(2) At the request of the applicant, the department may extend the 180-day period set forth in subsection (1) of this section for a reasonable period of time.
(3) If a contested case hearing is held, the department shall issue a final order:
(a) Within 270 days after scheduling the hearing for a contested case proceeding that involves three or more parties not including the department; and
(b) Within 180 days after scheduling the hearing for all other contested case proceedings.
(4) If the applicant does not request an extension under subsection (2) of this section and the department fails to issue a proposed final order or schedule a contested case hearing on an application for a water right within 180 days after the department proceeds with the application under ORS 537.150 (5), the applicant may apply in the Circuit Court for Marion County for a writ of mandamus to compel the department to issue a final order or schedule a contested case hearing on an application for a water right. If the application is for an out-of-stream use, the writ of mandamus shall compel the department to issue a water right permit, unless the department shows by affidavit that to issue a permit may result in harm to an existing water right holder. [1995 c.416 §17]
Note: See note under 537.153.