OAR 340-013-0020: Environmental Standards

(1) Except as provided in section (2) of this rule, no person engaged in an activity other than emergency or recreational within a wilderness area shall: (a) Cause, suffer, allow, or permit any emission of air contaminants greater than five percent opacity; (b) Discharge any waste into waters or conduct any activity which causes or is likely to cause: (A) Any measurable increase in color, turbidity, temperature, or bacterial contamination; (B) Any measurable decrease in dissolved oxygen; (C) Any change in hydrogen ion concentration (pH); or (D) Any toxic effect on natural biota. (c) Cause, suffer, allow or permit the emission of noise from any source or sources which noise causes the maximum ambient sound pressure level to exceed 50 dBA at any point at least 50 feet from any source. (2) Subject to the permit requirements in OAR 340-013-0015, the Department may permit the emission of air contaminants greater than five percent opacity, but not to exceed ten percent opacity and noise from any source or sources causing the maximum ambient sound pressure level to exceed 50 dBA at any point at least 50 feet from any source, but not to exceed 75 dBA at such distance.