The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Power Administration, and the Bureau of Reclamation (“federal agencies”) are engaged in a five year process to analyze the effects of the Federal Columbia River Power System on salmonid species. In May 2016, District Court Judge Michael Simon found the federal agencies had violated the Endangered Species […]
Snake River Dam Removal Public Meetings Read More »
In a move he hopes will ease the most arduous administrative burden faced by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, Director Gary Spackman has created the state’s largest groundwater management area, encompassing the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer (ESPA) region. Hoping “to stop the drop” of the aquifer level, which has experienced an annual rate
Groundwater Management Area created for East Snake Plain Aquifer Read More »
The International Commission on Irrigation and Draining (ICID) hosted the World Irrigation Forum (WIF) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The 2016 conference serves as the second annual forum. The intent of the World Irrigation Forum is to bring together all stakeholders in order to provide a platform for the world irrigation community to work to find solutions to the problems the irrigation community faces. Some of
The American Water Works Association (AWWA), Pacific Northwest Section’s October meeting focused on seismic resiliency and emergency preparedness by discussing strategies implemented by the Willamette Water Supply Program in building a water delivery system that should withstand a disaster. The meeting emphasized the importance of building a water supply distribution system on soils that will
Seismic Resiliency – A Topic for Discussion in the Water World Read More »
Due to recent crackdowns by the State Engineer in Nevada regarding both forfeitures and cancellations of groundwater rights not in full use, it is important to keep records of your water use. One method to show use is by recording your meter readings. This is important both for permitted wells and certificated wells respectively, to
Showing Diligence in Water Use by Tracking Water Use Meters Read More »
The Montana Supreme Court recently issued its decision in the long fraught dispute about exempt groundwater wells. The ruling by the Montana Supreme Court in The Clark Fork Coalition v. Tubbs, will protect the rights of senior water users from exempt groundwater wells that often deplete the amount of available surface water.[1] The Montana Water
Montana Recognizes Interconnection of Groundwater and Surface Water Systems Read More »
On October 13, 2016, the Nevada Division of Water Resources (“NDWR”) provided notice that a new Application for Extension of Time form must be used when requesting an extension of time for the submission of a Proof of Completion of Work, Proof of Beneficial Use or Cultural Map. It appears that NDWR is placing more
New Request for Extension of Time Form Issued by Nevada Read More »
Like many Portlanders, I enjoy visiting OMSI whenever I get the chance – whether to see my favorites among the permanent exhibits or to be surprised by new attractions. Some years ago, I viewed a temporary installation that showcased a number of low cost, innovative technologies whose aim is to alleviate the burdens of water
Smart Design for Healthier Communities Read More »
The Lander County Commission (“LCCD”) is funding a program for sage grouse enhancement projects and is currently looking for land owners that reside in Lander County (not just ranchers) to participate in a sage grouse project. LCCD first received funding for the project in 2014 when they were granted $50,000 to begin projects benefitting the
Sage Grouse Project Funding Available in Lander County, Nevada Read More »
By 2025, an estimated 1.8 billion people will live in areas plagued by water scarcity. Two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed regions where is there a water security risk. This issue is no longer relegated to the developing world! We as water lawyers practicing throughout the Western United States are developing
Water Security Risk Read More »
Last month, attorney Sarah Liljefelt organized a tour of the Whooshh Innovations fish passage structure constructed for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on the Washougal River. Members of the Oregon State Bar Environmental and Natural Resources Section attended, including attorneys in private practice, working for the State of Oregon, and public interest. Whooshh
Flying Fish Passage! Read More »
Laura Schroeder and Tara Jackson are looking forward to unwinding and learning with the fine members of the Oregon Ground Water Association at their Fall Convention next week, October 14 through October 15 at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond. Those in attendance will be treated to a presentation by attorney Schroeder on Water Law in
Find Schroeder Law at the Oregon Ground Water Association’s Fall Convention Read More »
Schroeder Law Offices understands it can be a bit intimidating to contact a law firm when you encounter a problem you cannot solve alone. You are not alone: Schroeder Law receives multiple initial potential client calls every day, and our goal is to listen, understand, and meet your goal to solve a problem in a
What to expect when you call a law firm Read More »
Junior Partner Sarah Liljefelt was recently admitted to the Utah State Bar, making her eligible to practice law in Utah. Liljefelt is the first attorney with Schroeder Law Offices barred in the state of Utah! In October, Shareholder Laura Schroeder will join Liljefelt in admittance to Utah State Bar. Utah water law adheres to the
Junior Partner Sarah Liljefelt Accepted to Utah State Bar Read More »
With the recent discoveries of lead in Portland Public Schools drinking water and the September 15th discovery at the University of Oregon, it becomes a reminder for us all to ensure that our groundwater supply is providing healthy and safe drinking water. According to the Oregon Health Authority, 90 percent of the population of the
How Safe is Your Drinking Water? Read More »
World Water Week 2016 is currently underway in Stockholm, Sweden, an annual event hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (“SIWI”). World Water Week is the annual focal point for global water issues, consisting of more than 140 events covering a range of subjects. The main theme of the 2016 event is “Water for Sustainable
Water for Sustainable Growth Read More »
New laws and legislation may affect you, stay tuned for tomorrow’s work session on topics of adaptive management, domestic use, cloud seeding, basin management, and mine dewatering! Nevada’s Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Water will be holding a meeting on Friday morning, August 26, 2016 at 9:00AM at the Legislative Building, Room 4100, at 401
Forecasting 2017 Water Legislation in Nevada Read More »
California Water Right Ownership Updates Required The State of California wants to know when you sell or transfer water rights. As part of any land use transaction involving water rights, regulations require landowners to provide notice to the Water Resources Control Board (WRCB) when water rights transfer to new owners. The WRCB will accept any
California Water Right Ownership Updates Required Read More »
With the political race underway, one group has taken a hard look at land management objectives on federal lands. In response, this group prepared a list of the top ten ways to improve federal land management in an open letter to the United States Presidential Candidates. In summary, top ten items include: Retain federal ownership of
Top Ten Ways to Improve Federal Land Management Read More »
The Oregon Water Resources Commission’s (OWRC’s) rulemaking for the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern (Area of Concern) became effective on April 15, 2016. The new regulations limit pending and new applications for groundwater use in the Malheur Basin. Citing concern over lowering groundwater levels in the region, OWRC passed the new regulations to
New: Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern Read More »
