Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-01-129.

     Title of Rule: Water Conservancy Boards (WCBs) rule, chapter 173-153 WAC. In 2001, legislation (ESHB 1832) substantially changed the existing statute, chapter 90.80 RCW, regarding WCBs. The proposed rule amendments are intended to make the rule consistent with the amended statute and provide clear guidance to WCBs and ecology staff supporting them.

     Purpose: The proposed rule amendments are intended to make the rule consistent with the amended statute and provide clear guidance to WCBs and the ecology staff supporting them.

     Other Identifying Information: WCBs are separate units of local governments established by county legislative authorities to process applications to change existing water rights. Chapter 90.80 RCW and chapter 173-153 WAC authorize local boards to process water right change applications to assist ecology and provide a localized service to the community.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 90.80.40 [90.80.040].

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 90.80 RCW, Water Conservancy Boards.

     Summary: The proposed rule amendments are intended to make the rule consistent with the amended statute and provide clear guidance to WCBs and the ecology staff supporting them.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposal makes the rule consistent with the authorizing statute, as amended by the legislature in 2001, and clarifies existing language in the rule.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Janet Carlson, Ecology Headquarters, Lacey, (360) 407-6274; Implementation and Enforcement: Janet Carlson/Regional Staff, Lacey, Bellevue, Yakima, Spokane, (360) 407-6274.

     Name of Proponent: Department of Ecology, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: This rule establishes procedures the Department of Ecology, WCBs, applicants for water rights transfers, and counties will follow to implement chapter 90.80 RCW. The proposed rule amendments are intended to make the rule consistent with the amended statute and provide clear guidance to WCBs and the ecology staff supporting them.

     The rule will affect counties, which are authorized under chapter 90.80 RCW to create WCBs with final approval by the director of ecology as well as appoint the board commissioners. Counties may also choose to dissolve a board. The rule provides counties with a procedure for implementing these actions. This rule also effects ecology and WCBs. Chapter 90.80 RCW authorizes ecology to review the records of decision on water right transfers made by WCBs. The department provides technical assistance if requested as well as specific training for all board commissioners. The rule provides ecology staff with procedures and guidelines when implementing these responsibilities.

     Chapter 90.80 RCW authorizes WCBs to make records of decisions on water right transfer applications. They are also required to operate under certain operational statutes such as the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 42.30 RCW, and the Public Records Act, chapter 42.17 RCW. The rule provides WCBs with guidance as they accept, investigate, and make decisions on water right transfer applications.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Explanation of Rule above.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule will not differentially impact small businesses.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. This rule does not subject a violator to a penalty or sanction; does not establish, alter or revoke a qualification or standard for the issuance, suspension or revocation of a license or permit; and does not make a new or significant amendment to a policy or regulatory program. This rule establishes procedures the Department of Ecology, WCBs, applicants for water rights transfers, and counties will follow to implement chapter 90.80 RCW. The proposed rule amendments are intended to make the rule consistent with the amended statute and provide clear guidance to WCBs and the ecology staff supporting them.

     Hearing Location: Spokane Falls Community College, Student Union Building, #17 Lounge A-B, 3410 West Fort George Wright Drive, Spokane, on Tuesday, September 24, 2002, at 7:00 p.m.; at the Hal Holmes Center, 210 North Ruby, Ellensburg, on Wednesday, September 25, 2002, at 7:00 p.m.; and at the Department of Ecology, 300 Desmond Drive, Basement Auditorium, Lacey, on Thursday, September 26, 2002, at 7:00 p.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Christine Corrigan by September 18, 2002, TDD (360) 407-6006 or (360) 407-6607.

     Submit Written Comments to: Janet Carlson, Water Conservancy Board Coordinator, Water Resources Program, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, e-mail jaca461@ecy.wa.gov, fax (360) 407-6574, by October 4, 2002.

     Date of Intended Adoption: December 7, 2002.

August 15, 2002

Linda Hoffman

Deputy Director

OTS-5892.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 98-11, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99)

WAC 173-153-010   What are the purpose and authority((.)) of this chapter?   The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures the department of ecology (ecology) ((and)), water conservancy boards (((conservancy boards))), applicants, concerned agencies, and the public will follow in implementing chapter 90.80 RCW((, and in implementing RCW 90.03.380, 90.03.390, and 90.44.100, which govern the granting of water right transfers)). Chapter 90.80 RCW authorizes establishment of water conservancy boards and vests them with certain powers relating to water right transfers.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-010, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (4) How interested agencies and the public may participate in the board process.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-020, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (((1))) "Alternate" means an individual who:

     • May serve as an alternate commissioner of a board at the request of the board or the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties;

     • Serves a board in a nonvoting capacity; and

     • Cannot take the place of a commissioner on a temporary basis.

     "Application" means an application made on an ecology form identified as an Application for Change/Transfer to Water Right, form number 040-1-97 for a transfer of a water right, including those transfers proposed under authority of RCW 90.03.380, 90.03.390 and 90.44.100. ((Application generally refers to filings made on an ecology form titled "application for change/transfer of water right," number 040-1-97, or as that form may be amended by ecology in the future.

     (2) "Conditional decision" means the conclusion reached by an individual conservancy board regarding approval or denial of an application to transfer an existing water right.

     (3))) A board may supplement the application with additional forms or requests for additional documentation. These forms and documentation become a part of the application.

     "Board" means a water conservancy board pursuant to chapter 90.80 RCW.

     "Commissioner" means an individual appointed to serve as a voting member on a water conservancy board through a written statement by the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties.

     "Consumptive use" means use of water whereby there is a diminishment of the water source.

     (((4))) "Director" means the director of the department of ecology.

     "Ecology" means the department of ecology.

     "Ecology regional office" means the water resources program at the ecology regional office designated to a board as the office where the board shall interact as identified within this chapter.

     "Geographic area" means an area within the state of Washington in which an established board would have authority to process water right transfer applications. This area is identified by the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties seeking to establish the water conservancy board. The area may be a single county, more than one county, a single water resource inventory area, or more than one water resource inventory area. If the identified geographic area contains all or part of more than one county, the counties involved must identify a "lead county" for certain administrative purposes.

     "Lead county" means the county legislative authority with which ecology will communicate for administrative purposes in cases where a water conservancy board's geographic area includes more than one county legislative authority.

     "Nonwater right holder" means, solely for the purpose of satisfying RCW 90.80.050(2) in regard to determining whether a potential water conservancy board commissioner is a "nonwater right holder," any party who:

     • Does not meet any of the criteria of a water right holder as defined in this section; or

     • Receives water solely through a water distributing entity.

     "Record of decision" means the written conclusion reached by a water conservancy board regarding a transfer application, with documentation of each board commissioner's vote on the decision. The record of decision must be on a form provided by ecology and identified as a Record of Decision, form number 040-105.

     "Report of examination" means the written explanation, factual findings, and analysis that support a board's record of decision. The report of examination is an integral part of the record of decision. The report of examination must be on a form provided by ecology and identified as Water Conservancy Board Report of Examination, form number 040-106.

     "Source" means the water body from which water is or would be diverted or withdrawn under an existing water right which an applicant has proposed to be transferred.

     (((5))) "Transfer" means ((an alteration, in whole or in part, in the point of diversion or withdrawal, purpose of use, place of use, or change or amendment of a water right, or other limitation or circumstance of water use approved in accordance with)) a transfer, change, amendment, or other alteration of part or all of a water right, as authorized under RCW 90.03.380, 90.03.390 or 90.44.100.

     "Trust water right" means any water right acquired by the state under chapter 90.38 or 90.42 RCW, for management in the state's trust water rights program.

     "Water conservancy board coordinator" means the person designated by the director or his or her designee to coordinate statewide water conservancy board activities, communication, and training, and to advocate for consistent statewide implementation of chapter 90.80 RCW and chapter 173-153 WAC.

