Source: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2008/01/08-01-045.htm
Timestamp: 2019-08-24 11:10:15
Document Index: 656409811

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173', '§ 173']

WSR 08-01-045
[ Order 07-06 -- Filed December 12, 2007, 10:40 a.m. , effective January 12, 2008 ]
Purpose: The adoption of these rule amendments is needed to protect instream values within the Wenatchee River basin, to avoid injury to existing water rights from future appropriations of water, and implement the recommendations of the Wenatchee watershed planning unit. The amendment modifies minimum instream flows at several existing control points; establishes minimum instream flows at three new control points; establishes a water reservation to provide a reliable water supply for the twenty-year projected population growth and sets maximum allocations for new uses of water not eligible for the reservation and new storage projects.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending chapter 173-545 WAC.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapters 90.82, 90.54, 90.22, 90.03, and 90.44 RCW.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 07-14-140 on July 3, 2007.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: (1) WAC 173-545-090(5) was modified to explicitly require measuring and reporting of reservation water uses and that measuring and reporting requirements to support the reservation accounting system may be applied to local permits and approvals. The draft language implied a measuring and reporting requirement based on the requirement for a reservation accounting system to be maintained by the Chelan County natural resources department and ecology.
(2) WAC 173-545-110(1) was clarified to state that if the criteria in (a) or (b) is met, a permit may be issued without applying the instream flow conditions. The draft language implied an "or." The final rule language is explicit.
A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Lanessa Inman, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, phone (360) 407-6862, fax (360) 407-6574, e-mail linm461@ecy.wa.gov.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 7, Amended 9, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 5, Amended 9, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 3, Amended 1, Repealed 1.
Date Adopted: December 11, 2007.
Jay J. Manning
OTS-9731.5
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order DE 83-8, filed 6/3/83)
WAC 173-545-010 General ((provision)). These rules apply to waters within the Wenatchee River basin, WRIA 45, as defined in WAC 173-500-040. This chapter is ((promulgated pursuant to)) adopted under chapter 90.54 RCW (Water Resources Act of 1971), chapter 90.22 RCW (minimum water flows and levels), chapter ((75.20)) 77.57 RCW (state fisheries code), chapter 90.82 RCW (Watershed Planning Act), and in accordance with chapter 173-500 WAC (water resources management program).
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-010, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-020 Purpose. The purposes of this chapter ((is)) are to retain perennial rivers, streams, and lakes in the Wenatchee River basin with instream flows and levels necessary to ((provide protection for)) protect water quality, wildlife, fish, ((scenic, aesthetic,)) and other environmental values, as well as aesthetics, recreation, navigation((,)); and ((water quality)) to meet certain future out-of-stream water needs identified in the Wenatchee watershed management plan.
(1) The Wenatchee watershed management plan approved by the Wenatchee planning unit and the Chelan County commission under RCW 90.82.130 is the basis for amendments to the June 3, 1983 rule. The plan recommendations were approved on April 26, 2006, by the Wenatchee watershed planning unit, a group composed of a broad base of water use interests, and on June 26, 2006, by the Chelan County commission. The plan recommendations are therefore considered an expression of the public interest.
(2) This chapter sets forth the department's policies to guide the protection, use and management of Wenatchee River basin surface water and interrelated ground water resources. It protects existing water rights, establishes instream flows, and sets forth a program for the administration of future water allocation and use.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-020, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-030 ((Establishment of instream flows.)) Definitions. (((1) Stream management units and associated control stations are established as follows:
((Control Station No. Stream Management Unit Name Control Station by River Mile and Section, Township, and Range Affected Stream Reach(es) including Tributaries
12-4570.00
at Plain 46.2
Sec. 12, T. 26N., R. 17E. W.M From Plain Road Bridge, R.M. 46.2, to headwaters
12-4585.00
Icicle Cr. near
Leavenworth 1.5
Sec. 24, T. 24N., R. 17E. W.M Headwaters of Icicle Creek to its mouth
12-4590.00
at Peshastin 21.5
Sec. 8, T. 24N.,
R. 18E. W.M From confluence of Derby Creek to Plain Road Bridge, R.M. 46.2 excluding Derby Creek and Icicle Creek
12-4625.00
at Monitor 7.0
Sec. 11, T. 23N., R. 19E. W.M From mouth to confluence of Derby Creek, including Derby Creek and excluding Mission Creek
12-4620.00
Mission Creek near Cashmere 1.5
Sec. 8, T. 23N, R. 19E. W.M From mouth to headwaters))
(2) Instream flows are established for the stream management units in WAC 173-545-030(1) as follows:
Instream Flows in the Wenatchee River basin
(instantaneous cubic feet per second)
((Month Day 12-4570.00
Wenatchee R.
