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RAC clarifies evaluation criteria to prefer projects that put more conserved water in‑stream than ACW requires
Summary
RAC members added language to evaluation criteria giving preference to projects that transfer a higher percentage of conserved water in‑stream than required by the Allocation of Conserved Water (ACW) program, and clarified that staff will evaluate quantification and other water‑right characteristics.
RAC members and staff agreed to add specificity to evaluation criteria for projects that utilize the Oregon Water Resources Department’s Allocation of Conserved Water (ACW) program. The working draft will include language giving “a preference for projects with a higher percentage of water transferred in stream than what is required by the ACW program,” rather than using the ambiguous word “preferred.”
Jessica Humphries asked whether the technical review is quantitative and whether points are assigned across criteria; staff said the technical review team evaluates each criteria qualitatively and is not currently using a numerical point system. RAC members noted statutory ACW bands that require a minimum 25% up to 75% in‑stream depending on the share of public funding, and said projects that deliver more than statutory minimums should be seen more favorably. Brian Volcott said staff will capture the clarified phrasing in the rules so reviewers understand that a higher in‑stream percentage than statutory requirements will be considered a stronger environmental outcome.
