(1) Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, ecology, after consultation with Tribes, Clallam County, Washington department of fish and wildlife, and NOAA fisheries may, on a case-by-case basis, authorize storage projects for environmental enhancement and other beneficial uses consistent with the Elwha-Dungeness watershed plan. Such decisions shall consider the following:
• The management objectives of the storage project;
• The effect of the project on salmonids;
• The effect of the project on ecological functions provided by high stream flows;
• The cumulative effects of all such projects weighed against the public benefit the stored water would provide.
(2) The application for the storage project must include a monitoring and adaptive management component and show the ability to implement such a program. All other applicable permits must be obtained.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters
90.54, 90.22, 90.82, 90.03, 90.42, and
90.44 RCW. WSR 12-23-054 (Order 07-17), § 173-518-095, filed 11/16/12, effective 1/2/13.]