(1) No action against a landowner, person for whom the pesticide was applied or pesticide operator arising out of the use or application of any pesticide shall be commenced unless, within 60 days from the occurrence of the loss, within 60 days from the date the loss is discovered, or, if the loss is alleged to have occurred out of damage to growing crops, before the time when 50 percent of the crop is harvested, the person commencing the action:
(a) Files a report of the alleged loss with the State Department of Agriculture;
(b) Mails or personally delivers to the landowner or pesticide operator who is allegedly responsible for the loss a true copy of the report provided for under paragraph (a) of this subsection; and
(c) Mails or personally delivers to the person for whom the pesticide was applied a true copy of the report required under paragraph (a) of this subsection if that person is not the person commencing the action.
(2) Any person who claims to have sustained any loss arising out of the use or application of any pesticide by any state agency, county or municipality may file a report of loss with the department, and mail or personally deliver a true copy of such report of loss to the state agency, county or municipality allegedly responsible, within the time provided in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) Upon receiving a report of loss as provided by this section:
(a) The department may investigate, examine and determine the extent and nature of the damage alleged to have been caused to property or crops. The department shall not determine the source of the damage, the person who may have caused the damage or the financial extent of the loss or damage. The department shall prepare and file in its office a report of the investigation, examination and determination. Copies of the report made by the department may be given upon request to persons who are financially interested in the matter.
(b) The department at the request of, and without cost to, any persons financially interested in the matter may undertake to mediate an equitable settlement of the controversy.
(4) Upon receiving a request therefor from any person, other than a person who may file a report of loss as provided by subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the department may investigate, examine and determine the extent and nature of damage alleged to have been caused to property or crops arising out of the use or application of any pesticide by any other person or any state agency, county or municipality, provided that the person making such request reimburses the department for its work. The department shall not determine the source of the damage, the person who may have caused the damage or the financial extent of the loss or damage. The department shall prepare and file in its office a report of the investigation, examination and determination. Copies of the report made by the department may be given upon request to persons who are financially interested in the matter.
(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as a waiver by the State of Oregon or any state agency, county or municipality of any immunity against suit which otherwise may exist.
(6) Notwithstanding ORS 634.006 (7), as used in this section, “landowner” includes any person, firm, corporation, the state, any county within the state, or municipality, shown by records of the county to be the owner of land or having such land under contract for purchase. [1973 c.341 §23; 1991 c.351 §1; 1995 c.96 §2]
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