(1) A person may not drill or use a well without first obtaining a permit from the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and posting any bond that may be required pursuant to ORS 520.095 (1). Drilling must be completed within one year from the date the permit is issued unless an extension is granted under subsection (2) of this section. When drilling has been completed, the well must be maintained under a permit until it is properly plugged and the site is reclaimed.
(2) An unused permit may be extended by the department for a reasonable period upon receipt of a written request from the permittee before the expiration date of the permit. The request shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee established under ORS 520.017.
(3) A permittee maintaining or operating a well shall provide the department with an annual report on a form provided by the department. Subject to the determinations in subsection (4) of this section, a permittee shall renew the permit for a well by paying the fee established under ORS 520.017.
(4)(a) If upon receipt of the application the department determines that the method and equipment to be used by the applicant in drilling or operating the well comply with applicable laws and rules, the department shall issue the permit.
(b) The department may refuse to issue, refuse to renew or revoke a permit issued pursuant to this section if the department determines that methods or equipment to be used or being used in drilling or operating the well do not comply with applicable laws or rules, or that the well will not be operated and maintained or is not being operated or maintained in compliance with the permit and applicable laws or rules. [1953 c.667 §5; 1973 c.276 §2; 1977 c.296 §3; 1981 c.146 §1; 1991 c.526 §1; 2007 c.672 §4]
Section: Previous 520.005 520.010 520.015 520.017 520.020 520.025 520.027 520.030 520.035 520.040 520.045 520.050 520.055 520.060 520.065 NextLast modified: August 7, 2008