Deschutes County groundwater ordinance referendum (2009)
History
The Deschutes County board of commissioners passed a groundwater regulation in 2008. County residents who objected to the new ordinance circulated petitions to force the new ordinance to a vote of the people through the county's veto referendum process.[2]
The new ordinance requires homeowners in the southern part of the county to upgrade septic systems to models that do a better job of reducing nitrates. Specifically:
- All septic systems must upgrade to an approved nitrate reducing system over the next fourteen years.
- 6,500 existing septic units in southern Deschutes County are affected by this requirement.
- New systems will cost property owners between $7,000-$16,000.[3]
After the signatures were collected, County District Attorney Mike Dugan wrote a ballot title for the ballot item. Supporters of the referendum believed that title to be unfair and non-neutral and filed a lawsuit to get it changed. That lawsuit was heard by Deschutes County Circuit Judge Michael Adler. Adler ruled in favor of Dugan's ballot title in mid-January, leaving the title as is. La Pine resident Ron Sharbaugh argued, unsuccessfully, that the ballot description should include specific townships and ranges of where the requirements will take affect.[3]
Effect of a "yes" vote
Voting "yes" agrees with the ordinace passed by the Deschutes County board in 2008.
Effect of a "no" vote
A "no" vote is a vote to overturn or nullify the groundwater ordinance passed by the Deschutes County board in 2008.
External links
- Deschutes County Citizens Action Group. This group urges a "no" vote.
- Local rule: Why should voters beyond La Pine care? This link is to a newspaper article with additional background.
- Central Oregon LandWatch. This group urges a "yes" vote.