at Plain 12-4580.00
Icicle Cr. near Leavenworth 12-4590.00
at Peshastin
Jan 1 550 120 700
15 550 120 700
Feb 1 550 120 700
Mar 1 550 150 750
15 700 170 940
Apr 1 910 200 1300
15 1150 300 1750
May 1 1500 450 2200
15 2000 660 2800
Jun 1 2500 1000 3500
15 2000 660 2600
Jul 1 1500 450 1900
15 1200 300 1400
Aug 1 880 200 1000
15 700 170 840
Sep 1 660 130 820
15 620 130 780
Oct 1 580 130 750
15 520 130 700
Nov 1 550 150 750
15 550 150 750
Dec 1 550 150 750
15 550 150 750))
Instream Flows in the Wenatchee River basin (cont'd)
((Month Day 12-4620.00
Mission Cr. near Cashmere 12-4625.00
at Monitor
Jan 1 6 820
15 6 820
Feb 1 6 820
15 6 800
Mar 1 6 800
15 11 1040
Apr 1 22 1350
15 40 1750
May 1 40 2200
15 40 2800
Jun 1 28 3500
15 20 2400
Jul 1 14 1700
15 10 1200
Aug 1 7 800
15 5 700
Sep 1 4 700
15 4 700
Oct 1 4 700
Nov 1 6 800
Dec 1 6 800
15 6 800))
(3) Instream flow hydrographs, as represented in the document entitled "Wenatchee River basin instream resources protection program, figs. 7, 8, 9, pgs. 30 and 31," shall be used for identification of instream flows on those days not specifically identified in WAC 173-545-030(2).
(4) Future consumptive water right permits issued hereafter for diversion of surface water from the main stem Wenatchee River and perennial tributaries shall be expressly subject to instream flows established in WAC 173-545-030 (1) through (3) as measured at the appropriate gage, preferably the nearest one downstream, except for those exemptions described in WAC 173-545-070 (1) through (3).
(5) Projects that would reduce the flow in a portion of a stream's length (e.g.: hydroelectric diversion projects) will be considered consumptive with respect to the bypassed portion of the stream and will be subject to specific instream flow requirements as specified by the department for the bypassed reach notwithstanding WAC 173-545-030 (1) through (3). The department may require detailed, project-specific instream flow studies to determine a specific instream flow for the bypassed reach.
(6) If department investigations determine that withdrawal of ground water from the source aquifers would not interfere significantly with stream flow during the period of stream closure or with maintenance of minimum flows, then applications to appropriate public ground waters may be approved and permits or certificates issued.)) For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall be used:
(1) "Allocation" means the designation of specific amounts of water for specific beneficial uses.
(2) "Appropriation" means the process of legally acquiring the right to specific amounts of water for beneficial uses, as consistent with the requirements of the ground and surface water codes and other applicable water resource statutes.
(3) "Beneficial uses" means uses of water for domestic, stock watering, industrial, commercial, agricultural, irrigation, hydroelectric power production, mining, fish and wildlife maintenance and enhancement, recreational, thermal power production, and preservation of environmental and aesthetic values, and all other uses compatible with the enjoyment of the public waters of the state.
(4) "Consumptive use" means a use of water whereby there is a diminishment of the overall amount or quality of water in the water source.
(5) "Closure" means a finding by the department that no water is available for future appropriations. WAC 173-545-100 identifies the periods when, and in what quantities, water may be available for future appropriation. If the maximum allocation is zero, no water is available. Practically, it means a permit to appropriate water for a beneficial use will not be approved from a stream or aquifer that results in a diminishment of the stream or aquifer during any period of time that water is unavailable and, unless otherwise excepted, no water is available for new or expanded exempt withdrawals under RCW 90.44.050.
(6) "Department" means the Washington state department of ecology.
(7) "Domestic water use" means, for the purposes of the reservation of water in this chapter, use of water associated with human health and welfare requirements, including water used for drinking, bathing, sanitary purposes, cooking, laundering, and other incidental household uses.
