The agency has approved an emergency rule which will allow the agency to continue making water rights decisions for emergency situations where water is needed for public health and safety. Ecology typically deals with about 60 to 70 such applications each year. An example of such an application would be approving a new water source for a domestic water system when the current source becomes contaminated. Earlier this year, the Washington State Supreme Court in its Hillis vs. Ecology decision raised questions about public involvement in the way Ecology sets priorities for processing of water rights permits. The new emergency rule will be in effect for 120 days.
Ecology plans to propose permanent rules and seek public comment.