Eola Hills GWLA

Eola Hills Ground Water : 

Eola Hills Ground Water Water Resources Commission Salem, Oregon June 1, 2007 Douglas Woodcock, Manager Ground Water Hydrology Section Oregon Water Resources Department

April 20, 2007, landowners submitted a request to further restrict development in Eola Hills GWLA: 

April 20, 2007, landowners submitted a request to further restrict development in Eola Hills GWLA Identified inadequate supplies and threatened water rights Requests elimination of the exempt use category in the Eola Hills limited area Requests a moratorium on well drilling until scientific data can be collected

Willamette Basin GW Administrative Areas: 

Willamette Basin GW Administrative Areas

Eola Hills GWLA-Restrictively classifiesColumbia River Basalt aquifers-Allows uses exempt from permitting-Allows irrigation and fire protection under five-year permits: 

Eola Hills GWLA -Restrictively classifies Columbia River Basalt aquifers -Allows uses exempt from permitting -Allows irrigation and fire protection under five-year permits

Eola Hills Hydrogeologic Units: 

Eola Hills Hydrogeologic Units

ORS 537.780: 

ORS 537.780 (2) The Commission may not… (a) Adopt any rule restricting ground-water use in an area unless the rule is based on substantial evidence in the record…

Water wells with two or more water levels: 

Water wells with two or more water levels

Precipitation at Salem : 

Precipitation at Salem

Slide9: 

Columbia River Basalt Group aquifer

Slide10: 

Columbia River Basalt Group aquifer Columbia River Basalt Group aquifer

Slide11: 

Slide12: 

ORS 540.435 (1) If the Commission finds serious water management problems created by: Ground water decline Unresolved user disputes Frequent shortages By rule, the Commission can require the installation of a totalizing measuring device and annual submittal of water use information

Slide13: 

ORS 537.545 (2) The Commission may by rule require any person or public agency using ground water (for exempt use) to furnish information with regard to such ground water and the use thereof.

In summary…: 

In summary… The available data do not constitute 'substantial evidence' A local hearing would provide a forum for landowners to present information and concerns Hearing could provide whether serious water management area exists

Options:: 

Options: Direct staff to further investigate the issues identified and report back at a future meeting Direct staff to begin the process for amending the Eola Hills GWLA in accordance with the request Direct staff to conduct a hearing to determine whether a Serious Water Management Problem Area exists in the Eola Hills GWLA Recommendation: #3