(8) "Existing water right" includes perfected riparian rights, federal Indian and non-Indian reserved rights or other perfected and inchoate appropriative rights.
(9) "Hydraulic continuity" means the interrelation between ground water (water beneath land surfaces or surface water bodies) and surface water (water above ground, such as lakes and streams).
(10) "Instream flow" as used in this chapter, has the same meaning as a minimum instream flow under chapter 90.82 RCW, a base flow under chapter 90.54 RCW, a minimum flow under chapter 90.03 or 90.22 RCW, or management flow in the Wenatchee watershed plan. The instream flow constitutes a water right under chapter 90.03 RCW.
(11) "Irrigation associated with a residence" means irrigation of not more than one-half acre of lawn or garden per dwelling.
(12) "Nonconsumptive use" means a type of water use where either there is no withdrawal from a water source or there is no diminishment in the overall amount or quality of water in the water source.
(13) "Plan" or "watershed plan" means the Wenatchee watershed management plan, approved by the Wenatchee watershed planning unit on April 26, 2006, and by the Chelan County commissioners on June 26, 2006.
(14) "Planning unit" means the Wenatchee watershed planning unit (WWPU), or a successor approved by the WWPU. The WWPU was established in 1999 in accordance with chapter 90.82 RCW, Watershed Planning Act. The WWPU presently consists of the main planning unit, the steering committee, several technical subcommittees (e.g., water quantity/instream flow, habitat, water quality, growth and land use, outreach), and other interested stakeholders.
(15) "Public water system" means any system providing water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, excluding a system serving only one single-family residence and a system with four or fewer connections all of which serve residences on the same farm. Water use shall be consistent with WAC 246-290-020 or as it may be recodified.
(16) "Reservation" means an allocation of water set aside for future domestic use, municipal use, and stock water use (except feedlots). For the purposes of this chapter, the reservation is not subject to the instream flows set in WAC 173-545-050 and 173-545-060. "Reservation" is the same as "reserve" and "reserved water" in the Wenatchee watershed management plan.
(17) "Stock water" means the use of water by animals consistent with the Chelan County Code, Section 11.88.030. It does not apply to feedlots and other activities which are not related to normal grazing land uses.
(18) "Stream management unit" means a stream segment, reach, or tributary used to describe the part of the relevant stream to which a particular use, action, instream flow level or reservation of water applies. Each of these units contains a control station. A map of the control points is included in this chapter (WAC 173-545-170).
(19) "Withdrawal" means the extraction of ground water or diversion of surface water.
(20) "WRIA" means water resource inventory area. This term can be used interchangeably with "basin" and "watershed."
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-030, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-040 Stream ((closure)) management units. ((The department has determined that additional diversions of water from Peshastin Creek during the period June 15 to October 15 would deplete instream flows required to protect instream values. Peshastin Creek is, therefore, closed to further consumptive appropriation from June 15 to October 15 each year. During the nonclosed period, minimum instream flows will be controlled and measured from the control station on the Wenatchee River at Monitor.)) Stream management units and associated control stations are established as follows:
Control Station No. Stream Management Unit Name Control Station by River Mile and Section, Township, and Range Affected Stream Reach(es) including Tributaries
Sec. 12, T. 26N., R. 17E. W.M. From Beaver Valley Hwy, R.M. 46.2, to headwaters
Leavenworth 2.6
Sec. 23, T. 24N., R. 17E. W.M. Headwaters of Icicle Creek to its mouth
R. 18E. W.M. From confluence of Derby Creek to Beaver Valley Hwy, R.M. 46.2 excluding Derby Creek and Icicle Creek
Sec. 11, T. 23N., R. 19E. W.M. From mouth to confluence of Derby Creek, including Derby Creek and excluding Mission Creek
12-4620.001
Sec. 9, T. 23N., R. 19E. W.M. From mouth to headwaters
ECY 4530702
Mission Creek near Cashmere 0.2
Sec. 5, T. 23N., R. 19E. W.M. From mouth to headwaters
12-4565.00
Chiwawa River near Plain 6.2
Sec. 13, T. 27N., R. 17E. W.M. From the confluence of the Chiwawa River and the Wenatchee River upstream to the headwaters of the Chiwawa River
ECY 45J070
Nason Creek near mouth 0.2
Sec. 33, T. 27N., R. 17E. W.M. From the confluence of Nason Creek and the Wenatchee River upstream to the Nason Creek headwaters
ECY 45F070
Peshastin Creek at Green Bridge Rd. 1.4
Sec. 28, T. 24N., R. 18E. W.M. From the confluence of Peshastin Creek and the Wenatchee River upstream to the Peshastin Creek headwaters
1This station is used for regulation of permits issued subject to the minimum instream flows listed in WAC 173-545-050.
