Accepting associations and referrals in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada, Schroeder Law Offices recently opened its new office in Reno, Nevada. With a population of 250,000, Reno is at the center of water controversies on the Truckee, Carson, and Walker rivers. Each of these desert rivers interestingly terminate at a lake with an associated Indian […]
Reno Center of Northern Nevada Water Issues Read More »
To get a working basic knowledge of water law in Oregon, consider attending a Water Law Bootcamp. Laura Schroeder teaches an all day educational water law seminar for free. The sponsoring organization, usually Water for Life, provides coffee and lunch and charges less than 25% of other similar continuing education accredited seminars. As a former
Water Rights Bootcamp Read More »
This fall, facilitators from Oregon State University, private business and Representative Jackie Dingfelder, Chair of the House Energy and Environmental Committee, have conducted a series of roundtable meetings throughout the State of Oregon to discuss Oregon’s current water situation with water users and citizens of this state. The stated purpose of these meetings has been to idenitify Oregon’s water
Statewide Water Roundtable: Salem Meeting Read More »
With food prices at all time highs, agricultural market prices rising, and water rights at a premium, now is the time to plan for the future. We suggest that water users create and update water management plans with an eye to water rights security, stability, and development. A water management plan will analyze the current state
Time to Create Water Management Plans Read More »
By Lynn Steyaert and Laura Schroeder As a result of concerns relating to failures of unpermitted dams, the Department of Ecology issued notice that owners of small reservoirs built without permits must report their dams for safety inspections by September 1, 2008 or face possible fines. Following an inspection, owners may be required to hire
September 1, 2008 Deadline for Reporting Unpermitted Dams to Dept. of Ecology Read More »
At the end of last year, the Nevada Division of Water Resources issued a bulletin to water right professionals notifying them that the Division will be refocusing its review of applications for extension of time for proof of completion of works or extensions of time for proof of beneficial use. NRS 533.380(3) precludes the State
Nevada Water Permit Extensions Read More »
By Lynn Steyaert At the end of last year, the Nevada Division of Water Resources issued a bulletin to water right professionals notifying them that the Division will be refocusing its review of applications for extension of time for proof of completion of works or extensions of time for proof of beneficial use. NRS 533.380(3) precludes
New Focus for Evaluating Extension Applications Read More »
By Laura Schroeder and Lynn Steyaert The commencement hearing for the Northern Idaho Adjudication (NIA) is set for August 28, 2008. The State of Idaho has petitioned the court to approve a process for deferring the adjudication of small domestic and stock water use rights. If approved, small domestic and stock water users may elect to
Domestic and Stock Water Claims in Northern Idaho Adjudication Read More »
By Laura Schroeder and Lynn Steyaert The State of Idaho recently filed a Petition in the District Court of the Fifth Judicial District of the State of Idaho in and for the County of Twin Falls to commence the adjudication of surface and ground water rights within the Coeur d’Alene-Spokane Basin. A commencement hearing is
Northern Idaho Adjudication Read More »
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently released a new report entitled “Ground-Water Availability in the United States.â€Â The article is written for a broad range of audiences which makes an interesting read for anyone interested in what scientists know (and don’t know) about the nation’s groundwater supply. In addition, comprehensive maps and diagrams illustrate the
USGS Report Focuses on Nation’s Ground Water Supply Read More »
Recently, a New Mexico court ruled that the State Engineer is required to review all new applications for exempt domestic wells. Prior to the ruling, those drilling exempt wells were merely required to file for a “permit†that would be automatically approved by the State Engineer. The recent ruling requires the State Engineer to review
New Mexico Rules State Engineer Required to Closely Review Applications for Exempt Wells Read More »
Written by Dominic Corollo In early July 2008 the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the party with an ownership interest in a certificated water right is the party who initiates and completes the statutory steps necessary to acquire the water right and certificate. It is not necessarily the person who physically puts the water to
Irrigation District is Holder of Water Rights Subject to Transfer Read More »
The Oregon Water Resources Department recently announced that the Department has $1.6 million available for funding under the Water Conservation, Reuse and Storage Grant Program. Under the Program, OWRD will match up to $500,000 in funding from another source for each project. The intent of the Program is to encourage feasibility studies and environmental analysis
OWRD Announces Grant Program Read More »
As the weather starts to heat up for the summer and water becomes scarce, many areas are affected by drought. Fortunately, the average domestic water user can avoid being a passive victim of droughts by conserving water. Individuals and families that conserve water will reduce their personal expenses and help their community by limiting the impact
Helpful Water Conservation Tips Read More »
(June, 9th 2008) Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new rule excluding transfers of water from one body of water to another from the permitting requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The new rule stipulates that water transfer activities that do not introduce pollutants into transferred water will not be subject to NPDES regulations. The rule defines
EPA Reaffirms Clean Water Permits Not Needed for Water Transfers Read More »
The Oregon Water Resources Commission received staff guidance and public comment on a number of issues during a May 30 meeting in Burns, Or, including an aggressive budget proposal by the Water Resources Department for the 2009-2011 biennium. The overwhelming focus of the budget proposal was on the $50 million dollars the Department proposed for
Water Resources Commission Convenes in Burns Read More »
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) committed to initiate a rulemaking to address concerns by well drillers and contractors over potential liability for well alterations under current OWRD policy. OWRD’s historic policy allowed well alterations without automatically requiring that the entire well be brought up to current construction standards. However, recent Department policy now requires
OWRD Agrees to Address Well Alteration Concerns Read More »
Retired Reclamation Commissioner John Keyes passing is sad news. I first “engaged” Reclamation with John at the helm in the Boise Regional office in 1992 when working for the Teel Irrigation District. We were dealing with issues surrounding “water spreading” then making headlines in the Umatilla Project by Water Watch of Oregon. Over the years,
Remebering John Keyes Read More »
Focusing on the soon to be launched adjudication in north Idaho, water and real estate lawyers gathered in Coeur d”Alene, Idaho May 15 and 16, 2008. As in other McCarran adjudications in which we are involved, issues expected to be included will be federal including Indian, Forest Service and Reclamation issues; instream including hydro, water
Northern Idaho Adjudication Read More »
The Federal Court made its decision on the jurisdictional question by sending the case back to Lyon County District Court last week. See http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=8229832 for more information. Interestingly, many farmers have still not received water that is due to them as insufficient flows continue in the Truckee-Carson Canal. Crops are being stressed and damaged. Many
TCID Flood Issues: Part 2 Read More »