     "Water right holder" means, solely for the purpose of satisfying RCW 90.80.050(2) in regard to determining whether a potential water conservancy board commissioner is a "water right holder," any individual who asserts that he or she has a water right and can provide appropriate documentation of a privately owned water right which is appurtenant to the land that they own or in which they have a majority interest.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-030, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (1) Creation of a water conservancy board is accomplished by the following steps:

     (a) A resolution or petition is proposed to or by the legislative authority or authorities of a county or counties;

     (b) Public notice;

     (c) Public hearing(s);

     (d) Adoption of a resolution creating the board by the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties;

     (e) When a board is created by more than one county legislative authority, a lead county is designated;

     (f) A petition is submitted to the director; and

     (g) The director must approve the creation of a board.

     Where is the resolution or petition calling for the creation of a board submitted?

     (2) A resolution or petition calling for creation of a water conservancy board must be submitted to the ((county)) legislative authority ((calling for formation of a water conservancy board. The)) or authorities of the county or counties in which the board would serve.

     Who can initiate a petition calling for the creation of a board?

     (3) A resolution or petition may be initiated by the following entities:

     (((i))) (a) The ((county)) legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties which would be served by the board;

     (((ii))) (b) The legislative authority of an irrigation district, a public utility district that operates a public water system, a reclamation district, a city operating a public water system, or a water-sewer district that operates a public water system;

     (((iii))) (c) The governing body of a cooperative or mutual corporation that operates a public water system serving one hundred or more accounts;

     (((iv))) (d) Five or more water right((s)) holders ((who divert water for use in the county)), in the geographic area which would be served by the board, who divert or withdraw water for a beneficial use, or whose nonuse of water is due to a sufficient cause or an exemption pursuant to RCW 90.14.140; or

     (((v))) (e) Any combination of the above((;)).

     (((b))) What information must be included in the proposed resolution or petition calling for the creation of a board?

     (4) The resolution or petition must include:

     (((i))) (a) A statement ((of)) describing the need for the board;

     (((ii))) (b) Proposed bylaws that will govern the operation of the board;

     (((iii) An)) (c) Identification of the geographic ((boundaries where there is an initial interest in transacting water sales or transfers)) area within which the board would serve; and

     (((iv))) (d) A description of the proposed method(s) for funding the operation of the board((;

     (c) A public hearing must be held by the county legislative authority on the proposed creation of the board;)).

     (((d))) What notice is given to the public regarding the proposed creation of a board?

     (5) A public notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, if the board would serve more than one county, a public notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the board would serve. The notice(s) must be published not less than ten days((, nor)) and not more than thirty days((,)) before the date of a public hearing ((to be held by the county legislative authority)) on the proposed creation of the ((water conservancy)) board. The notice(s) shall describe the ((time, date, place and purpose of the hearing, as well as the)):

     (a) Time;

     (b) Date;

     (c) Place;

     (d) Purpose of the hearing; and

     (e) Purpose of the board.

     Notice must be sent to the ecology(('s)) regional office at the time of publication of the public notice, and an effort ((should)) shall be made to ensure that any watershed planning unit ((or)) and Indian tribe with an interest in water rights in the ((county)) area to be served by the board also receives the notice((;)).

     (((e))) How many public hearings must be held for the creation of a board?

     (6) At least one public hearing on the proposed creation of the board must be held by the legislative authority of each county in which the board would serve.

     What must be included in the adopted resolution which establishes a board?

     (7) If the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties decide to establish a board after the public hearing(s) a resolution must be adopted by the ((county)) legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties, approving the creation of ((a water conservancy)) the board((; and

     (f) The county legislative authority shall identify and select county residents who wish to participate on the county's water conservancy board.

     (2) Ecology will approve or deny creation of a water conservancy board within forty-five days of receiving:)). The resolution must describe or include:

     (a) The need for the board;

     (b) The geographic area to be served by the board;

     (c) The method or methods which will be used to fund the board;

     (d) Whether the proposed board will consist of three or five commissioners;

     (e) The designated lead county if a board is proposed which would serve in more than one county; and

     (f) A finding that the creation of the board is in the public interest.

     What is included in a petition to ecology for the creation of a board?

     (8) The petition submitted to ecology to create the board must include the following:

     (a) A copy of ((a)) the resolution or petition to or by the ((county)) legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties calling for the ((formation of a water conservancy board)) creation of a board. If a board is proposed which would serve in more than one county, the resolution shall be provided by the lead county as designated under subsection (7)(e) of this section. If five water right((s)) holders who divert or withdraw water for ((use in the county initiated the petition, it must include their names, addresses, and documentation as to the water rights held by the petitioners. Documentation may include the permit number, certificate number, or claim number of the petitioner's water right. The petition must include a description of how the water conservancy board will be funded;

     (b) An affidavit of publication for the public notice that appeared in a newspaper of general circulation in the county not less than ten days nor more than thirty days before the date of the public hearing on the proposed creation of the board;

     (c))) beneficial use, or whose nonuse of water is due to a sufficient cause or exempt pursuant to RCW 90.14.140, in the county or counties which initiated the petition, the petition must also include the names and addresses of the petitioners;

     (b) A summary of the public testimony presented during the public hearing(s) conducted by the ((county)) legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in response to the resolution or petition to ((form a water conservancy)) create a board. The summary shall ((include a title and a date for)) be clearly identified and include the date of the hearing;

     (((d))) (c) A copy of the resolution adopted by the ((county)) legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties approving the creation of a water conservancy board. The resolution must include ((a method for funding the proposed water conservancy board)) all elements described in subsection (7) of this section; and

     (((e))) (d) A copy of the board's proposed bylaws.

     (((3) Ecology)) What is the process for the director to approve or deny the creation of a water conservancy board?

     (9) Upon submission to the water conservancy board coordinator of the required documentation pursuant to subsection (8) of this section, the director will determine ((if)) whether the creation of a water conservancy board will further the purposes of the law and ((will)) be in the public interest. The public interest includes, but is not limited to, whether ecology has sufficient staffing resources to provide the necessary training, monitoring, and technical assistance to the board and to make timely responses to the board's ((anticipated conditional)) records of decisions ((on applications)).

     (((4) Based on its determination, ecology will approve or deny the formation of the water conservancy board. If formation of a water conservancy board is approved, ecology will include a description of the training requirements as outlined in WAC 173-153-050 for water conservancy board members in its approval.

     (5)(a) Ecology may revoke legal authority of a board to make conditional decisions in the following circumstances:

     (i) If the board fails to render a conditional decision for a period of not less than two years; or

     (ii) If the board demonstrates a pattern of ignoring legal principles and requirements in its processing of applications or in its conditional decisions; or

     (iii) If requested by the county legislative authority that called for the board's formation.

     (b) The board will be allowed thirty days to respond to any revocation before it becomes effective. Ecology may reverse the revocation based upon the board response.)) (10) The director's determination regarding creation of the board shall be made within forty-five days of receiving all items listed in subsection (8) of this section.

     (11) If creation of a board is approved, ecology will include in its notice of approval any unique conditions or provisions under which the approval is made, if any, and a description of the initial training requirements for board commissioners as outlined in WAC 173-153-050.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-040, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (1) Upon approval of a new board by ecology, or upon approval of restructuring the number of commissioners on an existing board, the legislative authority of the county or the lead county shall submit to ecology's water conservancy board coordinator a written statement identifying the individuals appointed to the board. The statement must include:

     (a) The name, mailing address, and phone number or other contact information of the commissioners;

     (b) The terms of office of the commissioners; these terms of office must be staggered as described in RCW 90.80.050(1).

     What is the responsibility of the county or lead county when a board commissioner's term expires or a board position becomes vacant?

     (2) Upon the expiration of a board commissioner's term, the appropriate legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties shall either:

     (a) Reappoint the incumbent commissioner; or

     (b) Appoint a new commissioner to the board. A written statement including the information as described in subsection (1) of this section shall be submitted to ecology's water conservancy board coordinator.

