| VETO MESSAGE ON E2SSB 6267 |
| April 1, 2010 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning herewith, without my approval as to Sections 9, 10, 14 and 15, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6267 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to water right processing improvements." |
| This bill provides applicants and the Department of Ecology with tools that can be used, when appropriate, to expedite the processing of water right applications. |
| Sections 9 and 10 define the original location of a well associated with a water right claim as the area located within a one-quarter mile radius of the current well or wells. The original location of a well is used to determine when a replacement well requires a formal change to the water right. |
| The specific definitions in Sections 9 and 10 would reduce the Department of Ecology's flexibility and impair its current discretion to decide when a replacement well warrants formal review and approval. Such flexibility and discretion is needed when the impacts of a replacement well will depend on the circumstances. Sections 14 and 15 provide expiration and effective dates for Sections 9 and 10, respectively. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Sections 9, 10, 14 and 15 of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6267. |
| With the exception of Sections 9, 10, 14 and 15, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6267 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |