| Updated: |
3/20/2007 |
| Description: |
A project is a minor hydroelectric project if it has capacity of less than 100 theoretical horsepower.
A privately-owned, minor hydroelectric project may receive a water right that is usually limited to 20 years.
All new hydroelectric water rights are expressly made inferior in right and subsequent in time to all other upstream beneficial consumptive uses of water. This means that the project must operate on the flows available in the river, and no other diversions will be shut down to make additional water available.
The process for applying for a new minor private hydroelectric water right is set forth in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 543 and Oregon Adminstrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 690 Division 51.
Water related projects often require multiple permits. Please see Common Water Related Projects for information on other permits that may be required to accomplish your project. |
| Statutes, Rules, Ordinances: |
ORS 543
OAR 690-051
|
| Duration: |
Usually 20 years |
| Fees - application, exam, etc.: |
$1,000 plus a surcharge of 30% of the total fee if anadromous or threatened or endangered fish are present at the site of the proposed project. Other fees may apply. |
| Responsible Agency: |
Water Resources Department |
| Examination Information: |
Applications are reviewed under the applicable provisions of ORS 543, OAR 690-051. Note that private hydroelectric water rights must be either reauthorized or decommissioned at the end of the period of the water right. Each of those options entails a significant new separate process. |
| Bonding Requirements: |
n/a |
| Insurance Requirements: |
n/a |
| Application Form: |
Minor Hydroelectric App |
| Service Links: |
 Water Rights in Oregon
Agency Contact Information
|
| Required Documentation: |
Applications are reviewed under the applicable provisions of ORS 543, OAR 690-051, and the application must contain all information as specified in those provisions for new minor private hydroelectric projects. |
| Additional Information: |
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) strongly suggests that any person interested in obtaining a new hydroelectric water right contact OWRD and schedule a pre-application conference to discuss the application process, fees, resource issues, etc. |
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| |
Agency Information
|
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Please refer to the Agency Website for further details and additional information.
|
| Agency Name: |
Water Resources Department |
| E-mail Address: |
Kenneth.L.Smith@state.or.us
|
| Phone: |
503-986-0900
|
| Mail Address: |
Oregon Water Resources Department
725 Summer St NE
Salem, OR 97301
- 1271
|
| Website Information: |
http://www.wrd.state.or.us/ |
