Source: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=173-563&full=true
Timestamp: 2019-10-15 04:20:22
Document Index: 422225311

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

Chapter 173-563 WAC:
WACs > Title 173 > Chapter 173-563
Chapter 173-563 WAC
INSTREAM RESOURCES PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR THE MAIN STEM COLUMBIA RIVER IN WASHINGTON STATE
173-563-010 Background and purpose.
173-563-020 Applicability.
173-563-030 Authority.
173-563-040 Establishment of instream flows for instream uses.
173-563-050 Critical flow adjustment to, and waivers of, minimum instantaneous and average weekly flows.
173-563-052 Establishment of instream flows for out-of-stream uses.
173-563-056 Application of minimum average weekly flows to out-of-stream uses.
173-563-060 Establishment of conservation and efficiency fundamentals.
173-563-070 Enforcement.
173-563-075 Regulation review.
173-563-080 Overriding considerations.
173-563-090 Regulation review.
173-563-100 Implementation.
173-563-900 Critical flow adjustment—Minimum instantaneous and weekly average flows—Columbia River.
173-563-015 Withdrawal of unappropriated waters. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 173-500 WAC, chapters 34.05, 43.21A, 43.27A, 90.03, 90.44 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 95-02-066 (Order 94-18), § 173-563-015, filed 1/3/95, effective 2/3/95. Statutory Authority: Chapters 34.05, 43.21A, 43.27A, 90.03, 90.44 and 90.54 RCW and chapter 173-500 WAC and WAC 173-563-075. WSR 93-01-009 (Order 92-20), § 173-563-015, filed 12/3/92, effective 1/3/93.] Repealed by WSR 98-08-062 (Order 97-15), filed 3/30/98, effective 4/30/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.54 RCW, WAC 173-563-090 and ESHB 1110 (1997).
173-563-010
The Columbia River is an international as well as an interstate river with its waters subject to laws of seven western states, the Province of British Columbia, Canada and the federal governments of the United States and Canada. The flows and levels of the river are in a state of continuous change through the operation of numerous federally owned or federally licensed dams located within the river. The waters of the Columbia River are operated to support extensive irrigation development, inland navigation, municipal and industrial uses, and hydroelectric power development. Among all these uses, the anadromous fisheries of the Columbia River, which are dependent on clean flowing water, require for their survival the establishment of minimum flows of water and special actions by all agencies sharing in the management of the Columbia River.
The provisions of this chapter apply, as a matter of state law, to water right permits issued pursuant to the state's water rights code. The provisions hereof shall provide the department of ecology the basic state policy relating to minimum flows and levels for the Columbia River, for submission to various federal, interstate and state agencies having jurisdiction over the river. Further, the department of ecology of the state of Washington recognizes that, under our federal constitutional system, regulatory powers over the river are shared powers between the United States and the state of Washington and that by various federal actions the state's powers may, and in some cases have been superseded through the mandates of the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-010, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-020
(1) This chapter applies to public surface waters of the main stem Columbia River in Washington state and to any groundwater the withdrawal of which is determined by the department of ecology to have a significant and direct impact on the surface waters of the main stem Columbia River.
The extent of the "main stem" Columbia River shall be the Columbia River from the upstream extent of tidal influence (Bonneville Dam-River Mile 146.1) upstream to the United States-Canada border (River Mile 745) and including those areas inundated by impounded waters at full pool elevations.
(4) The instream flows established and implemented by this chapter for instream and out-of-stream uses, and the average weekly flows applied by this chapter to out-of-stream uses do not apply to any application for water from the main stem Columbia River on which a decision is made by the department of ecology on or after July 27, 1997. Any water right application considered for approval or denial after that date will be evaluated for possible impacts on fish and existing water rights. The department will consult with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies and Indian tribes in making this evaluation. Any permit which is then approved for the use of such waters will be, if deemed necessary, subjected to instream flow protection or mitigation conditions determined on a case-by-case basis through the evaluation conducted with the agencies and tribes.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.54 RCW, WAC 173-563-090 and ESHB 1110 (1997). WSR 98-08-062 (Order 97-15), § 173-563-020, filed 3/30/98, effective 4/30/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-020, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82; WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-020, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-030
These rules are adopted under the authority of chapters 90.54, 90.22, and 90.03 RCW, and in relation to chapter 173-500 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-030, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-040
Establishment of instream flows for instream uses.
