ORS 468B.166 Technical advisory committee; duties; membership

The Department of Environmental Quality shall appoint a nine-member technical advisory committee to develop criteria and a method for the Environmental Quality Commission to apply in adopting by rule maximum measurable levels of contaminants in ground water. The technical advisory committee shall recommend criteria and a method for the development of standards that are protective of public health and the environment. If a federal standard exists, the method shall provide that the Environmental Quality Commission shall first consider the federal standard, and if the Environmental Quality Commission does not adopt the federal standard, the method shall require the Environmental Quality Commission to give a scientifically valid reason for not concurring with the federal standard. As used in this subsection, “federal standard” means a maximum contaminant level, a national primary drinking water regulation or an interim drinking water regulation adopted by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300g-1.

The technical advisory committee appointed under subsection (1) of this section shall be comprised of:

A toxicologist;

A health professional;

A water purveyor;

A biologist; and

Technically capable members of the public representing the following groups:

Citizens;

Local governments;

Environmental organizations;

Industrial organizations; and

Agricultural organizations.

The technical advisory committee may appoint individuals or committees to assist in development of the criteria and maximum measurable levels of contaminants in ground water. An individual or committee appointed by the committee under this subsection shall serve in an advisory capacity only.