     (3) In the event a board position becomes vacant, the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties shall appoint a new commissioner in accordance with RCW 90.80.050(2). A statement as described in subsection (1) of this section must be submitted to ecology's water conservancy board coordinator. The new commissioner shall fill the vacancy only for the remainder of the unexpired term and, upon completion of the unexpired term, may be reappointed, as described in subsection (2) of this section, to serve a full six-year term.

     What are the terms of board commissioners?

     (4) Initial terms of commissioners appointed to a newly created board shall be staggered as described in RCW 90.80.050.

     (5) Upon the expiration of the initially appointed commissioners' terms, all subsequent appointments shall be for six-year terms.

     (6) The initial terms of office of board commissioners on a restructured board shall be staggered as set forth in RCW 90.80.050. As each of the commissioners' term of office expires, newly or reappointed commissioners shall all be appointed to six-year terms. However, in order to maintain staggered terms, regardless of the date on which such commissioners may be appointed or reappointed, the expiration of all commissioners' terms shall be the same day and month as the expiration of the term of office of the first commissioner appointed to the board, varying only in the year of expiration.

[]

     (1)(a) Ecology may revoke legal authority of a board to make any decisions regarding water right transfers for reasons which include, but are not limited to, the following:

     (i) If the board fails to issue a record of decision for a period of two years or more from the date the board was approved or from the date that the last record of decision was issued; or

     (ii) If the board demonstrates a pattern of ignoring statutory and regulatory requirements in its processing of applications or in its records of decision; or

     (iii) If requested by the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties that called for the board's formation.

     (b) The board will be allowed thirty days to respond to any revocation before it becomes effective. Ecology may reverse the revocation based upon the board response.

     Dissolution:

     (2)(a) The legislative authority of a county or lead county may adopt a resolution to dissolve a board.

     (b) Ecology may petition the legislative authority of the county or lead county, with a copy to the board, for dissolution of a board.

     (c) Upon resolution by the legislative authority of the county or lead county to approve the dissolution of a board, the board will be allowed thirty days after the date of the resolution to respond to the petition for dissolution.

     (d) The resolution by a county or lead county to approve the dissolution of a board will become effective thirty days after adoption of the resolution.

     (e) The legislative authority of the county or lead county may reverse the dissolution based upon the board's response.

[]

     (2) A board, a county legislative authority, or a lead county legislative authority may request to restructure an existing board within its geographical jurisdiction. It is suggested that the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties and the existing board communicate and work cooperatively during the board restructuring process.

     (3) The legislative authority or authorities of the pertinent county or counties shall hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution including:

     (a) The manner of restructuring and the need for restructuring the board;

     (b) The number of commissioners to serve on the board;

     (c) The proposed geographic area of jurisdiction of the board;

     (d) If the proposed geographic area of jurisdiction is restructured to include more than one county legislative authority, the legislative authorities of each county included within the restructuring shall identify a lead county; and

     (e) A summary of the public testimony presented during the public hearing(s) conducted by the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in response to the resolution to restructure a board. The summary shall be clearly identified and include the date of the hearing.

     (4) Upon submission to the water conservancy board coordinator of the required documentation pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, the director will determine whether the restructuring of a board will further the purposes of the law and be in the public interest as described in WAC 173-153-040(10).

     (5) The director's determination to approve or deny restructuring of the board shall be made within forty-five days of receiving all items listed in subsection (3) of this section.

     (6) If the board restructuring is approved, ecology will include in its notice of approval any unique conditions or provisions under which the approval is made, if any, and shall identify the date the restructuring of the board will take effect. The director shall also identify any additional training required of the board if it assumes jurisdiction of a new geographic area.

[]

     (1) ((Before participating in any conditional decision of a water conservancy board, every member is required to complete a training program provided by ecology.)) Every commissioner of a board shall complete a training program provided by ecology before participating in any decision concerning a water right transfer application being considered by the board. Attendance at trainings for new commissioners shall be limited to board commissioners, their administrative staff, board alternates, and individuals providing training. Due to the complexity of the training and the need to provide adequate time to focus on questions from board commissioners, the number of participants attending each training session shall be left to the discretion of the water conservancy board coordinator. Training for new commissioners shall be held at least once in the spring and once in the fall depending on, but not limited to:

     (a) Whether ecology has sufficient staffing resources to provide the necessary training; and/or

     (b) Whether there are sufficient numbers of board commissioners needing training.

     (2) Successful completion of the training program will consist of:

     (a) ((Completing)) Receiving at least thirty-two hours of instruction, from or sponsored by ecology, regarding hydrology, state water law, state water policy, administrative and judicial case law developments, field practices, evaluation of existing water rights, and ((applied)) practical experience working with ecology staff on applications for ((transfer of)) water right((s with ecology staff)) transfers; and

     (b) Demonstrating an understanding of course materials during training, and demonstrating sufficient mastery of the training curriculum ((by passing)) through an examination ((given)) administered by an ecology employee upon completion of ((the minimum)) training.

     (((2) Ecology will certify in writing to the appropriate county legislative authority the successful completion of the training program for water conservancy board members and staff.))

     (3) If a board is restructured to modify the geographic area, the director may require additional training of all board commissioners;

     (4) Upon a water conservancy board commissioner's or alternate's successful completion of the training, ecology will certify such completion in writing to the county or lead county of the geographic area served by the board. A copy of this letter shall also be sent to the board.

     Are there continuing education requirements for board commissioners?

     (5) After completing one year of service on a water conservancy board, ((members must each year complete)) each following year prior to the anniversary of their appointment to the board, commissioners must complete an additional eight hours of continuing education ((directed)) provided or approved by ecology. Each commissioner shall complete the minimum continuing education requirement before participating in any decision concerning a water right transfer application being considered by a board. Continuing education may include, but is not limited to, readings, a seminar or conference, or field experience ((on)) regarding, but not necessarily limited to, subjects such as state water law, state water policy, administrative and judicial case law developments, field practices, ((the)) evaluation of existing water rights, ((or)) and hydrology.

     (6) Ecology may, at its discretion, and in response to ((demand)) requests, provide training ((semiannually)) periodically. Ecology may also combine training for more than one board.

     How can a board commissioner receive credit for continuing education not provided or sponsored by ecology?

     (7) Continuing education training requirements under subsection (5) of this section may be fulfilled through training not provided or sponsored by ecology. However, such training will be accepted only if it is reported to ecology on a form provided by ecology and identified as the Water Conservancy Board Training Credit Request Form, form number 040-104, and approved by ecology as appropriate training.

     (8) Board commissioners are encouraged to report to the water conservancy board coordinator all relevant continuing education received.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-050, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (2) A ((water conservancy)) board may accept for processing an application ((for)) to transfer ((of)) a surface or ground water right ((for processing)) if the water right is currently diverted, withdrawn, or used within((,)) or, if approved, ((will)) would be diverted, withdrawn, or used within the boundaries of the ((county)) geographic area in which the board has jurisdiction, exceptions to this are stated in subsection (7) of this section. The application may be for a permanent or ((seasonal ())temporary(())) use.

     (a) The board shall investigate the application and ((make a determination)) determine whether the proposal should be approved or denied and, if approved, under what conditions, if any, the approval should be granted. ((In this process))

     (b) As part of the process described in subsection (2)(a) of this section, boards should determine whether a watershed planning unit is involved in planning related to the source of water that would be affected by the application ((and,)) being considered. If so, the board should notify the planning unit of the application, and consider comments from the watershed planning unit prior to issuing its ((conditional)) record of decision.

     (((2)(a) Applications for transfers that propose to use water from the same source must generally be processed in the order in which they were filed. Exceptions are outlined in chapter 173-152 WAC.

     (b))) (3) Decisions on applications must be made by a board in the order in which the applications were originally filed with the board ((or with ecology, if the applications were first filed with ecology)). Exceptions are ((as)) outlined in ((WAC 173-152-050 or as follows:

     (i) Applications to alleviate public health and safety emergencies, as specified in WAC 173-152-050(1), may be processed before competing applications; and

     (ii) If review of an application has begun and the board determines that gathering more information than is available at the time of the review is required, the board need not await the availability of the additional information before reviewing the next application awaiting action.

