OH SB170

Establishes a withdrawal and consumptive use permit program for water from the Lake Erie watershed, to be administered by the Chief of the Division of Soil and Water Resources within 180 days of enactment.

Sets threshold capacity requirements for permit eligibility: 5 million gallons per day for Lake Erie or influenced streams; 2 million gallons per day for other streams or groundwater; 300,000 gallons per day for high-quality waters with drainage areas under 100 square miles.

Creates exemptions from permitting for baseline facilities (those listed in the December 8, 2009 baseline report), facilities below thresholds, emergency conditions, testing purposes, humanitarian crises, and other facilities exempt under existing law.

Establishes the Water Resources Review Commission with five members to hear appeals of permit decisions, with exclusive original jurisdiction to review chief's orders; decisions may be appealed to court of appeals.

Authorizes the chief to issue compliance orders and allows the Attorney General to seek injunctions against violations of the permit program, while establishing a voluntary (not mandatory) water conservation program for permit holders.