricultural activities. The AgWQM Act directs ODA to work with farmers and ranchers to develop and implement AgWQM area plans when required by state or federal law. AgWQM area plans and rules have been adopted for all 38 management areas in Oregon.

Who must comply?

Landowners and operators who conduct agricultural activities, within areas where AgWQM area plans and rules are in place, are required to comply with the rules designed to ensure the plans are successful. The goal of a plan is to achieve water quality standards designed to protect beneficial uses. Specific practices will not be prescribed to landowners as long as they are in compliance with area rules. However, landowners who are not in compliance, and who will not voluntarily take steps to address problems, may be subject to specific compliance orders and/or enforcement action.

Examples of practices protecting water quality:

• Rotational grazing
  
• Streamside vegetation for shade and other functions
  
• Conservation tillage
  
• Irrigation water management
  

Cost sharing assista​nce

Federal or state cost sharing assistance may be available for landowner installation of conservation and water quality protection measures. Contact your local water quality specialists. They can direct you to the best source of financial assistance.

Technical assistance​

Oregon Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Program Area
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301-2532
Phone 503-986-4700
Fax 503-986-4730
Web oregon.gov/ODA/NRD/Pages/water_agplans.aspx​

ODA regional water quality specialists
North coast and northern Willamette region
Cheryl Hummon 503-986-4791
Sheila Marcoe 503-986-4707

Mid-coast and southern Willamette region
Kevin Fenn 503-986-6486

Central region
Ellen Hammond 541-617-0017

Central/southeastern region
Theresa DeBardelaben 541-318-9088

Southwestern region
Beth Pietrzak 541-245-7463

Northeastern region
Tom Straughan 541-278-6721

Under Oregon law, all water is publicly owned. With some exceptions, water users must first obtain authorization, or a water right, from the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) before using water from any source-under ground, lakes, or streams. A water right is a type of property right and is attached to the land where it was established. As a general matter, if the land is sold, the water right goes with the land to the new owner. Landowners with water flowing through or past their property do not automatically have the right to divert the water without state authorization. State authorization takes the form of water right permits, certificates, and licenses.

Currently, surface water in the state is generally not available for new appropriations during summer months. Additionally, many areas of the state have restrictions on further groundwater appropriation. Some areas of the state may have restriction on future appropriation through legislative action or administrative order of the Water Resources Commission. Check with the Oregon Water Resources Department for restrictions in your area.

Well construc​tion

To secure a groundwater supply, you will need to estimate your water needs, locate a groundwater source, obtain a water right (in some cases), select and contract with a licensed and bonded well constructor or get the needed (OWRD) authorization to drill the well yourself. The OWRD recommends against drilling your own well. Standards on well depth, casing, sealing, development and yield testing, and developing a well log require specialized knowledge and equipment. Names of local well constructors are available from the OWRD web page, the classified section of the local telephone directory, the Oregon Groundwater Association, or at any OWRD office.

Web apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/gw/well_license/default.aspx
Web ogwa.org

If a water right permit is required, OWRD recommends that you obtain a permit prior to drilling a well; otherwise, you may spend money on a well that you cannot use. If a water right permit is not required, an exempt use recording fee and map requirement still apply. Exempt uses are described in further detail in the “Exemptions” section.

Finding groundwater

You can learn about the quantity and quality of well water in your area from local water well constructors. Water well reports are required by Oregon water law and are a basic tool used in checking for groundwater availability. You may examine water well reports in your local watermaster’s office or at the OWRD’s central office in Salem. You can also review water well logs through the department’s home page.

Web oregon.gov/owrd

The US Geological Survey and National Water Well Association advises against employing a waterwitch to search for groundwater.

Exem​ptions

Exempt uses of water are those that do not require water right permits. These are defined in, ORS 537.545. Exempt uses of surface water include the landowner’s use of a spring which, under natural conditions at any time of the year, does not form a natural channel and flow off the property where it originates. Some stock watering and forest management water uses are also exempt under certain conditions. Groundwater exempt uses include domestic use up to 15,000 gallons per day, industrial or commercial use not to exceed 5,000 gallons per day, irrigation of lawn and/or non-commercial garden of ½ acre or less, and stock water. There is an exempt use recording fee and mapping requirement for groundwater. Be sure to consult with OWRD before assuming any water use is exempt.

