Rulemaking Information for OAR 690, Division 512 – Notice and Opportunity to Comment
Amending and adopting Division 512 rules concerning groundwater management in the Malheur Lake administrative basin.
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is seeking public comments on proposed rule modifications to Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 690, Division 512, regarding groundwater management in the Malheur Lake administrative basin. These rule changes are needed to address long-term groundwater declines in the Harney Basin.
A copy of the proposal can be found using this link:
OAR 690 Divison 512 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.pdf
Rulemaking Hearings: You may provide oral or written comments on the proposed rules at one of the rulemaking hearings below. The public hearings on June 23-26 and August 4 are in-person only. The August 5 public hearings are hybrid meetings.
Pre-hearing Information Sessions and Public Hearings (Dates, Times, Locations):
Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Information Session: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Pine Room, 543 W Monroe Street, Burns, OR 97720
Meeting type: In person
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Information Session: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Public Hearing: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Location: Crane Store and Cafe, Gas and RV Camping, 57466 OR-78, Crane, OR 97732
Meeting type: In person
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Information Session: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hotel Diamond, 49130 Main Street, Diamond, OR 97722
Meeting type: In person
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Information Session: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Public Hearing: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Location: Suntex Elementary School, 68178 Silver Creek Road, Riley, OR 97758
Meeting type: In person
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Information Session: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Double O School, 66077 Double O Road, Hines, OR 97738
Meeting type: In person
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Information Session: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Seneca Elementary School, 101 Park Avenue, Seneca, OR 97873
Meeting type: In person
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2025
Public Hearing: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Seneca Elementary School, 101 Park Avenue, Seneca, OR 97873
Meeting type: In person
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2025
Public Hearing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Harney County Community Center, 478 N. Broadway Avenue, Burns, OR 97720
Meeting type: Hybrid
Virtually (via Zoom): Hearing One Registration Link (Alternatively, please email WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov no later than noon (12:00 PM) on August 4, 2025, to receive the conference ID and passcode)
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2025
Public Hearing: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Harney County Community Center, 478 N. Broadway Avenue, Burns, OR 97720
Meeting type: Hybrid
Virtually (via Zoom): Hearing Two Registration Link (Alternatively, please email WRD_DL_rule-coordinator@water.oregon.gov no later than noon (12:00 PM) on August 4, 2025, to receive the conference ID and passcode)
QUESTIONS: If you have questions, please contact WRD_DL_rule coordinator@water.oregon.gov or 971-718-7087.