ORS 536.900: Civil penalties; imposition.

(1) In addition to any other liability or penalty provided by law, the Water Resources Commission may impose a civil penalty on a person for violation of: (a) A term or condition of a permit, certificate or license issued under ORS chapters 536 to 543A. (b) ORS 537.130 or 537.535. (c) ORS 537.545 (6) or a rule described in ORS 537.545 (8). (d) A commission rule or order that pertains to well maintenance. (e) ORS 540.045, 540.145, 540.210, 540.310, 540.320, 540.330, 540.340, 540.435, 540.440, 540.570 (5), 540.710, 540.720 and 540.730 or rules adopted under ORS 540.145. (f) ORS 537.897 or 537.898 (2). (g) ORS 537.387. (2) A civil penalty may be imposed under this section for each day of violation of ORS 537.130, 537.535, 540.045, 540.310, 540.330, 540.570 (5), 540.710, 540.720 or 540.730. (3) In the event the petitioner knowingly misrepresents the map and petition required in ORS 541.329, the commission may assess a penalty of up to $1,000 based upon guidelines to be established by the commission. In addition, the petition and map shall be amended to correct the error at the petitioner’s cost. Affected users shall be given notice as provided in ORS 541.329 (5). (4) A civil penalty may not be imposed until the commission prescribes a reasonable time to eliminate the violation. The commission shall notify the violator of the time allowed to correct a violation within 10 business days after the commission first becomes aware of the violation. (5) Notwithstanding any term or condition of a permit, certificate or license, the rotation of the use of water under ORS 540.150 may not be considered a violation under subsection (1) of this section. (6) The commission may impose a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 per occurrence for a violation described in subsection (1)(g) of this section. [1989 c.618 §1; 1991 c.869 §5; 1993 c.818 §5; 1999 c.873 §21; 2001 c.788 §§6,12; 2003 c.705 §§17,18; 2009 c.819 §2; 2021 c.610 §20a; 2022 c.52 §5; 2023 c.209 §11; 2025 c.283 §5]