Adopted rule
Filed and effective: Oct. 17, 2024
Rulemaking contact:
Rachel Fernandez, DEQ;
Tom Jackman, Oregon Department of Energy
The primary purpose of this rulemaking is to amend Division 35 to allow solar energy generation facilities to demonstrate compliance with noise regulations in the same manner as allowed for wind electrical generation facilities.
This includes:
- Allowing the use of an assumed ambient background baseline noise level of 26 dBA for solar energy facility sites, unless evidence shows that the actual background level is higher
- Allowing for a willing landowner to waive the ambient noise degradation standard for their property, while maintaining the Table 8 limits
This rulemaking was conducted in partnership with the Oregon Department of Energy, Energy Facility Siting Council who certify the construction of new, large energy facilities in Oregon.
DEQ is convening an advisory committee to review the technical issues and fiscal impacts related to the proposed rules. In convening this committee, DEQ has appointed members that reflect the range of entities that are both directly and indirectly affected by proposed changes to the rules.
Meeting 1: April 11, 2024