     (c) A conservancy)) RCW 90.03.380 and chapter 173-152 WAC.

     (4) Boards must take into consideration the possible effect of a proposed transfer on the availability of water for ((any applications for new water rights, as well as)), or possible impairment of, previously filed transfer applications for water from the same source regardless of the order in which applications are processed. This includes any applications for transfers ((that were previously)) filed with ecology ((for water from the same source as the application under consideration by the)) or any other water conservancy board. Ecology will cooperate with ((conservancy)) boards to resolve any problems associated with conflicting applications. ((The availability of water for senior applicants, including those applicants who have filed transfer applications with ecology rather than a conservancy board, must not be impaired, regardless of the order in which applications are processed.

     (3) The)) (5) Neither the annual quantity nor the instantaneous quantity of water appropriated under a water right may ((not)) be expanded. For agricultural use, the acreage irrigated may not be expanded, except in ((limited)) the circumstances allowed in RCW 90.03.380, in which the annual consumptive use under the water right is not increased.

     (((4))) (6) As described in RCW 90.66.065, under a family farm permit, surplus waters made available through water-use efficiency may, subject to laws including WAC 173-152-110, be transferred to any purpose of use that is a beneficial use of water.

     (7) Any water right or portion of a water right that has not previously been put to actual beneficial use cannot be transferred, except as authorized by RCW 90.44.100((. Transfer of previously unused ground water rights under RCW 90.44.100 is limited to changing the place of use and the point of withdrawal.

     (5) No applicant may be compelled to apply for a transfer with a conservancy board. Applicants have the option of applying directly to ecology rather than a water conservancy board)), limited only to change to place of use and point of withdrawal and pursuant to RCW 90.03.395 and 90.03.397.

     Where can an applicant file a water right change application?

     (8) If a board has been established in an area where an applicant wishes to apply for a water right transfer, applicants have the option of applying either directly to ecology or to a board.

     What happens if two boards have overlapping jurisdictions?

     (9) Overlapping jurisdiction occurs because boards may transfer rights into and out of their geographic area. Water conservancy boards may negotiate inter-board agreements to determine which board will act in instances of overlapping jurisdiction. Any such agreement must be filed with the water conservancy board coordinator within fifteen days of its effective date.

     (10) In circumstances in which more than one board may have authority to process water right transfers in a particular area, but the boards have not negotiated an inter-board agreement as specified in subsection (9) of this section, an applicant may file an application with either board. For example, if one board has authority to transfer the applicant's water right out of its jurisdiction, while another board has authority to transfer the water right into its jurisdiction, the applicant can apply to either board.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-060, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (1) ((Water conservancy boards may accept applications for transfer of water rights.)) Ecology will provide water right transfer application forms and applicant instructions to ((water conservancy)) boards, which will make them available to ((prospective applicants)) the public upon request. All applications to ((the water conservancy)) a board must be made using the water right application for change/transfer form supplied by ecology, form number 040-1-97.

     (2) Boards and ecology shall inform all applicants that the decision to file a transfer application with a ((conservancy)) board rather than directly with ecology is solely at the discretion of the applicant((. The conservancy board and ecology will inform any prospective applicants that they have the option of filing either with the board or with ecology.

     (2) The)), provided a board is active in the area addressed by the transfer application.

     (3) A water right transfer application is considered filed when it is received by a board commissioner, or a designated administrative support person for a board.

     (4) An application may propose the transfer of no more than one water right.

     (5) A majority vote of a quorum of a board is required to accept an application for processing.

     What must a complete application include?

     (6) Boards shall ensure that ((the)) applications ((is)) submitted directly to them are complete and legible ((and is accompanied by the minimum ten-dollar examination fee required by RCW 90.03.470(1). The board may establish and charge additional fees in accordance with RCW 90.80.060(2).

     (3) The original application form)). A complete application shall:

     (a) Include the minimum ten-dollar examination fee required by RCW 90.03.470(1).

     (b) Include any fees that may be established and charged by a board in accordance with RCW 90.80.060(2).

     (c) Contain the information requested on the application form as applicable.

     (d) Be accompanied by such maps and drawings, in duplicate, and such other data, as may be required by the board. Such accompanying data shall be considered as part of the application as described in RCW 90.03.260.

     (7) A board may request that an applicant provide additional information as part of the application by requiring, for example, that the applicant complete additional forms supplemental to the standard application or that applicant prepare and/or provide specific reports regarding aspects of the application.

     How is an application number assigned to a water right transfer application filed with a board?

     (8) The board shall assign a unique number to a water right transfer application upon acceptance of the application by the board.

     (9) The number assigned by the board to the water right transfer application shall be written in ink within the space provided on the application for the application number.

     (10) The water right transfer application, public notice, record of decision, and report of examination produced by the board in processing the application shall reference the board-assigned number.

     (11) The unique application number is assigned in accordance with the following three-part format:

     (a) The first part of the board-assigned application number will identify the board that has accepted the application as follows:

     (i) Boards having jurisdiction within a geographic area that is based upon a county boundary or the boundary of multiple counties will begin all application numbers with the first four letters of the name of the county or of the lead county. For example, a board with jurisdiction within Kittitas County will begin each application number with the letters "KITT."

     (ii) Boards that have jurisdiction within a geographic area that is based upon a water resource inventory area (WRIA) or multiple WRIAs will use the number of the WRIA of jurisdiction or, in the case of multi-WRIA boards, the WRIA of jurisdiction associated with the water right.

     (b) The second part of the board-assigned application number will be the last two digits of the year in which the application was accepted. For example, applications that are accepted during the year 2003 will use the digits "03."

     (c) The third part of the board-assigned application number will be a sequential two-digit number beginning with the number "01" for the first application accepted after the effective date of this rule and beginning with number "01" for the first application accepted by the board during each subsequent calendar year.

     (d) A dash (-) will be used to separate the three parts of the application number as provided within (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection. For instance, the first application accepted by the Kittitas County water conservancy board during the year 2003 will be assigned number KITT-03-01.

     Are applications before a board considered dual-filed with ecology?

     (12) The board must forward the complete original application form upon which the board has legibly written the board-assigned application number in the space provided for that purpose and the statutory state application fee ((must be forwarded by the conservancy board)) to the ((appropriate)) ecology regional office within five ((working)) business days of the date ((of receipt)) the board accepts the application for processing.

     (13) Within thirty ((working)) business days from the date ((of notice)) ecology receives the application from the board, ecology will assign a state water right ((control)) change application number to the application and inform the ((water conservancy)) board of the assigned number. The number assigned by ecology will be used for ecology's internal administrative purposes, including the recording of the application within the state water right record. The ecology-assigned number need not be used by the board in processing the application, including within the public notice.

     (14) Ecology will open and maintain a file ((relating to)) regarding the application ((that will be maintained)) for permanent recordkeeping. Ecology will inform the applicant if additional state fees are due. The board may not process the application until notified by ecology that all statutorily required application fees have been paid.

     (15) Upon acceptance of the application by ecology, the application is considered to be filed with both the board and ecology. However, ecology shall not act on the application unless it is notified by the board that the board has declined to process the application and upon receiving a written request from the applicant that ecology process the application.

     How can responsibility for processing an application previously filed with ecology be transferred to a board?

     (((4))) (16) If an applicant makes a request to a ((water conservancy)) board that an application previously filed with ecology be ((reviewed)) considered for processing by that ((conservancy)) board, the ((conservancy)) board ((must determine whether it will review the application. If the conservancy board determines that it will review that application, the board shall make a)) may request ((to)) that ecology((, and ecology shall)) forward a copy of the application ((and all relevant documents)) file to the ((conservancy)) board. Ecology will comply with the request and the original application will continue to be on file and maintained at ecology but will not be considered as part of ecology's active workload while the application is being processed by the board.

     (17) The board shall notify ecology if it accepts the application for processing. The board will assign an application number in accordance with subsection (10) of this section and inform the ecology regional office in writing of the board's application number within five business days of accepting the application.

     Can a board decide not to accept an application for processing?

