1. (1) Purpose. This rule implements ORS 468B.555 to allow entities regulated under the Clean Water Act to meet pollution control requirements through water quality trading. This rule establishes the requirements for water quality trading in Oregon.

2. (2) Policy. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality may approve water quality trading only if it promotes one or more of the following Environmental Quality Commission policies:

   1. (a) Achieves pollutant reductions and progress towards meeting water quality standards;
   2. (b) Reduces the cost of implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs);
   3. (c) Establishes incentives for voluntary pollutant reductions from point and nonpoint sources within a watershed;
   4. (d) Offsets new or increased discharges resulting from growth;
   5. (e) Secures long-term improvement in water quality; or
   6. (f) Results in demonstrable benefits to water quality or designated uses the water quality standards are intended to protect.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 468.020, 468B.020, 468B.030, 468B.035 & 468B.555

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 468B.555

History

DEQ 15-2015, f. & cert. ef. 12-10-15