Informal resolution of water rights assignment protests; limitations on parties. (1) In addition to any other authority the Water Resources Department may have, if a protest is properly filed, the department may work with the applicant for the water right assignment and the person filing the protest to determine whether the issues raised by the protest can be resolved informally

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 183.310, 536.076 and 536.077, the parties to a contested case hearing held under this section are limited to:

(a) The applicant for the water right assignment; and

(b) Persons that timely filed a protest against the proposed order under ORS 537.225 (4). [2013 c.166 §3; 2025 c.575 §9]

Note: See second note under 537.225.