     (((5))) (18) By a majority vote of a quorum of a board, a board may decline to process or to continue processing an application at any time. The board ((will)) must inform the applicant of its decision in writing ((of its decision to decline further consideration of the application)) within fourteen ((working)) business days of making the decision. The board must ((forward to ecology the working file for the specific transfer and any state application fees that have not previously been forwarded to ecology. The board must also provide a)), at the same time, send the ecology regional office a copy of the board's written notice to the applicant. If the basis of the board's decision to decline processing the application is not sufficiently clear from the written notice, ecology may request a further written explanation ((to ecology)) regarding ((its)) the board's decision not to process or finish processing the application. The board must provide this additional written explanation within fifteen days of ecology's request.

     (19) If a board declines to process or to continue processing an application, it must inform the applicant that the application may be filed with ecology and advise the applicant of the appropriate ecology office where the application should be filed.

     Who must receive copies of applications being processed by a board?

     (((6) The)) (20) Boards must ensure that copies of ((the)) application accepted by them for processing are ((properly distributed)) provided to interested parties in compliance with existing laws, as well as with current ecology memoranda of understanding, policies and other guidance. To assist the boards in this, ecology will provide a list of potentially interested parties which have identified themselves to ecology. Additional interested parties, including Indian tribes, may request copies of applications from boards.

     (21) A copy of each application accepted by a board shall be provided to any Indian tribe that has reservation lands or trust lands contiguous with or encompassed within the geographic area of the board's jurisdiction.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-070, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (a) The applicant's name and city or county of residence;

     (b) ((Application number assigned by ecology;)) The board's assigned water right change application number;

     (c) The water right priority date;

     (d) A description of the water right to be transferred, including ((any identifying)) the number of any water right document, that embodies the water right such as a permit, certificate or claim filed under chapter 90.14 RCW, the location of the point of diversion or withdrawal((,)); the place of use((, and)); the purpose(s) of use; the period of use; if for irrigation purposes, the total acres irrigated; and the instantaneous rate and annual quantities ((authorized)) as stated on the water right document;

     (e) A description of the proposed transfer(s) to be made, including, when applicable, the proposed location of point(s) of diversion or withdrawal((, place of use, or instantaneous and annual quantities authorized)); the proposed place(s) of use; the proposed purpose(s) of use; if for irrigation purposes, the total number of acres to be irrigated; and the instantaneous rate and annual quantities of water associated with the proposed water right transfer including the description of a transfer that includes only a portion of a water right;

     (f) The manner and time limit for filing protests with ecology under RCW 90.03.470 and WAC 508-12-170; and

     (g) ((Manner and time limit for intervening before the board under RCW 90.80.070(4).)) The manner for providing written and oral comments or other information to the board, including the board's mailing address and the place, date, and time of any public meeting or hearing scheduled to consider the application.

     (2) The board may require the applicant to review and confirm the information in the public notice prior to publication. If the board does so, the applicant assumes responsibility for any errors contained in the description of the application published in the public notice.

     (3) The board must send a copy of the public notice ((will be sent)) to the ecology(('s)) regional office at the same time the public notice is submitted for publication.

     (((2))) (4) Before acting on an application, the board must first receive a notarized affidavit of publication from each newspaper in which the public notice regarding the application was published ((verifying)), and the board must verify that publication ((correctly)) occurred correctly. The board must also allow at least thirty days ((for the filing of protests or objections following the last date of publication of the notice before making a final)) following the last date of publication of the notice, to allow for protests or objections to be filed with ecology before the board issues a record of decision.

     (((3))) (5) The public notice must be republished in all newspapers of original publication when an applicant substantively amends ((the)) an application for a transfer of a water right subsequent to publication of the notice, or when a substantive error or omission occurs in the publication((, the public notice must be republished in all newspapers of original publication, and reviewing agencies)). For the purposes of this subsection, the term "substantive error in publication" refers to, but is not limited to, any item identified in subsection (1) of this section that is omitted from or inadequately characterized in the public notice. All parties who were sent the original application and/or public notice must be sent corrected copies of any amended transfer ((proposal)) application.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-080, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (1) A protest ((of an application that has been filed with a water conservancy board)) against granting a proposed water right change or transfer, as identified in RCW 90.03.470(12), must be received by ecology, with the statutory two-dollar protest fee, within thirty days of the last date of publication of the public notice.

     (2) Ecology shall provide a copy of the protest to the appropriate board within five days of receipt of the protest.

     (3) In accordance with WAC 508-12-170 and 508-12-220, a board will thoroughly investigate all pertinent protests of a transfer application before the board.

     (4) Ecology ((will)) shall consider all pertinent protests during its review of the board's ((conditional)) record of decision on the application.

     (5) Persons inquiring of the board or ecology regarding protest procedures ((will)) shall be directed to file the protest with ecology. ((Ecology will provide a copy of the protest to the appropriate board.

     (2))) (6) Boards must immediately forward to ecology any protests they receive including the two-dollar protest fee.

     What is included in a valid protest?

     (7) A ((valid)) protest must include:

     (a) The name, address and phone number (if any) of the protesting party;

     (b) Clear identification of the transfer ((proposal)) application being protested; and

     (c) A statement ((regarding)) identifying the basis for the protest. ((Proper basis for a protest must include:

     (a) The impacts of the proposed transfer on other water rights; or

     (b) The impacts of the proposed transfer on the public interest; or

     (c) A challenge to the potential extent and validity of the water right proposed to be transferred.

     (3) The board must immediately forward to ecology any protests that it receives in error, accompanied by the two-dollar protest fee if it was included with the protest.

     (4))) (d) The statutory two-dollar protest fee.

     What is the difference between a protest and a letter of concern or support?

     (8) Any protest received more than thirty days after the last date of publication of the public notice, or without the required fee, will be filed as a letter of concern.

     (9) A letter of support is any comment addressing the benefit of the project proposed in an application.

     (10) A party who provides a letter of concern or support regarding an application to a water conservancy board is not considered to be a protesting party unless the party has also filed a valid protest with ecology in compliance with this section.

     Will a protest or letter of concern be considered?

     (11) Boards must accept and consider any oral or written comments in evaluating an application, in accordance with chapter 90.80 RCW, this chapter, and board bylaws.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-090, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (2) At the beginning of any meeting or hearing in which any application to change or transfer a water right is to be discussed, or upon which a decision is to be made, those individuals in attendance must be informed that any known allegations of conflict of interest must be expressed in that meeting or hearing or their right to do so may be forfeited in accordance with RCW 90.80.120 (2)(a).

     (3) A board may adopt and amend its own bylaws through which board meetings, operations, and processes are governed.

     How can a board be contacted by the public?

     (4) Each board must designate at least one primary contact person for communicating with ecology and other entities. The board must inform the water conservancy board coordinator of:

     (a) The name of the primary contact;

     (b) How to contact that person; and

     (c) Any changes to the contact information for the primary contact of the board.

     (5) Boards are subject to the Public Records Act, chapter 42.17 RCW and as described in RCW 90.80.135.

[]

     (2) Generally, a board should conduct a field examination of the site(s) ((of the proposal,)) identified in the transfer application, and clarify any unclear information by contacting ((the applicant, and discuss the concerns of protesters and objectors with the persons who filed them)) and discussing the information with the applicant or other appropriate persons.

     (3) All relevant information must be ((collected)) identified, discussed, and considered in the board's examination. This may include the need for a board to collect pertinent detailed hydrological or hydrogeological information ((may need to be collected or other research conducted or compiled)) regarding the site(s) involved in the proposal. Any person providing an engineering, hydrologic, geologic and/or hydrogeological analysis on behalf of an applicant with an application before a board must be licensed in accordance with chapter 18.43 or 18.220 RCW, as applicable. The analysis must be certified by the individual's professional stamp.

     (4) A board may require ((the)) an applicant to provide additional information at the applicant's expense, if that information is necessary to render an adequately informed ((conditional)) record of decision on ((the)) an application.

