DEQ accepting public comments on protection designation for North Fork Smith River
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comments on a proposed rulemaking for the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The rulemaking would designate the river, as well as its tributaries and associated wetlands, as Outstanding Resource Waters under Oregon's antidegradation regulations under the federal Clean Water Act. The protection would the first of its kind for a waterbody in Oregon.
Under this rulemaking, DEQ would also establish policies to protect the unique water quality values and outstanding values and ecological characteristics of the North Fork Smith River and its tributaries and associated wetlands.
Public Participation
DEQ will accept public comments on this proposed rulemaking until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. You may submit comments electronically at the website for this rulemaking: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/RulesandRegulations/Pages/2017/Rnfsmithriver2017.aspx
You may also send comments directly to DEQ at the following address:
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Attn.: Aron Borok
700 NE Multnomah Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232
DEQ will also accept comments from the public at two hearings on this proposed rulemaking.
The first public hearing will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at:
DEQ Headquarters, 3rd Floor
700 NE Multnomah St.
Portland, OR 97232
The second hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at:
Best Western Harbor Inn
16008 Boat Basin Rd.
Brookings, OR 97415
The public can participate in both hearings by video webinar or audio teleconference:
Video Webinar Link: https://connect9.uc.att.com/EventEntry/Websites/?VaccId=service32&ExEventID=81910322
Teleconference Call-in Number: 888-363-4734
Teleconference Participant ID: 1910322
Instructions for joining webinar or teleconference: http://www.deq.state.or.us/regulations/docs/participantlinklog.pdf
Contact:
Aron Borok, Water Quality, DEQ, 503-229-5050, borok.aron@deq.state.or.us