OAR 340-041-0001: Preface

(1) The rules that follow, together with the applicable laws of the State of Oregon and the applicable regulations of the Environmental Quality Commission (the Commission), set forth Oregon’s plans for management of the quality of public waters within the State of Oregon. (2) Under this plan, the Department of Environmental Quality will continue to manage water quality by evaluating discharges and activities, whether existing or a new proposal, on a case-by-case basis, based on best information currently available and within the limiting framework of minimum standards, treatment criteria and policies which are set forth in the plan. (3) The Commission recognizes that the deadlines for adoption of this plan prevented thorough involvement by local government in the development and review of the plan. Accordingly, the Department will review the contents of this plan with affected local governments and will use their comments and suggestions in preparing amendments for consideration by the Commission not later than December, 1977. At a minimum, the processes of coordination with local governments will consist of the following elements: (a) Work with county coordinators to set up meetings to explain the plan to groups of local governments and solicit their comments; (b) Provide copies of the plan and supporting documents to any affected local governments who have not already received them; (c) Seek input from councils of governments; (d) Upon request, visit local level governments to discuss the plan; (e) Work with Statewide associations of local governments and others to inform local governments of the plan.