     (((3) A)) How are comments and protests considered during the examination of the water right transfer application?

     (5) Boards may also request that commenters or protestors provide additional information regarding their comments if such information is necessary to render an adequately informed record of decision on an application. Boards may also discuss the concerns raised in comments and protests with the persons who filed them.

     (6) Boards must consider all comments and protests received about ((the)) a pending application((. In this process, boards should)), whether or not additional information is provided by the protestor or commenter.

     (7) Ecology, as is the case with any public agency, may provide formal written or oral comments regarding the application under discussion at a public meeting of the board. However, if ecology does provide formal comments in the context of a public meeting, the comments shall not be taken as giving either technical assistance or direction to the board, any more than any other comments would be so considered.

     What other entities must be consulted when a board examines an application?

     (8) When public interest applies to the application evaluation or when there may be existing rights that could be impaired, boards shall determine whether an Indian tribe, watershed planning unit, or other governmental body is involved in planning or water management related to the source of water that would be affected by the application. If this is found to be the case, the board ((should engage)) shall consult the tribe, watershed planning unit, or other governmental body in the board's effort to obtain information concerning the application.

     (((4) A water conservancy)) What other information must the board consider in their examination of the application?

     (9) Boards must evaluate ((the)) an application, including ((the entire water rights record)) all information obtained by the board that is associated with the application, and determine whether or not the transfer as proposed is in accordance with applicable state laws((, rules, policies and guidelines of ecology)) and regulations. The board must also make a tentative determination as to the extent and validity of the water right proposed to be transferred, as well as whether the transfer can be made without injury or detriment to existing rights((, and)). The board must evaluate a transfer proposal pursuant to RCW 90.44.100 as to whether the proposed transfer is ((not)) detrimental to the public interest. Public interest shall not be considered when deciding whether to grant an application for change pursuant to RCW 90.03.380 exclusively.

     (((5) A water conservancy)) (10) Boards shall ensure that the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), chapter 43.21C RCW, and the SEPA rules, chapter 197-11 WAC, have been met before finalizing a ((conditional decision, and if determined by the board to be)) record of decision. If a board concludes it is appropriate under WAC 197-11-922 through 197-11-944, the board ((will)) may be the lead agency for SEPA compliance.

     (((6))) (11) A ((water conservancy)) board shall consult with ecology if it encounters new, unusual, or controversial issues in the course of examining an application. Ecology will provide assistance ((and advice)) as to how to proceed in accordance with existing state laws, rules, ((policy and sound)) and current ecology policies and administrative practices.

     (((7) If a geographical area within the jurisdiction of a conservancy board is or becomes the subject of an adjudication conducted by a superior court for the determination of water rights,)) (12) When a board receives an application to transfer a water right that is in an area subject to an ongoing general water rights adjudication process, the board shall consult with ecology prior to processing the application. Ecology will seek guidance from the pertinent superior court regarding the court's role in administering the water rights that are subject to the adjudication. ((Thereafter,)) Ecology shall then advise the ((conservancy)) board on whether and how the board may ((proceed to evaluate and make conditional decisions on applications for transfers of water rights that are subject to the adjudication being conducted by the superior court. When a board receives an application for transfer of a water right that is in an area subject to an ongoing general water rights adjudication process, and a public notice has been published, the board must send a copy of the public notice regarding the application to ecology, which will then submit the notice to the court conducting the adjudication. When a board makes a conditional decision on a transfer of a water right that is in an area subject to an ongoing general water rights adjudication process, a copy of the conditional decision must be sent to ecology, which will forward the conditional decision to the court conducting the adjudication)) address the application.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-110, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (2) A party who intervenes in a water conservancy board conditional decision is not considered to be a protesting party unless the party has also filed a timely protest with ecology. Protests must be filed with ecology in accordance with WAC 508-12-120 and will be evaluated by ecology concurrently with its review of the water conservancy board conditional decision. Ecology will also consider other objections and comments in the record, including the record of any hearings held by the board, when it makes its review of the board's conditional decision.)) The director, or his or her designee, shall assign a representative of ecology to be available to provide technical assistance to each board as provided in RCW 90.80.055 (1)(d).

     (2) Upon request by a board, an ecology representative will provide technical assistance as the board:

     (a) Reviews applications for formal acceptance;

     (b) Prepares draft records of decision and reports of examination;

     (c) Considers technical factors; and

     (d) Considers legal factors affecting the board's development of a record of decision.

     (3) A board may request and accept additional technical assistance from ecology.

     (4) A board may also request and accept assistance and support from the government or governments of the county or counties in which it operates, as well as from other interested parties.

     (5) Ecology recognizes that boards are independent entities with the legal right to make records of decision on water right transfer applications without seeking assistance from ecology. However, should a board desire assistance from ecology in processing an application or regarding its administrative functions, ecology will provide technical assistance upon request of the board. This technical assistance may address issues involved in application processing, including procedural requirements and administrative functions, and can include specific information regarding approaches to resolving particular issues. However, in deference to the independent status of boards, such technical assistance shall be solely in the form of guidance and shall not dictate or otherwise direct any board to reach a specific conclusion regarding any aspect of application processing or of a board's administrative functions.

     (6) Technical assistance and training provided to a board is not subject to the Open Public Meetings Act.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-120, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (2) ((For applications that are proposed to be denied, the water conservancy board will issue)) When a board proposes to deny an application, in whole or in part, the board must issue to both the applicant and ecology a record of decision and report of examination denying the transfer, or a portion of the transfer, subject to review and final determination by ecology.

     (3) ((For applications for transfer that are proposed to be affirmed, the water conservancy board will issue the applicant)) When a board proposes to approve an application, the board must issue to both the applicant and ecology a record of decision and a ((certificate of conditional approval)) report of examination approving the transfer, subject to review and final approval by ecology.

     What is included in a record of decision?

     (4) The record of decision ((along with either the certificate of conditional approval or the notice of denial will each address the following)) must be prepared on a form provided by ecology and identified as the Record of Decision, form number 040-105, and must include the conclusion of the board as to whether the application is denied or approved and a record of the individual vote or abstention of each participating commissioner or that a commissioner has recused him or herself.

     What is included in a report of examination?

     (5) It is the responsibility of the water conservancy board to ensure that all issues identified during its evaluation of the application, or which are raised by any commenting party during the board's evaluation process, are thoroughly evaluated and discussed in the board's deliberations. These discussions must be fully documented in the report of examination.

     (6) The report of examination will consist of a form provided by ecology and identified as Water Conservancy Board Report of Examination, form number 040-106, documenting and summarizing the basic facts associated with the decision. This shall include:

     (a) Within a section entitled "background":

     (i) A description of the water right proposed for transfer ((to include the ecology-assigned)), including the board-assigned water right change application number, and the board's tentative determination as to the validity and quantification of the right, ((together with a description of)) as well as the historical water use information that was considered by the board;

     (ii) ((A description of any protests, objections or comments, including comments provided by other agencies, Indian tribes, or other interested parties, and the board's analysis of each issue considered, including the name and address of individual intervenors;

     (iii) A discussion explaining compliance)) An explanation of how the board complied with the State Environmental Policy Act; and

     (((b))) (iii) A description of any previous change decisions associated with the water right.

     (b) Within a section entitled "comments and protests": A description of any protests, and written or oral comments, including:

     (i) The names and addresses of the protestors or commenters;

     (ii) A description of the issues raised; and

     (iii) The board's analysis regarding each issue raised.

