HB 1642 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares an intent to allow modification of the point of diversion in a water right permit when such a modification will provide both environmental benefits and water supply benefits and nothing in this act is to be construed as allowing any other change or transfer of a right to the use of surface water which has not been applied to a beneficial use.

     Authorizes the department to approve a change of the point of diversion prescribed in a permit to appropriate water for a beneficial use to a point of diversion that is located downstream and is an existing approved intake structure with capacity to transport the additional diversion, if the ownership, purpose of use, season of use, and place of use of the permit remain the same.

     This provision may not be construed as limiting in any manner whatsoever other authorities of the department under RCW 90.03.380 or other changes that may be approved under RCW 90.03.380 under authorities existing before the effective date of this act.

     Declares that water conveyed under RCW 90.03.030 may be conveyed to an approved intake structure located in a neighboring state in order to accomplish an approved modification of the point of diversion in a permit to appropriate water for a beneficial use, if approval of the neighboring state is documented to the satisfaction of the department.