OAR 690-077-0027: Application Processing: Completeness Review

(1) Within 15 days after receiving an application, the Department shall determine whether the application contains the information required under OAR 690-077-0020(4) and is complete and not defective. If the Department determines that the application is incomplete or defective, the Department shall return the application. ( 2) Upon determining that an application contains the information listed under OAR 690-077-0020(4) and is complete and not defective, the Department shall endorse on the application the date upon which the application was received for filing at the Department, which shall be the priority date for any water right issued in response to the application. All applications that comply with the provisions of law shall be recorded in a suitable book kept for that purpose. For the purposes of this section, a suitable book shall include the Department’s electronic water rights information system. (3) If an application is complete and not defective, the Department shall determine whether the proposed use is prohibited because the source of water is specifically withdrawn from appropriation for such use under ORS 538 or by rule or order of the Water Resources Commission under ORS 536.410, if the Department has information sufficient to make the determination at the time of application intake. If the proposed use is prohibited, the Department shall return the application with an explanation of the reason for the return.