     (c) Within a section entitled "investigation":

     (i) A description of the project proposed by the applicant, including any issues related to development, such as the applicant's proposed development schedule and an analysis of the effect of the proposed transfer on other water rights, pending applications for changes or transfers, and instream flows established under state law;

     (ii) A narrative description of any other water rights or other water uses associated with both the current and proposed place of use and an explanation of how those other rights or uses will be exercised in ((harmony)) conjunction with the right proposed to be transferred;

     (iii) If the proposed transfer is authorized under RCW 90.44.100, an analysis of ((the effect of)) the transfer ((on)) as to whether it is detrimental to the public interest, including impacts on any watershed planning activity. Public interest shall not be considered if the proposed transfer is authorized pursuant to RCW 90.03.380 exclusively;

     (iv) Any ((conditional decision or conclusion)) information indicating that an existing water right or portion of a water right has been relinquished or abandoned due to nonuse and the basis for the determination;

     (v) A description of the results of any geologic, hydrogeologic, or other scientific investigations that were considered by the board and how this information contributed to the board's conclusions;

     (((c))) (d) Within a section entitled "conclusions": A list of conclusions that the board drew from the information ((related to)) compiled regarding the transfer proposal. Conclusions must, at a minimum, describe:

     (i) Whether, and to what extent, a valid water right exists;

     (ii) Any relinquishment or abandonment of the water right associated with the water right transfer application as discussed in subsection (6)(d)(i) of this section;

     (iii) The result, as adopted by the board, of any hydraulic analysis done related to the proposed water right transfer;

     (iv) The board's conclusions of issues raised by any comments and protests received;

     (v) Whether the transfer proposal will impair existing rights of others; and

     (vi) If the proposed transfer is authorized pursuant to RCW 90.44.100, whether it is detrimental to the public interest. Public interest shall not be considered if the proposed transfer is authorized pursuant to RCW 90.03.380 exclusively;

     (((d))) (e) Within a section entitled "((conditional)) decision": A complete description of the board's ((conditional)) decision, fully and comprehensively addressing the entire application proposal;

     (((e))) (f) Within a section entitled "provisions":

     (i) Any conditions and limitations recommended ((for inclusion in an approval or)) as part of an approved transfer, and/or any other corrective action necessary to maintain the water use in compliance with state laws ((or rules)) and regulations;

     (ii) ((A description of)) Any requirement to mitigate adverse effects ((on other water rights, the water source, or the public interest)) of the project. Mitigation may be proposed by the applicant or the board and be required in the board's decision; and

     (iii) A schedule for development and completion of the water right transfer ((to a water right)), if approved in part or in whole, that includes a definite date for completion of the transfer and ((the)) application of the water to an authorized beneficial use.

     (((5) A water conservancy board's conditional decision and certificate is not a final authorization to transfer the water right. Only after ecology has approved the conditional decision and has issued an order authorizing the transfer, or has failed to act within the time frame established in RCW 90.80.080, is the applicant allowed to initiate the transfer of the water right.)) (7) Ecology may request additional information from the applicant or water conservancy board regarding the application and the board's decision, in addition to the requirements of subsection (6) of this section.

     (8) A board's record of decision must clearly state that the applicant is not permitted to proceed to act on the proposal until ecology makes a final decision affirming, in whole or in part, the board's recommendation. However, if ecology does not act on a board's recommendation within the time frame established in RCW 90.80.080, the applicant is allowed to initiate the water right transfer pursuant to the board's record of decision after that period of time has expired. It is advised that the applicant not proceed until the appeal period of ecology's decision is complete, in compliance with WAC 173-153-180.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-130, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (1) ((The water conservancy board shall send notice of its conditional decision as to whether the transfer should be approved or denied, by mail to the applicant, ecology, to any person who protested or objected to the transfer, to any persons who requested notice of its conditional decision, and to any commenting agency or tribe. The board shall transmit notification of its conditional decisions to all parties on the same day, and will note that it has been sent to ecology. Ecology shall identify the location designated for submission of the board's conditional decision.

     (2) Boards must fully document their process of arriving at a conditional decision regarding water right applications. All original public documents received or developed by a water conservancy board and used during its deliberations for decision making for each application for transfer of a water right must be sent, with a clear copy of the conditional decision, to ecology at the location designated by ecology for permanent recordkeeping, within seven working days after the board has rendered its conditional decision. The board must retain a copy of all documents; any documents used in reaching a conditional decision regarding a water right transfer application must not be destroyed or disposed of, except as allowed by state statute.

     (3) Any comments or objections that are received by the water conservancy board on its conditional decision within thirty days after a final decision is issued by ecology must be forwarded to ecology within five working days, at the location designated for submission of the board's determination.)) Ecology shall identify to all boards the ecology regional office designated for receipt of each board's records of decision. Boards shall hand deliver or send by mail records of decision and reports of examination to:

     (a) The applicant;

     (b) The ecology regional office;

     (c) Any person who protested the transfer;

     (d) Any person who requested notice of the board's record of decision;

     (e) Any tribe with reservation or trust lands contiguous with or wholly or partly within the area of jurisdiction of the board; and

     (f) Any commenting agency or tribe.

     How is the record of decision and report of examination transmitted?

     (2) The board shall simultaneously mail to all parties identified in subsection (1) of this section a paper copy of its record of decision and report of examination, and documents supporting the decision, within five business days of the board's decision. The board shall state to the parties receiving the record of decision and report of examination that it has been simultaneously sent to ecology. Whenever boards have the capacity to do so, they must transmit a signed electronic copy of the record of decision and report of examination to the ecology regional office on the same day that copies of the decision are mailed or hand-delivered. The paper copy of the transmittal must include:

     (a) The record of decision;

     (b) The report of examination;

     (c) The application;

     (d) Public notices; and

     (e) Attachments to the application.

     (3) As stated in WAC 173-153-130, boards must fully document their process of arriving at a record of decision regarding water right transfer applications. Once the board has concluded its work on a water right transfer application, the board must submit to ecology, not less than seven days or more than fourteen days after the completion of ecology's review period, any remaining original documents not previously submitted to ecology in accordance with subsection (2) of this section, and any documents received or developed by the board related to its deliberations regarding the application upon which it has made a decision. All documents submitted shall be clearly marked with the board-assigned water right change application number on the water right transfer application pursuant to WAC 173-153-070(7). As noted, the original versions of these documents must be provided to ecology; copies are not acceptable for submission. These documents must be sent to the ecology regional office designated by ecology. The board may retain a copy of all of the above-mentioned documents. Any documents used in reaching a record of decision regarding a water right transfer application must not be destroyed or disposed of, except as allowed by state statute. After the board completes its business on a water right transfer application, and upon submission to ecology of all records related to the application file, ecology shall be responsible for public records requests related to that file.

     (4) Any comments received by a board regarding its record of decision within thirty days after ecology's final decision must be forwarded to ecology within five business days of the board's receipt of such comments by the board. These comments must be submitted by the board to the ecology regional office.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-140, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (2) Ecology will review ((conditional decisions of approvals and denials)) all records of decisions made by water conservancy boards. Upon receipt of a ((conditional)) record of decision made by a ((water conservancy)) board, ecology will review ((the conditional)):

     (a) The record of decision for compliance with state water laws and ((rules, policies or guidelines. As part of this review, ecology will also consider agency and tribal comments, any protests or objections filed by parties alleging that one or more of their water rights would be impaired by the transfer, and any other comments received regarding the conditional decision by the board.

     (2))) regulations;

     (b) The record developed by the board in processing the application; and

     (c) Any other relevant information.

     (3) In reviewing a board's decision, ecology may consider any letters of concern or support received within thirty days of the date ecology receives the board's record of decision.

     (4) Ecology will not evaluate the internal operations of a board as it reviews a board's record of decision. Exceptions are to the extent that such review is necessary to determine whether the board's decision was in compliance with state laws and regulations concerning water right transfers, including possible cases of a conflict of interest as identified in RCW 90.80.120.

     What are ecology's potential review responses and how are the responses made?

     (5) Ecology may affirm, reverse, or modify the ((conditional)) records of decision ((of the)) made by boards. Ecology's decision will be made in the form of a written administrative order and must be issued within forty-five days of receipt of the board's ((conditional)) record of decision by the ecology regional office, except that the forty-five-day time period may be extended an additional thirty days by ecology's director, or his or her designee, or at the request of the board or applicant in accordance with RCW 90.80.080. If ecology ((fails to act)) does not act on the record of decision within the forty-five-day time period, or within the extension period, the board's ((conditional)) record of decision becomes final. ((The forty-five-day time period may be extended an additional thirty days by ecology's director upon the written consent of the parties to the transfer.

