PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The rule making will propose a new rule, chapter 173-502 WAC, for establishing a reservation for the beneficial use of rooftop rainwater in the San Juan County water resource inventory area (WRIA 2). The rule will outline rainwater catchment system conditions and reporting requirements for rainwater permits under the reservation.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.27A.020, 90.03.010, 90.03.250, 90.82.130 (3)(a), and 90.54.050.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The reservation will establish a more efficient permit process for rooftop rainwater catchment than the existing water rights application process. The proposed rule will provide rainwater for areas with limited water resources and will allow ecology to work cooperatively with San Juan County to regulate rainwater catchment in WRIA 2.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: This rule is being developed in coordination with the recommendations of the San Juan County water resource management committee under the watershed planning process, chapter 90.82 RCW. The committee is comprised of representatives from the department of ecology, county and city government, water utilities and residents of San Jan County. The department of ecology will work with committee members to develop and implement the rule.
Process for Developing New Rule: Ecology will work with members of the San Juan County water resource management committee, residents of San Juan County, and other interested parties to develop the rule conditions and reporting requirements for rooftop rainwater catchment systems in WRIA 2. The rule development process will include public workshops, public hearings, and outreach materials to provide information and gather comments on the rule.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Roma Call, Department of Ecology, NWRO Water Resources, 3190 160th Avenue S.E., Bellevue, WA 98008-5452, (425) 649-7005, rcal461@ecy.wa.gov.
March 20, 2006
Kenneth O. Slattery
Program Manager