OAR 629-623-0300: Public Safety Risk Levels

(1) The exposure categories described in OAR 629-623-0200 and the impact rating described in 629-623-0250 are used to determine the downslope public safety risk level and the applicable forest practice rules that apply to the operation, as described in Sections (2) through (10) of this rule. Substantial downslope public safety risk (2) For Exposure Category A, substantial downslope public safety risk exists if the impact rating is extreme or serious. (3) For Exposure Category B, substantial downslope public safety risk exists if the impact rating is extreme and the State Forester informs the operator that these site specific conditions warrant substantial public safety risk practices. (4) Substantial Downslope Public Safety Risk operations are regulated by OARs 629-623-0400, 629-623-0450, 629-623-0600, and 629-623-0700. Intermediate downslope public safety risk (5) For Exposure Category A, intermediate downslope public safety risk exists if the impact rating is moderate. (6) For Exposure Category B, intermediate downslope public safety risk exists if the impact rating is serious. (7) For Exposure Category C, intermediate downslope public safety risk exists if the impact rating is extreme and the State Forester informs the operator that these site specific conditions warrant intermediate public safety risk practices. (8) Intermediate Downslope Public Safety Risk operations are regulated by OARs 629-623-0500, 629-623-0550, 629-623-0600, 629-623-0700, and 629-630-0500. Low downslope public safety risk (9) All other operations not described in sections 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the rule are determined to have low downslope public safety risk. (10) Low Downslope Public Safety Risk operations are regulated by OAR 629-630-0500and by OAR 629-625-0000 through 0700 and all other applicable rules. Applicability of regulations and use of leave trees (11) As required by ORS 195.256(4), forest practice rules shall not apply to risk situations arising solely from the construction of a building permitted under ORS 195.260(1)(c). (12) Leave trees required to comply with timber harvesting rules for shallow, rapidly moving landslides and public safety may also be used to comply with ORS 527.676 except those required to be retained in riparian management areas by OAR 629-643-0000 through 629-643-0500.