Marine Board Looks For Solutions, Other Rulemaking Options -01/28/22

The Oregon State Marine Board held their quarterly meeting on January 26 and discussed a proposed legislative concept, received updates for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program and evaluation on rule effectiveness for Lower Willamette River. The Board also discussed increasing the Boating Facilities Small Grant program, a boat motor noise petition and proposed rulemaking on mini-jet boat operations.

The Board approved rulemaking to increase the agency’s Small Grant Program funding from $10,000 to $30,000 with a not-to-exceed total project cost of $50,000. The increased funding thresholds allow the agency to be more responsive to boating facility owner's requests for minor boating access site repairs. This also enhances opportunities for nongovernment organizations to apply for funds to increase paddling access and boating safety education in local communities. 

In another agenda item, agency staff brought forward a request by the City of Milwaukie for the Marine Board to pursue a pathway that would allow smaller jurisdictions to enact stricter code or ordinances pertaining to on-water structures, such as docks, for foam encapsulation to protect habitat and water quality. The Board supported investigating a pathway for smaller jurisdictions. 

The Board received a petition in November 2021 to address noise emanating from boat motors by lowering statewide noise limits and adding a narrative standard for noise that could be applied to boat operations regardless of measured sound volume. The Board acknowledged and is committed to finding a solution to noise impacts to the local community and asked agency staff to work more closely with local officials. Agency staff were directed to seek a nonregulatory solution and bring the item back to their April meeting for further discussion.

In their final agenda item, the Board considered statewide rulemaking to include mini-jet boats in existing personal watercraft rules (OAR 250-021-0010). After considerable discussion, the Board asked staff to work with stakeholders, agency partners and tribal governments for more balanced solutions that address culturally significant areas, sensitive habitats, and ideal areas of operation for jet boats. The Board recognized there are many areas to consider, many perspectives to hear and the information gathering process would take time.    

For the Board meeting replay link and to review Board materials, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.

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