     (3) If ecology modifies the conditional decision by the water conservancy board, ecology shall send a notice of modification of the conditional decision that specifies which parts of the conditional decision it was in agreement with, and which parts of the conditional decision it has modified. If ecology reverses the conditional decision by the conservancy board, ecology shall send a notice of reversal of the conditional decision with an explanation of the reversal.

     (4) Ecology will send notice of its decision to all parties on the same day. Notice of ecology's decision will be sent by mail within five working days to the water conservancy board, the applicant, any person who protested or intervened before the board, persons who requested notice of its decision, the Washington department of fish and wildlife, and any affected Indian tribe.

     (5) If ecology fails to act within the specified time after receipt of the board's conditional decision, the board's action is final. The conservancy board shall notify ecology, the applicant, and any parties that have expressed interest to the conservancy board about the application, of ecology's failure to act. If ecology concurs that the review period has lapsed, ecology will send a notice to the board that the conditional decision is final)) (6) Ecology may issue an order affirming a board's decision. If ecology modifies the record of decision made by a board, ecology shall issue and send to the applicant and the board an order containing its modification of the record of decision. The order shall specify which part(s) of the record of decision ecology has modified. If ecology reverses the record of decision by the board, ecology shall send the applicant and the board an order reversing the record of decision with a detailed explanation of the reasons for the reversal.

     Under what conditions may ecology remand a record of decision to a board?

     (7) Ecology may consider conflict of interest issues during its final review of a board's record of decision. In accordance with chapter 90.80 RCW, if ecology determines that a commissioner should have been disqualified from participating in a decision on a particular application under review, the director, or his or her designee, must remand the record of decision to the board for reconsideration and resubmission of the record of decision. Upon ecology's remand, the disqualified commissioner shall not participate in any further board review of that particular application.

     (8) Ecology's decision on whether to remand a record of decision under this section may only be appealed at the same time and in the same manner as an appeal of ecology's decision to affirm, modify, or reverse the record of decision after remand.

     Can a board withdraw its record of decision from ecology?

     (9) If ecology has not yet formally acted on a record of decision by a board, a board may withdraw the record of decision during the period allowed for ecology's review. If a board withdraws a record of decision, ecology shall remove the record of decision from its Internet site and post a notice that the decision has been withdrawn. All of the associated documents submitted to ecology by the board with the record of decision will be returned to the board. A board may withdraw the record of decision under the following conditions:

     (a) The board must follow chapter 42.30 RCW, the Open Public Meetings Act, in making a decision to withdraw the record of decision; and

     (b) The board must send a notice of withdrawal of a record of decision to ecology on a form provided by ecology and identified as Decision to Withdraw a Record of Decision, form number 040-107.

     Who is notified of ecology's order relating to a record of decision?

     (10) Ecology will send its order to all parties on the same day. The order must be sent by mail, within five business days of ecology reaching its decision, to:

     (a) The board;

     (b) The applicant;

     (c) Any person who protested;

     (d) Persons who requested notice of ecology's decision;

     (e) The Washington department of fish and wildlife;

     (f) Any affected Indian tribe; and

     (g) Any affected agency.

     What is the process should ecology fail to act on a record of decision?

     (11) Except as specified in subsection (5) of this section, if ecology fails to act within the specified time after receipt of the board's record of decision, the board's record of decision becomes the final order of ecology. If a board concludes that the time allowed for ecology to issue its order has lapsed, the board shall notify ecology, the applicant, any protestors, and any parties that have expressed interest to the board about the application that the time period has lapsed. If ecology agrees that the review period has lapsed, ecology will send an order to the board, and all entities listed in subsection (10) of this section, stating that the record of decision is final. If ecology disagrees with the board's conclusion, ecology shall work with the board to establish the beginning date of the review period based upon the date of receipt of the record of decision and report of examination by the ecology regional office.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-150, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     (1) When an ((approved)) affirmed transfer has been ((perfected)) completed and the transferred water right has been put to beneficial use, the person authorized to transfer ((a)) the water right must submit satisfactory evidence to ecology showing the transfer has been completed in accordance with ((the)) ecology's order authorizing the transfer of the water right. Upon verification of the extent of development as authorized, ecology will issue a change certificate, superseding permit, or a superseding certificate to the water right holder(s) to document that the approved transfer was accomplished ((upon verification of the extent of development as authorized)). When evaluating the proposed water right transfer application, the board will consider and address in the report of examination any issues pertaining to completion of the development or the application of the water to a beneficial use of water as it is proposed to be changed.

     Who receives a copy of the document identifying the perfection of the transfer approval?

     (2) When ((the)) a document ((is issued)), as described in subsection (1) of this section, is issued to the applicant, ecology shall provide a copy to the ((conservancy)) appropriate board for its records, if requested by the board. The document ((will)) shall also be recorded, at the applicant's expense, by the county or counties in which the ((use of)) water is ((made)) authorized for use.

     (((2))) What happens if the approved transfer is not completed within the development schedule or if the change authorization is canceled?

     (3) If development of the approved transfer is not completed in accordance with the development schedule that accompanies the approval, extensions may be requested in accordance with RCW 90.03.320, and will be ((processed under standard procedures)) evaluated by ecology.

     (((3))) (4) If the person authorized to transfer a water right fails to accomplish the transfer in accordance with the authorization, or any subsequent extensions granted by ecology, and does not receive an extension from ecology, or fails to comply with the requirements of the transfer authorization, ecology will cancel the transfer authorization ((and the water right will revert to the original configuration, less any quantity that was relinquished for nonuse in connection with ecology's review of the conservancy board's conditional decision)). Upon cancellation of the transfer authorization, ecology will evaluate the water right to make a tentative determination as to the present validity of the water right and the conditions under which the water right can legally be exercised.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-160, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

     Water right transfer application data:

     (1) Information about applications to the board, to include ((the following)):

     (a) The number of applications filed with the board, identified by water resources inventory area (WRIA);

     (b) ((Number of applications that received a public hearing to hear intervenors;)) The number of records of decision withdrawn from ecology by the board;

     (c) The number of ((conditional)) records of decision((s)) approving or partially approving an application;

     (d) The number of ((conditional)) records of decision((s)) denying an application;

     (e) ((Number of applications for transfer of surface or ground water;

     (f) Number of applications to transfer a claim or certificate;

     (g))) The number of records of decision remanded back to the board from ecology;

     (f) The number of applications received by the board, distinguishing between requests to transfer surface water and ground water;

     (g) The number of applications to transfer a water right documented by a claim;

     (h) The number of applications to transfer a water right documented by a certificate;

     (i) The number of applications proposing transfer related to trust water;

     (j) The number of applications filed directly with the ((conservancy)) board, and the number transferred from ecology to the board; and

     (((h))) (k) The number of hearings held within other counties other than the county or counties which established the board, when water rights were proposed to be ((changed between counties.)) transferred from one county to another.

     Operational information about the boards:

     (2) Information about the operations of the board, to include ((the following)):

     (a) ((Chairperson of the board;

     (b))) The chair of the board;

     (b) The primary contact of the board;

     (c) The board address, phone, and/or e-mail;

     (d) The board commissioners' names and their terms of office;

     (e) The regular meeting location, if any;

     (f) The regular meeting schedule, if any;

     (g) Any changes in membership of the board, including background and contact information for any new ((members)) commissioners;

     (((c))) (h) Current fees ((or)) and changes to ((previous)) previously set fees;

     (((d))) (i) Training received other than from ecology;

     (((e))) (j) Ownership of ((any properties)) property by the ((conservancy)) board;

     (((f))) (k) Water marketing activities ((and any related fees));

     (((g))) (l) Number of staff ((that are)) employed by the board, and number of staff that provide volunteer service to((,)) the board; and

     (((h))) (m) Any litigation in which the board is involved.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-170, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-180, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-190, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.80 RCW. 99-23-101 (Order 98-11), § 173-153-200, filed 11/17/99, effective 12/18/99.]

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