Department of Agriculture
Chapter 603
Division 95
AGRICULTURAL WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
603-095-1740
Required Prevention and Control Measures
(1) Limitations:
(a) All landowners or operators conducting activities on agricultural lands are provided the following exemptions from the requirements of OAR 603-095-1740 (Required Prevention and Control Measures.)
(A) A landowner or operator shall be responsible for only those conditions caused by activities conducted on land managed by the landowner or operator.
(B) A landowner or operator is not responsible for conditions resulting from unusual weather events or other uncontrollable circumstances.
(C) The Department will allow temporary exceptions when a specific integrated pest management plan is in place to deal with certain weed or pest problems.
(b) These rules may be modified as a result of the biennial review of the progress of implementation of the Walla Walla Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan.
(2) Waste Management: No person subject to these rules shall violate any provision of ORS 468B.025 or 468B.050.
(3) Streamside and Riparian Area Management:
(a) Except as provided in OAR 603-095-1740(3)(b), streamside area management must allow the establishment, growth and maintenance of riparian vegetation to promote habitat and protect water quality by filtering sediment, stabilizing streambanks, naturally storing water, and providing shade consistent with the vegetative capability of the site.
(b) OAR 603-095-1740(3)(a) does not apply to irrigation water conveyance systems, including, but not limited to, irrigation canals, ditches, laterals, and waterways, such as the Upper Little Walla Walla system, that in the normal course of operation have no return flow into perennial streams where coldwater fish species are present.
(4) Soil Erosion and Sediment Control:
(a) Landowners must control erosion to protect against sediment delivery to streams.
(b) Landowners must control active channel erosion to protect against sediment delivery to streams.
(c) On croplands, a landowner may demonstrate compliance with OAR 603-095-1740(4)(a) by constructing and maintaining terraces, sediment basins, or other structures sufficient to keep eroding soil out of streams.
(d) On rangelands, a landowner may demonstrate compliance with this OAR 603-095-1740(4)(a) by:
(A) Maintaining sufficient live vegetation cover and plant litter to capture precipitation, slow the movement of water, increase infiltration, and reduce excessive movement of soil off the site; or
(B) Minimizing visible signs of erosion, such as pedestal or rill formation and areas of sediment accumulation.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 561.190 - 561.191 & 568.912
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 568.900 - 568.933
History:
DOA 113-2026, amend filed 10/06/2026, effective 10/06/2026
DOA 46-2026, minor correction filed 02/25/2026, effective 02/25/2026
DOA 17-2002, f. & cert. ef. 6-14-02