141-085-0534 Exemptions for Certain Voluntary Habitat Restoration Activities (1) Definitions. For the purposes of this rule: (a) “Habitat Restoration” means the return of an ecosystem from a disturbed or altered condition to a close approximation of its ecological condition prior to disturbance. (b) “Voluntary” means activities undertaken by a person of their own free will, and not as a result of any legal requirement of the Removal-fill Law (ORS 196.600–196.990). (2) Conditions of Exemption: Activities described in Sections (3) through (8) of this rule are exempt from permit requirements under the following conditions: (a) Activities are not conducted in areas designated as State Scenic Waterways, unless listed as an exempt activity under ORS 390.835(5); (b) In-water activities are conducted during the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) recommended in-water timing guidelines, unless otherwise approved in writing by ODFW; (c) The in-water activities conform to ODFW fish passage requirements (ORS 509.580 through 509.910), unless otherwise approved in writing by ODFW; (d) The activities will not convert waters of this state to uplands; (e) The activities will cause no more than minimal adverse impact on waters of this state including impacts related to navigation, fishing, and public recreation; (f) The activities will not cause the water to rise or be redirected in such a manner that it results in flooding or other damage to structures or substantial property off of the project site; and (g) All necessary access permits, right of ways and local, state, and federal approvals have been obtained. (3) Research and Fish Management in Essential Indigenous Anadromous Salmonid Habitat (ESH) is Exempt. A permit is not required for the construction and maintenance of scientific and research devices related to population management, watershed and habitat restoration, or species recovery, provided the activity does not exceed 50 cubic yards of removal-fill. (4) Vegetative Planting. A permit is not required for planting native woody or herbaceous plants by hand or mechanized means. Ground alteration such as grading or contouring prior to planting is not covered by this exemption. (5) Refuge Management. A permit is not required for habitat management activities located on a National Wildlife Refuge or State Wildlife Area that are consistent with an adopted refuge or wildlife area management plan. Fill or removal in waters of this state for non-habitat management activities such as roads and building is not covered by this exemption. (6) Ditch and Drain Tile Removal. A permit is not required for the disruption or removal of subsurface drainage structures (e.g., drain tiles) and plugging or filling of drainage ditches in wetlands. Notification must be submitted on a form provided by the Department at least 30 calendar days prior to commencing the activity. (7) Placement of Large Wood, Boulders and Spawning Gravels. A permit is not required for the placement of large wood, boulders and spawning gravels provided the material is placed consistent with the Guide to Placing Large Wood and Boulders (DSL/ODFW 2010). If the activity will exceed 50 cubic yards of removal-fill in waters of this state, or any amount in Essential Salmonid Habitat, notice of the activity must be provided to the Department. Notification must be submitted on a form provided by the Department at least 30 calendar days prior to commencing the activity. (8) Other Activities Customarily Associated with Habitat Restoration in Essential Indigenous Anadromous Salmonid Habitat (ESH). A permit is not required for voluntary habitat restoration activities resulting in less than 50 cubic yards of removal-fill in waters of this state. This includes the disposal of material resulting from the restoration activities within the project area as long as it assists in accomplishing the objectives of the habitat restoration project. The activities must be consistent with the Oregon Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Guide and utilize materials or structures that would naturally and/or historically occur at the project site. Notice of the activity must be provided, submitted on a form provided by the Department, at least 30 calendar days prior to commencing the activity. (9) Removal of Trash, Garbage and Rubble. A permit is not required for the removal of any amount of inorganic trash, garbage and rubble (e.g., tires, metal, broken concrete, asphalt, foam, plastic) from waters of this state. The project must meet the following criteria: (a) There are no adverse impacts to waters of this state or woody vegetation as a result of the project; (b) There is no stockpiling of collected trash, garbage or rubble in waters of this state; and (c) The trash and garbage is disposed of at a licensed Department of Environmental Quality collection facility. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 196.825 & 196.600-196. 692 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 196.600-196.692 & 196.800-196.990 History: DSL 3-2014, f. 8-14-14, cert. ef. 9-1-14 DSL 3-2012, f. 9-28-12, cert. ef. 9-29-12 DSL 1-2011, f. & cert. ef. 3-1-11 DSL 8-2009, f. 12-15-09 cert. ef. 1-1-10