2This station is to be used for regulation of any permits issued subject to the minimum instream flows in WAC 173-545-060.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-040, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-050 ((Policy statement for future permitting actions.)) Instream flows established on June 3, 1983. ((Consistent with the provisions of chapter 90.54 RCW, it is the policy of the department to preserve an appropriate base flow in all streams and rivers as well as the water levels in all lakes in the Wenatchee River basin by encouraging the use of alternate sources of water which include (1) ground water, (2) storage water, or (3) purchase of other valid water rights.)) (1) The following instream flows were established June 3, 1983. Water rights established after that date and prior to the effective date of this rule are subject to these instream flows. The June 3, 1983, instream flows for the following stream management units in WAC 173-545-040 are as follows:
1983 Instream Flows in the Wenatchee River
Month Day 12-4570.00
Month Day 12-4620.00
(2) Instream flow hydrographs, WAC 173-545-170, Appendix 1 to this rule, shall be used for identification of instream flows on those days not specifically identified in WAC 173-545-050(1).
(3) The instream flows in subsection (1) of this section shall retain their original priority date and quantities, except where the flows in WAC 173-545-060(7) are lower than the flows in subsection (1) of this section. In those instances, existing water rights subject to subsection (1) of this section will instead be subject to the lower flow in WAC 173-545-060(7). However, the priority date of the original right remains unchanged. If, at a future date, it is determined that the higher flows in subsection (1) of this section are required to retain flows necessary to preserve fish, wildlife, scenic, aesthetic, or other environmental values, the department will issue an order notifying the holders of the conditioned permits and certificates of such a decision and the justification.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-050, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-060 ((Lakes.)) Instream flows based on watershed planning. ((In future permitting actions relating to withdrawal of lake waters, lakes and ponds shall be retained substantially in their natural condition. Withdrawals of water which would conflict therewith shall be authorized only in those situations where it is clear that overriding considerations of the public interest will be served.)) (1) The instream flows established in this section are based on the recommendations of the Wenatchee watershed planning unit and public input received during the rule-making process. These instream flows are established under RCW 90.82.080, and are necessary to meet the water resource management and ecosystem maintenance objectives of the Wenatchee watershed plan.
(2) Instream flows established in this section protect stream flows from future appropriations, and preserve flow levels that are necessary to protect wildlife, fish, water quality, aesthetic and other environmental values, recreation, and navigational values.
(3) Instream flows in subsection (7) of this section established at new locations or in larger amounts than the instream flows in WAC 173-545-050(1) are water rights with a priority date of November 2, 2001.
(4) All water rights (surface and ground water) established after the effective date of this rule, and not covered under the reservation in WAC 173-545-090, are subject to these instream flows. Water rights junior to the instream flow may be exercised when flow or ground water conditions will provide enough water to satisfy senior rights, including the instream flows. New appropriations which would conflict with instream flows shall be authorized only in situations where it is clear that the overriding considerations of the public interest will be served.
(5) Based upon the department's determination of overriding considerations of public interest, the reservation of water established in WAC 173-545-090 is not subject to the instream flows in subsection (7) of this section or WAC 173-545-050(1).
(6) Instream flows are expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs). Instream flows are measured at the control stations identified in WAC 173-545-040.
