WSR 14-22-117

POLICY STATEMENT

[Filed November 5, 2014, 11:48 a.m.]

Purpose: In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, RCW 34.05.230, the department of ecology submits the following:

Document Title: Development Schedules for Water Right Changes and Transfers.

Subject: To describe generally the applicable procedures that the department of ecology will use in consideration of development schedules for authorizations of change to water right certificates, permits and claims.

Document Description: This policy is an update to the 2009 version of the same policy to reflect ecology's authority when considering development schedules for approved applications for change or transfer to surface water rights under the applicable sections of the state water code (chapter 90.03 RCW). The policy describes how the department of ecology intends to apply the various sections of the law related to development schedules when approving applications for change or transfer to existing water rights.

This revised policy supersedes the previous policy adopted on August 10, 2009. Specifically, it addresses the statutory language in RCW 90.03.380(1), which states that "… the department shall issue to the applicant a certificate in duplicate granting the right for such transfer or for such change." The updated policy clarifies that the applicant of an approved surface water right change or transfer may request that a superseding certificate issue right away, in accordance with the state water code (chapter 90.03 RCW).

To receive a copy of the policy, contact Mike Dexel, Water Resources Program, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, phone (360) 407-7679, e-mail mdex461@ecy.wa.gov, web site http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/rules/images/pdf/pol1280.pdf.