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 »
California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Regulations Issued California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (“SGMA”) was passed in 2014. The SGMA requires local agencies to bear the burden of creating, implementing, and enforcing Groundwater Sustainability Plans (“GSP”) in certain groundwater basins to manage the aquifer in a “sustainable” manner. The California Department of Water Resources (“CDWR”) recently
New Sustainable Groundwater Regulations Read More »
On April 6, 2016, amendments to the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA) and the new Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement (KPFA) were signed at a ceremony at the mouth of the Klamath River on the Yurok Indian Reservation. These changes come in the wake of the Congress’s decision not to pass legislation for the Klamath
Update: Klamath Basin Agreements in 2016 Read More »
The Oregon Water Code provides that construction of a water system must be completed within certain time limits from issuance of water use permits (5 years for non-municipal water use permits, and 20 years for municipal permits). ORS 537.230 (“…the holder of a water right permit shall prosecute the construction of any proposed irrigation or
New Oregon Water Permit Condition to Begin Construction Read More »
The Clean Water Act is an issue of gathering significance with the Environmental Protection Agency and adoption of a newly defined “waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”), wherein civil and criminal penalties can attach if pollutant is discharged into jurisdictional waters. Thus, whether water is defined as “jurisdictional” becomes an important significance. On May 31,
U.S. Supreme Court Rules CWA Jurisdiction Reviewable in Federal Court Read More »
