OAR 629-625-0700: Wet Weather Road Use

(1) The purpose of this rule is to reduce delivery of fine sediment to streams caused by the use of forest roads during wet periods that may adversely affect downstream water quality in Type F, Type SSBT or Type D streams. (2) Operators shall use durable surfacing or other effective measures that resist deep rutting or development of a layer of mud on top of the road surface on road segments that drain directly to streams on active roads that will be used for log hauling during wet periods. (3) Operators shall cease active road use where the surface is deeply rutted or covered by a layer of mud and where runoff from that road segment is causing a visible increase in the turbidity of Type F, Type SSBT or Type D streams as measured above and below the effects of the road. (4) The department shall publish Forest Practices Technical Guidance to explain how wet weather road use can avoid and prevent potential impacts to fish, wildlife, habitat resources, and waters of the state.