ORS 541.686: Protection of project water dedicated to in-stream use.

If a project dedicates water to in-stream use under the requirements described in ORS 541.681 or as allowed under ORS 541.683, the Water Resources Department shall protect the dedicated water in-stream consistent with the priority of the dedicated water source. Dedicated water from projects may come from newly developed water or from other sources and may be put in-stream at other locations in the tributary if the department determines as provided under ORS 540.530 that the alternate location would not injure existing water rights and, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, determines that the alternate location would provide greater or equal environmental benefit. The Water Resources Department, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, shall determine the timing of the flows to maximize in-stream benefits in a manner consistent with public health and safety. [2013 c.784 §12]