(7) Instream flows are established for the stream management units in WAC 173-545-040, as follows:
Based on Watershed Planning
at Plain 12-4585.00
at Peshastin ECY 45J070 Nason Cr. near Mouth
Jan 1 550 267 1933 120
15 550 267 1933 120
Feb 1 550 267 1933 120
15 550 566 2800 160
Mar 1 550 518 2800 160
15 700 518 2800 160
Apr 1 910 650 2800 160
15 1150 650 2800 160
May 1 1500 650 2800 160
15 2000 650 2800 160
Jun 1 2500 650 2800 160
15 2000 550 1933 210
Jul 1 1500 550 1933 210
15 1200 550 1933 210
Aug 1 880 400 1933 180
15 700 343 1400 180
Sep 1 660 275 1311 165
15 620 275 1311 165
Oct 1 580 267 1932 120
15 520 267 2672 120
Nov 1 550 267 2900 120
15 550 267 2900 120
Dec 1 550 267 1933 120
Month Day 12-4625.00 Wenatchee R. at Monitor ECY 45F070 Peshastin Cr. at Green Bridge Rd. Chumstick Cr. at North Road
Jan 1 1867 53 To be determined (tbd)
15 1867 53
Feb 1 1867 53 tbd
15 2400 120
Mar 1 2400 120 tbd
Apr 1 2400 120 tbd
May 1 2400 120 tbd
Jun 1 2400 120 tbd
15 1600 110
Jul 1 1600 110 tbd
Aug 1 1600 80 tbd
15 900 80
Sep 1 900 80 tbd
15 1338 80
Oct 1 1723 53 tbd
15 2427 53
Nov 1 2800 53 tbd
15 2800 53
Dec 1 1867 53 tbd
(8) Instream flow hydrographs, WAC 173-545-170, Appendix 1 to this rule, shall be used for identification of instream flows on those days not specifically identified in WAC 173-545-060(7).
(9) Future consumptive water right permits issued hereafter for the withdrawal of surface and ground water from the mainstem Wenatchee River and tributaries shall be subject to instream flows established in subsection (7) of this subsection, except for those withdrawals eligible for the reservation under WAC 173-545-090.
(10) Projects that would reduce the flow in a portion of a stream's length (e.g.: Hydroelectric diversion projects) are consumptive with respect to the bypassed portion of the stream and are subject to specific instream flow requirements for the bypassed reach. The department may require detailed, project-specific instream flow studies to determine a specific instream flow for the bypassed reach. The flows established in subsection (7) of this section shall apply to the bypassed stream reach unless the department, by order, determines that different flows may be maintained in the bypassed reach.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-060, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-070 ((Exemptions.)) Lakes and ponds. (((1) Nothing in this chapter shall affect existing water rights, riparian, appropriative, or otherwise existing on the effective date of this chapter, nor shall it affect existing rights relating to the operation of any navigation, hydroelectric, or water storage reservoir or related facilities.
(2) Future requests for group domestic uses, including municipal supply, may be exempted from the minimum instream flow provisions of this chapter when it is determined by the department, in consultation with the departments of fisheries and game, that overriding considerations of the public interest will be served.
(3) Single domestic and stockwatering use, except that related to feedlots, shall be exempt from the provisions established in this chapter. If the cumulative impacts of numerous single domestic diversions would significantly affect the quantity of water available for instream uses, then only single domestic in-house use shall be exempt if no alternative source is available.
(4) Nonconsumptive uses which are compatible with the intent of the chapter may be approved.)) In accordance with RCW 90.54.020(3), lakes and ponds in the Wenatchee watershed shall be retained substantially in their natural condition, including those in the Wenatchee National Forest. Water withdrawals from lakes and ponds for purposes eligible under the reservation in WAC 173-545-090 are not subject to instream flows. All other water withdrawals from lakes and ponds or storage projects sited within or upon existing lakes or ponds are subject to instream flows and maximum future allocations.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-070, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-080 ((Future rights.)) Interim closure. ((No rights to divert or store public surface waters of the Wenatchee River basin, WRIA 45, shall hereafter be granted which shall conflict with the purpose of this chapter.)) The Chumstick Creek subbasin shall be closed to all future appropriations other than those provided by the interim reservation in WAC 173-545-090 (1)(d)(vi) until the department adopts a rule establishing instream flows, closes Chumstick Creek permanently, or determines that instream flows or a closure are not required.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-080, filed 6/3/83.]
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 88-11, filed 6/9/88)
WAC 173-545-090 ((Enforcement.)) Reservation of water for certain future uses. ((In enforcement of this chapter, the department of ecology may impose such sanctions as appropriate under authorities vested in it, including but not limited to the issuance of regulatory orders under RCW 43.27A.190 and civil penalties under RCW 90.03.600.)) (1) Using the watershed plan as a primary expression of public interest, and consistent with the authority under RCW 90.54.050(1) and 90.82.130(4), the department's director determines that it is an overriding consideration of the public interest to reserve an amount of surface and ground water, up to 4 cubic feet per second, for future beneficial uses as follows:
(a) The priority date for uses under the reservation is the effective date of this chapter.
