OAR 690-230-0005: Policy and Purpose

(1) All low-temperature geo-thermal fluids are part of the groundwater resources of the State of Oregon and shall be administered by the Water Resources Commission (Commission) under the provisions of ORS 537.010 to 537.796. The Commission recognizes that these fluids are developed primarily because of their thermal characteristics and that special management is necessary. Reservoir assessment of low-temperature geothermal fluids shall be conducted by the Commission in the same manner as groundwater investigations outlined in ORS 537.665 and 537.685. (2) In areas where substantial thermal alteration exists, the Commission may declare a critical groundwater area, or may otherwise control use of groundwater, or order the discontinued use, repair or permanent abandonment of a well(s) causing substantial thermal alteration, in order to protect the thermal characteristics of the groundwater resource. The Commission may also regulate appropriations to limit thermal interference between wells. Low-temperature geothermal appropriations with a bottom hole temperature less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (F) shall not be protected from thermal interference caused by groundwater appropriations for other purposes. (3) The purpose of the following rules is to provide standards and procedures for the development, use and management of low-temperature geothermal fluids, while insuring proper management of all groundwater resources so maximum beneficial use of the resource will be most effectively attained. (4) These rules supplement OAR 690-200-0005 to 690-225-0110.