ORS § 522.025

Current through 2024 Regular Session legislation effective April 17, 2024
Section 522.025 - Application
(1) The provisions of this chapter relating to the location and drilling of any well for the production of geothermal resources do not apply to any wells producing geothermal resources on July 1, 1975, or wells, other than prospect wells, where:
(a) The geothermal fluids produced are of less than 250 degrees Fahrenheit bottom hole temperature; or
(b) Such fluids have been appropriated pursuant to ORS 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992.
(2) The provisions of this chapter relating to regulation of production of geothermal resources from a geothermal reservoir apply only to wells with a bottom hole temperature of at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
(3) If the bottom hole temperature of a well that was initially at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit falls below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the State Geologist and the Water Resources Director, after consulting with the well owner, shall determine the agency with regulatory responsibility for that specific well. This determination shall be documented in writing and shall supersede a determination made under subsection (1) or (2) of this section. This chapter does not limit the authority of the Water Resources Department to regulate the appropriation of water pursuant to ORS 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992.

ORS 522.025

1975 c.552 §4; 1981 c.589 §1; 2009 c. 794, § 4