The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“agencies”) issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to seek additional comments on the repeal of the 2015 “waters of the United States” rule under the Clean Water Act (“2015 WOTUS Rule”). In July 2017, the agencies first issued a notice of
EPA and Army Corps Issue Additional WOTUS Comment Period Read More »
A lot has changed since 1909, when Oregon enacted its Water Code and the water use permit system began. Obtaining a water use permit can be a lengthy and detailed process. If you’re not careful you can limit the flexibility of your water permit through self-imposed conditions without realizing it. For example, Schroeder Law Offices
Careful of Self-Imposed Water Use Conditions Read More »
On July 11 and 12, 2018, attorney Laura Schroeder and paralegal Rachelq Harman travelled to Caldwell and Twin Falls, Idaho, respectively, for the Idaho Rural Water Association’s (“IRWA”) annual Water Law to YOU Road Show to educate water users and managers all about their municipal water rights. The 6 hour classes discussed the basics of
SLO Talks Municipal Water Rights in Idaho Read More »
On March 13, 2018, Oregon Governor Kate Brown declared a drought in Klamath County under Oregon Executive Order No. 18-02, with an expiration date of 12/31/2018. The drought was declared largely due to the low snow pack in the region. According to the Capital Press, Klamath County was, at that time, experiencing 45 percent of
Drought Declarations and Wildfire Season Read More »
Attorney Sarah Liljefelt presented at Halfmoon’s Water Laws and Regulations seminar on June 7th on the topic of Oregon Groundwater, teaching a group of engineers about groundwater ownership, regulation, and acquisition of groundwater use rights in Oregon. This week, on June 28th, Sarah will present at the Oregon State Bar Environmental & Natural Resources Section’s
Oregon Groundwater Presentations Read More »
In an often-arid, agricultural community, nothing is more precious than water, particularly in drought years. However, flood years present their own set of challenges as well. When it comes to water allocation, it’s not just how much water that matters, but also when that water is received. Timing is as important as quantity when it
Proposed Legislation First Step in Settling Reservoir Release Debate Read More »
While the negotiation of U.S. international treaties has been in the news lately, the renegotiation of an international treaty of particular importance to the Pacific Northwest has not received much coverage. However, May 29-30, 2018 marked the first round of negotiations between the U.S. and Canada in the effort to renegotiate the Columbia River Treaty.
Columbia River Treaty Negotiations Begin Read More »
Schroeder Law Offices is happy to announce that intern, Valley Urricelqui is joining us this summer in the Reno Office. Valley was born and raised in the Northeastern part of California where her family runs a hay and cattle ranch. Valley is a strong advocate in the Cattle Industry as she is the Public Relations
Schroeder Welcomes Intern Valley Urricelqui! Read More »
On January 18, 2018, just eight days into the Washington State 2018 legislative session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 6091, dubbed the “Hirst fix.” Hirst, refers to a 2016 Washington State Supreme Court decision in Whatcom County vs. Hirst, Futurewise, et al. Washington State Counties can only issue building permits or approve subdivision development if
Washington State Passes Senate Bill 6091 Hailed as “Hirst Fix.” Read More »
Every year there are significant cases that affect water resources law, as well as administrative and legislative actions that impact the use of the water resource. We endeavor to stay apprised of such changes and the impacts such changes will have on our clients and the industries in which our clients work. As a part
2017 Oregon Water Resources Year in Review Read More »
Water use conditions in the Klamath Basin continue to worsen in 2018. On March 8, 2018, a water “call” was made in the Klamath Basin, and the Oregon Water Resources Department (“OWRD”) began the validation process for shutting off junior water users. Within the week, on March 13th, Governor Kate Brown declared a drought in
Conditions in the Klamath Basin Worsen in 2018 Read More »
On Wednesday, May 16, attorney Lindsay Thane and paralegal Rachelq Harman attended the Oregon Association of Water Utilities’ (OAWU’s) 3rd Annual Mini Expo in Rickreall, Oregon. At the Expo, they had the opportunity to meet with representatives from water districts and municipalities from across the state of Oregon. Lindsay taught an hour-long class on public
Schroeder Law Offices Presents at OAWU’s 3rd Annual Mini Expo Read More »
On April 21, 2018, Schroeder Law Offices showed its support for a local Student Stewards Summer Camp by participating in the 2nd Annual Healthy Parks Healthy People 5K Fun Run/Walk. The proceeds from the Fun Run/Walk are being used to allow students to attend the 2018 Student Stewards Summer Camp where kids will learn about,
Schroeder Law Offices Shows its Support for Local Students and Parks Read More »
For over half a century, the question of how to conserve and replenish water in Idaho’s largest aquifer, the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), has been on the collective minds of the state’s water users. Serious droughts in the 1990s increased pressure on the ESPA resource, and preliminary recharge efforts were unsuccessful. Finally, in 2009,
ESPA Achieves Record Recharge Read More »
Written by Alyssa Holland, Lisa Mae Gage, and Lisa Kane Water Week 2018 is currently underway as water organizations across the country gather in Washington, D.C. to advocate the importance of water protection and conservation with hopes of ultimately elevating water to a national priority. Organizations in the water sector are using Water Week to
Water Week in the United States, April 15 – April 21, 2018 Read More »
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a U.S. District Court opinion requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to increase spill at dams on the Federal Columbia River Power System (“FCRPS”) to the maximum spill levels that still meet total dissolved gas criteria allowed under state law. The increased spills required by the District Court’s
Increased Spill Beginning at Federal Columbia River Power System Dams Read More »
On February 1, 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the “groundwater conduit theory,” whereby a discharge of pollutants into groundwater that is fairly traceable to a navigable surface water is the functional equivalent of a discharge directly into the navigable water body for the purpose of regulation under the Clean Water Act. This
Ninth Circuit Upholds Groundwater Conduit Theory Read More »
On Thursday March 15, 2018, Schroeder Law Offices’ Portland office hosted first year law students for an annual “1L” (first year law student) reception, to learn more about our office and our water law practice. The students met with each attorney, Sarah Liljefelt, Laura Schroeder, and Lindsay Thane to learn about each of their practices
Schroeder Law Hosts Lewis & Clark “1L” Reception Read More »
Apparently there are several theories of how and why we started changing our clocks for daylight saving. Many people think it originated to allow children to help their families with farm work before having to go to school for the day. Another popular theory is that it was suggested by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 when he
Daylight Saving Starts March 11, 2018, But Where Did It Come From? Read More »
World Water Day is an event hosted annually by the United Nations on March 22nd. Each year the event has a theme, and 2018’s theme is “Nature for Water.” Events surrounding World Water Day will focus on nature and how we can use our natural resources to overcome the water challenges of the 21st century.
World Water Day 2018 Read More »
