Records per page:
DateNameCompanyComment
 Juliette WaitSave Chehalem Mountain, IncPublic Comment of Save Chehalem Mountain, Inc. Re: LL1966, Kramer Application for Limited License for Well Date: March 4, 2024 Save Chehalem Mountain is a nonprofit corporation representing residents of the Chehalem Mountain watershed. The watershed at issue in this Application is within the boundaries of the Chehalem Mountain Ground Water Limited Area. Our mission is to protect this watershed, to ensure that it provides the quality and quantity of water necessary to support homes, businesses, fish and wildlife, recreation, biological diversity, ecological values, public health and safety, and a sound economy. Our aim is to provide a sustainable system that supports good water quality, productive habitat for native plant and animal communities, and an enhanced quality of life for homes and businesses dependent on this source of water. In furtherance of this mission, we have reviewed the Application submitted by Brian Kramer in the above proceeding, and find that it is deficient in several areas. First, we concur with both the Watermaster and ODFW that Applicant has made no showing of water availability during the months requested. Without such a showing, the application should be denied, unless applicant has an acceptable mitigation plan. Second, the Application requests a Limited License for irrigation for the “irrigation season, but expect "only July to October”. However, the property falls within the boundary of the Chehalem Mountain Limited Groundwater Area and the Main Stream Willamette R. Sub basin, and there is presumed hydraulic connection between the proposed well location and Hess Cr., a tributary feeding the Willamette River. As such, no irrigation is allowed from July 1 to August 31. (OAR 690-502-0050(1)9e)). Therefore, if a license is issued, it should restrict the irrigation period to the periods March 1 to June 30 and September 1 to October 31. Given that restricted period, Applicant must show that the purpose for the limited license is still viable. Respectfully submitted, Juliette Wait Board President, Save Chehalem Mountain Address:19950 SW Hillsboro Hwy, Newberg, OR 97132 Phone No.: (214) 668-8433 Email: jlwait@gmail.com
 Karyn Hanson Please clarify the Water Availability Statement. Question 2 states that the water master does not know whether water will be available in the quantity and at the times needed to supply the proposed use. Question 4 states that the water master believes water will be available with out injury to existing water rights including surface and groundwater rights. The second part of question 4 asks for a recommendation on conditions and the water master stated: Water Availability Analysis states water is available year round. These answers are contradictory and confusing. What water availability analysis does the statement reference? Why isn't it known if there is enough water for the use proposed but it is known that nearby water rights are unaffected? My domestic well is drilled into a similar elevation less than a quarter mile away from the proposed well. I don't know if the proposed rate and volume of pumping will impact my water availability. During the dry season it might. Please clarify total water requested. The application requests a total of 0.5 Acre Feet. That translates to 162,914 gallons. It also cites 20 gallons per vine per year for 5600 vines. That translates to 112,000 gallons per year. How many years does it take to establish the vines? The request is for 5 years. 112,000 gallons for each of 5 years is 560,000 gallons. That is over three times the total requested, 0.5 acre feet or 162,914 gallons. I appreciate the goal of dry farming. That is environmentally positive. Given that goal the time period required for establishment would help understand exactly what is required for this use. Additionally, a temporary water storage facility would be more appropriate to support the use proposed as it would provide other hydrologic benefits and would not drill a permanent intrusion in a complex aquifer system.