(b) The reservation is not subject to the instream flows established in WAC 173-545-050 and 173-545-060.
(c) Beneficial uses of water eligible for the reservation are limited to:
(i) Permitted uses for domestic purposes, irrigation associated with a residence, potable domestic water requirements associated with municipal, commercial, and industrial purposes, and stock water (as defined in WAC 173-545-030(17)).
(ii) Permit-exempt uses for domestic purposes, irrigation associated with a residence, domestic water requirements associated with municipal, commercial, and industrial purposes, and stock water (as defined in WAC 173-545-030(17)).
(d) The reservation of water for future use is limited to the following locations and amounts:
(i) Chiwawa River near Plain (USGS 12-4565.00), up to 0.5 cfs.
(ii) Nason Creek near mouth, up to 0.16 cfs.
(iii) Wenatchee River at Plain (USGS Gage No. 12-4570.00), up to 1.0 cfs inclusive of actual water use associated with the subbasin reservations in (d)(i) and (ii) of this subsection.
(iv) Icicle Creek near Leavenworth: Up to 0.1 cfs. Reservation of an additional 0.4 cfs will be considered after completion of flow restoration efforts targeting habitat between the city of Leavenworth and Icicle Irrigation District's point of diversion and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hatchery return. Rule making will be required to establish this additional reservation.
(v) Peshastin Creek at Green Bridge: Up to 0.1 cfs.
(vi) Chumstick Creek at North Road: Up to 0.043 cfs as an interim reservation to meet projected growth for the three years immediately following the effective date of this rule. At the end of three years, or sooner if the interim reservation is fully appropriated, allocation of any water remaining in the interim reservation and water above the interim reservation, up to a total of 0.13 cfs, is subject to additional conditions described in subsection (10) of this section.
(vii) Mission Creek near Cashmere: Up to 0.03 cfs for an interim reservation to meet projected growth for the two years immediately following the effective date of this rule. The interim reservation is subject to additional conditions described in subsection (11) of this section.
(viii) Wenatchee River at Monitor (USGS Gage No. 12-4625.00): Up to 4 cfs inclusive of actual water use associated with the subbasin reservations in (d)(i) through (vii) of this subsection.
(2) A water right permit allocating water from the reservation must be consistent with the requirements of RCW 90.03.290.
(3) All water uses from the reservation must implement water use efficiency and conservation practices, consistent with the watershed plan.
(4) This reservation of water is intended to meet needs identified for the basin within the Wenatchee watershed plan. The department shall deny all applications for water from this reservation for use not conforming to subsection (1)(c) of this section.
(5) All water uses relying on the reservation must be measured and reported. The manner and form of such measuring and reporting to support the accounting system for the reservation water uses may be specified by the department, Chelan County, or by a local government, utility, or other public water purveyor in a permit, approval, license, or order. An accounting of all appropriations from the reservation shall be maintained by the department and the Chelan County natural resource department. The accounting shall, at a minimum, include estimated and measured use in gallons per day.
(6) All permitted and permit-exempt uses from the reservation will have the same priority date. The following will guide water supply decisions in times of water shortage:
(a) Among the use categories: Domestic and stock-watering uses will be met first, followed by domestic water requirements associated with municipal, commercial and industrial use, and then residential irrigation.
(b) Within each use category, the date of first beneficial use will be used. The use with the earliest date will be satisfied first.
(7) The reservation will be evaluated by the department and the Wenatchee planning unit prior to 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2025. The allocated and unallocated amounts for each use will be reviewed, as well as the allocated and unallocated amounts for the entire reserve. Modifications to the program may therefore be established through rule making, if needed.
(8) The department shall notify both Chelan County and the planning unit or its successor, in writing, when it determines that fifty percent, seventy-five percent, and one hundred percent, respectively, of the total reservation is appropriated. The department shall also issue a public notice in a newspaper of general circulation for the region at the same three junctures.
(9) The department shall require measuring and reporting for permitted surface and ground water appropriation from the reservation. If more accurate water use data are needed, the department may, after consulting with the planning unit and Chelan County, require measuring and reporting for ground water withdrawals otherwise exempted from permit requirements under RCW 90.44.050.
