OCR Text |
Show 594 ohio sure that the terms and conditions contained in the permit are followed: Exempted from the requirement of obtaining a permit are (1) dams, dikes, and levees constructed by a conservancy district or soil and water conservancy district, (2) dams constructed under the State's strip mined land reclamation laws, (3) any dam which is less than 10 feet high with a capacity of less than 1,000 acre-feet, and (4) a dam, dike or levee belonging to a class exempted by the chief of the division of water.15 The division is to make periodic inspections (at least once every 5 years) of all dams, dikes, and levees not exempted from the permit requirements, in order to assure that the operation and use of such structure does not constitute a hazard to life or property. The divi- sion may require the repair of an existing structure to insure its safety, and if the owner fails to correct the situation, the division may have the work done and the cost becomes a lien against the property owner's land.16 Subject to the approval of the director of the department of natural resources, the division may construct dams, reservoirs, dikes, canals, and other water projects it deems necessary to conserve and store flood and other surplus waters in order to promote public health, welfare and safety, and to encourage and promote agricul- ture, commerce, manufacturing, and other public purposes in the States. The division may acquire the property needed for the project by purchase or condemnation, and may issue bonds to finance con- struction costs. The water made available by the construction and operation of these projects may be sold or leased by the division.17 With regard to ground water, the division is empowered to regu- late the drilling, operation and abandonment of water wells in order to prevent the contamination of the underground waters of the State.18 Anyone drilling a well must keep and submit a well log to the division.19 The Ohio Water Commission is the other agency in the department of natural resources with specific water resource management respon- sibility. The commission is to assist other agencies in the planning and execution of programs for the development, use and protec- tion of the State's water resources. The role of this commission is primarily advisory and it makes recommendations on water re- source programs to other agencies. The responsibility of the com- mission for approving water quality standards which are adopted by the water pollution control board is reviewed above. The com- mission consists of the director of the department of natural resour- ces, the director of the department of health, the director of devel- opment, and four members appointed by the Governor.20 Ohio has created a natural resources department to coordinate the activities and programs of the various divisions which have the primary responsibility for the control and regulation of the natural i5Secs. 1521.06 and 1521.061. 18 Sec. 1521.062. 17 Ohio Revised Code, ch. 1523. 18 Sec. 1521.04 (F). 18 Sec. 1521.05. 20 Ohio Revised Code, ch. 1525. |