Mitch Lewis, Oregon Department of Water Resources and the county watermaster has confirmed that he “found ORC taking water from the Coquille” yesterday without water rights. I have a call in to find out what enforcement action might be employed on ORC for illegally taking water from the river and to confirm estimates of four trips per day to the river with a 5,000 gallon truck. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife may also get involved but it is unlikely much will happen until after Christmas.
Lewis said ORC may have to rely upon municipal water to fill the trucks.
UPDATEAccording to Mitch Lewis, the Coos County Roadmaster, John Rowe gave ORC permission to access water from the Coquille River. The county does not have the authority to do this but in the past has allowed trucks to use rivers and streams to fill the trucks for dust abatement associated with road repairs. The county must acquire a road watering registration from the State to use water for these purposes and certain restrictions will apply as to which streams can be used, the type of fish screens on the hose, etc…
The removal of mud and rocks from the roadway is necessary for public safety but spraying water in winter is causing ice to build up on the road, a potentially greater safety hazard.
Lewis said that Rowe told him he was unaware the county had to register to use water on roads but will apply and the process takes about three weeks and has a fee of $300. ORC has informed him that until then, the company will use municipal water from its Bunker Hill processing facility.
Who is the liason from BOC to the road department now? One of the commish that want to do away with representative government and sell it to the highest bidder?
The problem with the road department goes back to Stufflebean.
He put nothing but liars and yes men into management positions.
It seems that John Rowe has given permission to ORC to filll up the ORC water truck at this convenient Coquille River source, when that authorization is NOT his to give. Furthermore, if Roadmaster Rowe were to check upon the condition of West Beaver Hill Road, particularly between Hemlock Lane entrance and the official South Seven Devils mine road entrance, he may realize that the excessive (often 3x to 4x per hour in a 12- hour period) washing utilization of this Coquille River water source is damaging and undermining this arterial county road – including “alligatoring of the pavement”, double yellow lines no longer visible, reflectors completely missing. Not to mention the ugly dirt patina West Beaver Hill Road visibly wears and the pathetic state of the gravel shoulders that bear ORC’s heavy hauling rig tire marks. What a complete travesty. I certainly hope that someone corrects Roadmaster Rowe upon his duties and authority as the Coos County roadmaster. Deteriorating county roads need his attention rather than the “special favors” granted to ORC.
“It’s only mud” shriek the ignorant among us.
It’s our water numbnuts, and we can’t live without it.
Yes, who’s fault is this one Dan and Joe?
Who’s Your Mama Now?
Don’t worry Mary the Easter Bunny will take care of it. When is the State of Whoregon going to realize Coos County is dishonest and incompetant and cheaters prosper?