Applicatio​ns and permits

Applicants with complex requests, or applicants who are unfamiliar with the application process, are encouraged to contact the department to schedule a “pre-application conference.” The department’s Water Rights Section staff are available to meet with applicants about their proposed project.

Application revie​w

During the application review stage, applications are examined by the department to ensure that allowing the proposed use will not cause injury to other users or public resources. The department also determines if water is likely to be available for use and considers many other factors in its analysis of the application. These factors can include basin plan restrictions that might prohibit certain uses or further appropriations, local land use restrictions, water quality, and other state and federal rules.

For example, when considering a water right application in or above a state scenic waterway, the department is required by law to find that the proposed use will not impair the recreational, fish, and wildlife values in the scenic waterway. The department has prepared estimates of the streamflow levels needed to satisfy these uses. These flows may be used in determining whether new water rights in or above a scenic waterway should be authorized.

Also during the application review stage, other water right holders, government agencies, and the public may comment on, or under certain conditions, may protest the application. For example, the department consults with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to evaluate impacts on sensitive, threatened or endangered species, and ensure instream values are protected.

When applicants seek to use stored water only, the application will receive an expedited review leading directly to a final order, unless public interest issues are identified following the public notice of filing. If such issues are raised adequately, the application will undergo the standard review process to allow thorough public participation.

Large dams (10 feet or more in height and storing more than 3 million gallons) must have plans and specifications that are prepared by a professional engineer licensed in Oregon and are approved by the Water Resources Department before construction begins. Construction must be supervised by an engineer licensed in Oregon. There is an annual dam safety fee.

Instre​am

The Water Resources Commission is authorized to issue instream water rights for fish protection, to minimize the effects of pollution, or for maintaining recreational uses. Instream water rights have a priority date and are regulated in the same way as other water rights. Water users with junior priority dates may be required to stop diverting water to protect senior water rights including senior instream water rights. However, water users with a senior priority date are not affected by junior instream rights. Water right holders are allowed to sell, lease, or donate water rights to be converted into instream uses, provided there is no injury to other water rights.

Groundwater restri​cted areas

Due to groundwater level declines, several areas in Oregon are restricted from developing new groundwater permits. The restrictions are either enacted by order or adopted in rule by the Oregon Water Resources Commission (WRC). Classified Areas are areas where the allowable uses of groundwater have been restricted and groundwater permits may not be available or available only as a time-limited permit. Classified areas have been adopted in Clackamas, Deschutes, Gilliam, Lake, Linn, Klamath, Marian, Morrow, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties. Critical Groundwater Areas are areas that are closed to any further permitted development and where the WRC sets an allowable amount of withdrawal from existing permitted wells (known as a sustainable annual yield). This is undertaken in order to stabilize groundwater declines. In order to meet the sustainable annual yield, existing permit holders may be restricted from exercising their groundwater rights. Critical Groundwater Areas exist in Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Wasco, and Washington counties. Groundwater Withdrawal Areas are areas where the WRC has withdrawn an aquifer from any further appropriation. Withdrawal Areas exist in Marion and Wasco counties. Groundwater use that is exempt from the permitting process may be allowed in the restricted areas. Contact Oregon Water Resources Department for details on allowable uses and groundwater permitting options in these areas.

Transferring wat​er rights

A water right exists only for the amount of water, type of use, and place of use described in the water right. If an appropriator establishes the right to irrigate a particular tract of land, the water cannot later be diverted to other land or used for another purpose unless a transfer is authorized by OWRD. A water right transfer application must be filed with OWRD to change a point of diversion, the type of use, the place of use, or a combination of these. When a transfer of water right is completed, the date of priority is not changed. The water user is required to have a report and map prepared by a certified water right examiner after a successful transfer and use. When the use is confirmed, OWRD will issue a new certificate. Temporary transfers are also available, allowing the transfer of the place of use for a period not to exceed five years. A temporary point of diversion transfer is allowed if it is necessary to convey water to the temporary place of use. The water right automatically goes back to the original place of use when the term of the temporary transfer expires. A water right holder may, under certain conditions, transfer the point of diversion from a surface water source to a groundwater source.

Fe​es

Check with the Water Resources Department for correct fees and forms.

Web oregon.gov/owrd/pages/pubs/forms.aspx

Tec​hnical assistance

Oregon Water Resources Department
725 Summer St NE, Suite A
Salem, OR 97301-1266
Phone 503-986-0900
Web oregon.gov/OWRD​