Bill > SB1189

This bill provides a temporary exemption for publicly owned treatment works (POTW) located in the North Santiam Basin from certain environmental permitting restrictions. Specifically, the bill allows for the construction and installation of treatment works between April 15 and June 16, 2025, without immediately obtaining a discharge permit from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), provided that the owner does not operate or discharge wastes without ultimately securing the required permit and meeting all permit conditions. The bill defines "treatment works" using the existing definition in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 454.010 and emphasizes that this exemption does not eliminate the need for other applicable permits, such as construction stormwater permits. The DEQ retains the authority to require modifications to the treatment works to ensure compliance with permit terms. The provisions of this bill will automatically be repealed on January 2, 2027, and the bill is declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage, presumably to address urgent public infrastructure needs in the North Santiam Basin.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB1189