WSR 05-04-029

POLICY STATEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY


[ Filed January 26, 2005, 2:50 p.m. ]


POLICY STATEMENT


     Purpose: To specify the circumstances under which the Department of Ecology (ecology) will or will not perform maximum benefits analyses in conjunction with watershed planning, instream flow setting, water right permitting, and other program activities.

     Document Title: POL-2025 Water Resources Program Policy/Interpretive Statement On When To Perform A Maximum Net Benefits Analysis.

     Subject: This document specifies the circumstances under which ecology will perform a maximum net benefits analysis, as required by RCW 90.54.020(2).

     Document Description: This policy identifies the circumstances under which ecology will implement the maximum net benefits provision. Ecology will do so solely in the context of rule making associated with allocations of water and decisions to approve watershed plans that include reservations that allocate water. Ecology will not perform a maximum net benefits analysis when reviewing an application for a new water right or change to an existing water right. This policy will be implemented in conjunction with Procedure 2025: Basic Steps for Evaluating Maximum Net Benefits.

     Effective Date: January 21, 2004.

     A copy of the policy and associated procedure may be downloaded at the Department of Ecology's website http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/rules/images/pdf/pol2025.pdf or http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/rules/pol_pro.html.

     You may also contact Jeff Marti, Water Resources, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, 98504-7600, phone (360) 407-6636, fax (360) 407-6574, e-mail jema461@ecy.wa.gov, TDD - If you have special accommodation needs or require this document in an alternate format, please contact Water Resources reception at (360) 407-6600 (voice) or 711 (TTY) or 1-800-833-6388 (TTY).

     Responsible Official: Joe Stohr, Program Manager, Water Resources Program.

January 27, 2005

Joe Stohr, Program Manager

Water Resources Program

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