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Show OREGON 623 2.3 Other Agencies Having Water Resource Responsibilities a. WATER QUALITY CONTROL Oregon has created an environmental quality commission consisting of five members appointed by the Governor.38 The commission is delegated the responsibility for both water quality and air quality control.39 However, the present discussion is limited to the commis- sion's powers and duties concerning water quality regulation. In order to implement a State water quality control program, the commission is authorized to establish standards of quality and purity for the waters of the State, but only after public notice and hearing.40 Also, the commission is directed to: (1) Encourage voluntary co- operation in restoring and preserving the quality and purity of the waters of the State; (2) conduct studies and investigations pertain- ing to water quality; and (3) advise, consult, and cooperate with other agencies of the State, the Federal Government, political sub- divisions, and industries regarding water pollution control.41 The act also creates a waste discharge permit system. No discharge can be made into the waters of the State, nor can the strength of existing discharges be increased, without obtaining a permit from the commission.42 The commission may enforce the provisions of the act against violators through administrative hearings,43 and may also initiate legal action to enjoin and abate water pollution.44 Further, the com- mission may recover damages for injury or destruction of fish and wildlife caused by pollution.45 Special statutory provisions control the depositing of offensive substances,46 trash,47 and old auto bodies48 into the waters of the State. Other provisions regulate the dumping of substances by municipalities,49 and prohibit the discharge of oil into the waters of the State.50 Plans and specifications for the construction of municipal sewage treatment facilities must be approved by the commission.51 A State grant program to aid in the construction of such works is also pro- vided,52 and tax relief measures have been enacted as an incentive for the installation of certain pollution control facilities.53 Finally, the act authorizes the issuance of pollution control bonds through a pollution control fund administered by the commission.54 Additional sections of the act set forth regulations to protect public and municipal water supplies through the board of health.55 s8 Sec. 449.016. so Sees. 449.079, et seq. and 449.702, et seq. « Sees. 449.081 and 449.086. « Sees. 449.082 and 449.95. « Sec. 449.083. «Sec. 449.097. "Sec. 449.100. <»5 Sec. 449.103. <6 Sees. 449.105 and 449.150. « Sec. 449.107. « Sees. 449.109 and 449.111. «Sec. 449.113. bo Sees. 449.157 to 449.175. 61 Sees. 449.390 to 449.440. ¦a Sees. 449.455 to 449.485. S3 Sees. 449.605 to 449.665. " Sees. 449.670 to 449.701. 65 Sees. 449.210 to 449.340. |
