Or. Admin. Code § 695-048-0110

Current through Register Vol. 64, No. 1, January 1, 2025

Section 695-048-0110 - Evaluation Criteria

Drinking Water Source Protection Grant applications shall be evaluated on the following criteria:

(1) Significance of the acquisition of the Protective Instrument to the protection, restoration, or enhancement of drinking water sources with respect to sensitive areas, potential pollutants, and potential sources of pollution identified in the Source Water Assessment for the Drinking Water Source Area.

(2) The capacity and experience of the applicant and, if a Partnership is proposed, the Holder, to achieve the ongoing management and stewardship of the Protective Instrument, and the property if applicable, as the long-term owner.

(3) The strength of the technical, legal, and financial aspects of the real estate transaction.

(4) Project readiness, including, but not limited to, the capacity of the parties engaged in the Project to complete acquisition transaction and due diligence steps within OWEB established timelines, and quality of due diligence information provided by the applicant.

(5) The Climate-Related Evaluation Criteria described in OAR 695-005-0045.

(6) For applicants that form Partnerships with eligible Holders:

(a) Demonstrated capacity and resources for long-term protection, restoration, or enhancement of drinking water sources.

(b) A Partnership mission that is in support of protection or restoration of natural resources and/or drinking water.

(c) A clearly defined and documented Partnership including respective roles and responsibilities.

(7) The impacts of at least one of the following limiting factors on the Water System that will benefit from the proposed project:

(a) The extent to which seasonal variations in the number of users is affecting the Water System;

(b) The extent to which drought or low water supply is affecting the Water System; or

(c) The extent of risks to water quality.

(8) The Water Supplier is economically distressed due to a small population size, the population served is lower income, or the population served is rural.

(9) The duration and type of the Protective Instrument, with a preference for longer term agreements.

(10) Implementation of a Long-Term Management Plan or the intent to develop a Long-Term Management Plan that incorporates measures targeted at maintaining or enhancing drinking water quality and/or quantity. If the acquisition is for a Protective Instrument other than one accomplishing the conveyance of an estate in fee simple absolute or granting of a Conservation Easement and a Long-Term Management Plan is not proposed, the strength of the required justification and rationale about why a Long-Term Management Plan is not necessary given the type of Protective Instrument proposed.

(11) The degree and urgency of risk to the land and the associated Drinking Water Source Area if the proposed protection, restoration, or enhancement of lands for the benefit of drinking water accomplished by the proposed Protective Instrument is not implemented.

Or. Admin. Code § 695-048-0110

OWEB 1-2024, adopt filed 07/26/2024, effective 8/1/2024

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 448.370(7)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 448.370 - 448.380