Summary
Section 1 amends ORS 468B.050, imposing limitations on water quality permits and prohibiting the actions related to discharging waste into the state’s waters; constructing, installing, modifying, or operating disposal systems; or confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs); increasing wastes in excess of the permissive discharges; or any other activity that could increase waste discharge. Additionally, the bill delegates the responsibility for permits related to CAFOs to the Water Resources Department. It also reduces the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Department of Agriculture in issuing permits for large CAFOs that could pose risks to water quality.
Section 2 defines key terms and outlines fees applicable to authorized CAFOs. It specifies when these fees will be applied. Feeding operations are also required to undertake certain procedures before applying for a permit, as outlined in subsection (4)(a) of section 2.
Section 3 explains the provisions of ORS 468B.215.
The bill proceeds to address chapters on Nutrient Application Permits, outlining the circumstances under which such permits will be issued. It then covers the Water Supply Plan chapter, which mandates that animal feeding operations submit an application for a water supply plan that considers their time and water needs. These requirements are detailed in section 7, as amended by section 8 of the chapter. This provision becomes effective on September 15, 2027.
In the Stockwater Exemption chapter, the bill amends certain provisions of ORS 537.545, stating that no registration or permit of any kind will be required for the activities listed in section 10, as amended by section 11 of the same bill. Some limitations on areas or gallons apply, and this provision becomes effective on September 15, 2027.
The Air Quality chapter requires studies to be conducted and reported by the Air Emissions Monitoring Study and the Department of Environmental Quality to address air emissions from CAFOs in the state of Oregon. These studies aim to provide recommendations for reducing emissions.
In the “Land Use” chapter, CAFO applicants will be granted a land use authorization that demonstrates compatibility with land use. This authorization can allow full use, conditional use, or prohibit use. Section 15 addresses the possibility of a setback or buffer of natural or created vegetative space if the new CAFO is located in areas adjacent to those specified in the section.
The bill concludes with an Appropriations chapter, which increases the costs for permitting large CAFOs for natural resources by $562,012 and for water quality by $214,491. The bill takes effect upon its passage.