(10) For Chumstick Creek, allocation of the full 0.13 cfs reservation will be considered only after completion of an instream flow assessment and a cumulative impacts assessment. Rule making will be required to establish Chumstick Creek instream flows. A cumulative impacts assessment will be used to determine if outdoor water use associated with permit-exempt ground water uses initiated after June 6, 1983, interferes with the instream flows in WAC 173-545-050. Rule making will also be required to either terminate the interim closure of the Chumstick Creek subbasin or to make it permanent.
(11) For Mission Creek, the interim reservation will terminate after two years. A cumulative impacts assessment will be used to determine if outdoor water use associated with permit-exempt ground water uses initiated subsequent to June 6, 1983, interferes with the adopted instream flows in WAC 173-545-050.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21B, 43.27A, 90.22 and 90.54 RCW. 88-13-037 (Order 88-11), § 173-545-090, filed 6/9/88. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-090, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-100 ((Regulation review.)) Maximum future allocation. ((The department of ecology shall initiate a review of the rules established in this chapter whenever new information, changing conditions, or statutory modifications make it necessary to consider revisions.)) (1)(a) The department determines that there are certain times when there are surface waters above the instream flows, referred to as "high flows." These high flows provide critical ecological functions such as channel and riparian zone maintenance, flushing of sediments, and fish migration. In order to protect the frequency and duration of these higher flows, the department hereby establishes maximum amounts of water/flow that can be withdrawn from specific streams at specific times, subject to the flows in WAC 173-545-060.
(b) A maximum allocation shall be used to review future applications for beneficial uses from the mainstem Wenatchee and tributary rivers and creeks.
Maximum Allocations in the Wenatchee River Basin
Jan 1 82 21 113
15 82 21 113
Feb 1 78 20 111
15 78 0 111
Mar 1 96 0 147
15 96 0 147
Apr 1 243 59 335
15 243 59 335
May 1 525 149 711
15 525 149 711
Jun 1 604 175 800
15 604 175 800
Jul 1 296 76 376
15 296 76 376
Aug 1 102 28 122
15 102 0 122
Sep 1 0 0 0
Oct 1 0 0 0
Nov 1 95 23 128
15 95 23 128
Dec 1 92 25 122
15 92 25 122
Maximum Allocations in the Wenatchee River Basin (cont'd)
Month Day ECY 45F070 Peshastin Cr. near Green Bridge 12-4625.00
Wenatchee R. at Monitor ECY 45E070 Mission Cr. near Cashmere
Jan 1 6 132 0.6
15 6 132 0.6
Feb 1 6 148 1.2
15 6 148 1.2
Mar 1 7 192 1.4
15 7 192 1.4
Apr 1 16 360 2.7
15 16 360 2.7
May 1 38 710 3.1
15 38 710 3.1
Jun 1 44 813 1.9
15 44 813 1.9
Jul 1 20 373 0
15 20 373 0
Aug 1 0 117 0
15 0 117 0.3
Sep 1 0 72 0
Nov 1 7 139 0.4
15 7 139 0.4
Dec 1 7 130 0.4
15 7 130 0.4
Month Day ECY 45J070
Nason Cr. near Mouth 12-4565.00
Chiwawa R. near Plain
Jan 1 13 12
Feb 1 12 12
Mar 1 15 0
Apr 1 44 58
15 44 58
May 1 99 139
15 99 139
Jun 1 114 147
15 114 147
Jul 1 54 71
15 54 71
Aug 1 17 24
Nov 1 15 16
Dec 1 15 16
(2) The designation of a maximum allocation limit does not constitute a determination by the department that a permit to appropriate public waters will be issued. RCW 90.03.290 and 90.44.060 require that a permit can be issued only upon a determination that: Water is available; the use will not impair existing rights; water will be applied to a beneficial use; and the use is not detrimental to the public interest. Establishment of a water right within the limit of the allocation occurs after proper authorization from the department and after the water is first put to beneficial use. The water rights are subject to the instream flows established in WAC 173-545-060, and other provisions established in statutory, administrative and case law.
(3) The department shall require the metering and reporting of all permitted surface and ground water withdrawals for which a maximum allocation applies.
(4) The department will maintain a record of the amount of water appropriated from the Wenatchee River and tributaries specified above. Once the maximum amounts are fully appropriated, the department shall notify Chelan County and the planning unit in writing. The department shall also issue a public notice in a newspaper of general circulation for the region.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21B, 43.27A, 90.22 and 90.54 RCW. 88-13-037 (Order 88-11), § 173-545-100, filed 6/9/88. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54, 90.22 and 75.20 RCW. 83-13-016 (Order DE 83-8), § 173-545-100, filed 6/3/83.]
