OAR 345-022-0115: Wildfire Prevention and Risk Mitigation

(1) To issue a site certificate, the Council must find, by way of supporting evidence from the applicant, that: (a) The applicant has adequately characterized wildfire risk within the analysis area using current data from reputable sources, by identifying: (A) Baseline wildfire risk, based on factors that are expected to remain fixed for multiple years, including but not limited to topography, vegetation, existing infrastructure, and climate; (B) Seasonal wildfire risk, based on factors that are expected to remain fixed for multiple months but may be dynamic throughout the year, including but not limited to, cumulative precipitation and fuel moisture content; (C) Areas subject to a heightened risk of wildfire, based on the information provided under paragraphs (A) and (B) of this subsection; (D) High-fire consequence areas, including but not limited to areas containing residences, critical infrastructure, recreation opportunities, timber and agricultural resources, and fire-sensitive wildlife habitat; and (E) All data sources and methods used to model and identify risks and areas under paragraphs (A) through (D) of this subsection. (b) That the proposed facility will be designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with a Wildfire Mitigation Plan approved by the Council. The Wildfire Mitigation Plan must, at a minimum: (A) Identify areas within the site boundary that are subject to a heightened risk of wildfire, using current data from reputable sources, and discuss data and methods used in the analysis; (B) Describe the procedures, standards, and time frames that the applicant will use to inspect facility components and manage vegetation in the areas identified under subsection (a) of this section; (C) Identify preventative actions and programs that the applicant will carry out to minimize the risk of facility components causing wildfire, including procedures that will be used to adjust operations during periods of heightened wildfire risk; (D) Identify procedures to minimize risks to public health and safety, the health and safety of responders, and damages to resources protected by Council standards in the event that a wildfire occurs at the facility site, regardless of ignition source; and (E) Describe methods the applicant will use to ensure that updates of the plan incorporate best practices and emerging technologies to minimize and mitigate wildfire risk. (2) The Council may issue a site certificate without making the findings under section (1) if it finds that the facility is subject to a Wildfire Protection Plan that has been approved in compliance with OAR chapter 860, division 300. (3) This Standard does not apply to the review of any Application for Site Certificate or Request for Amendment that was determined to be complete under OAR 345-015-0190 or 345-027-0363 on or before the effective date of this rule.