WAC 173-545-110 Permitting actions. (1) Surface and ground water permits not subject to the instream flows established in WAC 173-545-060 may be issued if:
(a) The proposed use is nonconsumptive, and compatible with the intent of this chapter; or
(b) The water use qualifies for the reservation established in WAC 173-545-090.
(2)(a) Future applications for surface waters that are not part of the reservation established in WAC 173-545-090 may be approved subject to the instream flows established in WAC 173-545-060 and the maximum water allocation limits established in WAC 173-545-100, unless the source is closed to further appropriation.
(b) Future applications for ground waters that are not part of the reservation established in WAC 173-545-090 may be approved subject to the instream flows established in WAC 173-545-060 and the maximum water allocation limits established in WAC 173-545-100 (except if there is a closure). Based upon existing data and the findings in the watershed plan, the department determines that there is a high likelihood of hydraulic continuity between surface water and ground water sources within both the Wenatchee River management units and tributaries established in WAC 173-545-040. Therefore, water rights without instream flow limitations may be issued for ground water only if the department determines that the withdrawal of ground water with proposed mitigation in place would not adversely affect or impair the instream flows.
(3) No right to withdraw or store the public surface or ground waters of the Wenatchee River basin that conflicts with the provisions of this chapter will hereafter be granted, except in cases where such rights will clearly serve overriding considerations of the public interest, as stated in RCW 90.54.020 (3)(a).
(4) All future surface and ground water permit holders shall be required to install and maintain measuring devices and report the data to the department in accordance with permit requirements. In addition, the department may require the permit holder to monitor stream flows and ground water levels.
WAC 173-545-120 Changes and transfers. No changes to, or transfers of, existing surface and ground water rights in the Wenatchee River basin shall hereafter be granted if they conflict with the purpose of this chapter. Any change or transfer proposal can be approved only if there is a finding that existing rights, including the instream flows established in WAC 173-545-050 and 173-545-060, will not be impaired.
WAC 173-545-130 Compliance and enforcement. (1) To obtain compliance with this chapter, the department, with assistance from Chelan County, the planning unit or its successor and partners, shall prepare and distribute technical and educational information regarding the scope and requirements of this chapter to the public. This is intended to assist the public in complying with the requirements of their water rights and applicable water laws.
(2) When the department determines that a violation has occurred, it shall first attempt to achieve voluntary compliance. An approach to achieving this is to offer information and technical assistance to the person, in writing, identifying one or more means to accomplish the person's purposes within the framework of the law.
(3) To obtain compliance and enforce this chapter, the department may impose such sanctions as appropriate under authorities vested in it, including, but not limited to, issuing regulatory orders under RCW 43.27A.190; and imposing civil penalties under RCW 43.83B.336, 90.03.400, 90.03.410, 90.03.600, 90.44.120 and 90.44.130.
WAC 173-545-140 Appeals. All final written decisions of the department pertaining to permits, regulatory orders, and related decisions made pursuant to this chapter can be subject to review by the pollution control hearings board in accordance with chapter 43.21B RCW.
WAC 173-545-150 Regulation review. Review of this chapter may be initiated by the department whenever significant new information is available, a significant change in conditions occurs, statutory changes are enacted that are determined by the department to require review of the chapter, or if modifications are necessary based on the reviews described in WAC 173-545-080 and 173-545-090. Chelan County, the planning unit, or other interested citizens with standing may request that the department initiate a review at any time. If the department initiates a review, it will consult with Chelan County and the planning unit or its successor. If necessary, the department will modify the appropriate provisions of this chapter by rule.
The reservation will be evaluated by the department and the Wenatchee planning unit prior to 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2025. The allocated and unallocated amounts for each use will be reviewed, as well as the allocated and unallocated amounts for the entire reserve. Modifications to the program may therefore be implemented by rule, if needed.
WAC 173-545-160 Map. For the purposes of administering this chapter, the boundaries of the Wenatchee River basin identified in the figure below are presumed to accurately reflect the basin hydrology.
WAC 173-545-170 Appendix 1: Hydrographs.
WAC 173-545-095 Appeals.