(1) In order to protect the quality of the natural environment and provide for preservation of wildlife, fish, scenic, aesthetic and other environmental values, and navigational values, minimum instantaneous flows and minimum average weekly flows are established for instream uses at the following project locations on the main stem Columbia River in Washington state:
John Day Dam to Bonneville Dam (Lake Bonneville and Celilo Lake) (River Mile 146.1-215.6)
John Day Dam to McNary Dam (Umatilla Lake) (River Mile 215.6-292.0)
McNary Dam to Priest Rapids Dam (Lake Wallula and the Hanford Reach) (River Mile 292.0-397.1)
Priest Rapids Dam and upstream (Wanapum, Rock Island, Rocky Reach, Wells, Chief Joseph, and Grand Coulee Dam)
397.1+
Priest Rapids Dam upstream to Canadian Border (River Mile 397.1-745.0)
(2) Minimum instantaneous flows at the locations listed in WAC 173-563-040(1) are established for instream uses as follows:
MINIMUM INSTANTANEOUS FLOWS - COLUMBIA RIVER PROJECTS
(1,000 cubic feet/second)
& Wanapum*
As provided in WAC 173-563-050(1), the minimum instantaneous flows set forth in this subsection are subject to a reduction of up to twenty-five percent during low flow years, except that in no case shall the outflow from Priest Rapids Dam be less than 36,000 cfs. For the reach from Grand Coulee through Wanapum, minimum instantaneous flows shall be as shown above, or as necessary to maintain minimum flows (subject to low runoff adjustment) at Priest Rapids, whichever is higher.
(3) Minimum average weekly flows for instream uses are established at the locations listed in WAC 173-563-040(1) as follows:
MINIMUM AVERAGE WEEKLY FLOWS - COLUMBIA RIVER PROJECTS
Wanapum*
For the reach from Grand Coulee through Wanapum, minimum average weekly flows shall be as shown above, or as necessary to maintain minimum flows (subject to low runoff adjustment) at Priest Rapids, whichever is higher. As provided in WAC 173-563-050(1), the minimum average weekly flows set forth in this subsection are subject to a reduction of up to twenty-five percent during low flow years, except that in no case shall the outflow from Priest Rapids Dam be less than 36,000 cfs.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-040, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82; WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-040, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-050
173-563-052
Establishment of instream flows for out-of-stream uses.
In order to protect the quality of the natural environment and provide for preservation of wildlife, fish, scenic, aesthetic and other environmental values, and navigational values, the minimum average weekly flows listed in WAC 173-563-040(3) are established for out-of-stream uses.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-052, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82.]
173-563-056
Application of minimum average weekly flows to out-of-stream uses.
(1) For the first 4,500 cfs of water rights issued subject to this program, the following conditions shall apply:
(a) When the March 1 forecast of April-September runoff at The Dalles, Oregon (as published by the National Weather Service in Water Supply Outlook for the Western United States) is equal to or greater than 88 million acre-feet (MAF), no regulation of out-of-stream diverters shall occur, regardless of the gaged flow of the Columbia River.
(b) When the flow forecast is less than 88 MAF but greater than 60 MAF, the department shall encourage voluntary water conservation through appropriate notification of water users in an attempt to foster efficient resource use.
(c) When the flow forecast is 60 MAF or less, the department shall regulate out-of-stream diverters on the basis of first-in-time is first-in-right whenever it is predicted that gaged flows will fall below the minimum average weekly flows as established by this chapter.
(2) For any water allocations issued in excess of the first 4,500 cfs defined in WAC 173-563-056(1), the following conditions shall apply:
(b) When the flow forecast is less than 88 MAF, the department shall regulate out-of-stream diverters on the basis of first-in-time is first-in-right whenever it is predicted that gaged flows will fall below the CRIRPP minimum average weekly flows as established by this chapter.
(3) The department shall utilize the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) 30-day power operation plan in predicting specific periods of anticipated flow conditions.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-056, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82.]
173-563-060
Establishment of conservation and efficiency fundamentals.
(1) The department, having determined that public water is available from the main stem of the Columbia River in Washington and that continued issuance of water right permits and certificates therefrom is in the public interest, does acknowledge and is concerned that, cumulatively, the projected future diversions from the main stem Columbia River in Washington state may, under certain flow conditions, have a detrimental effect on instream values.
(2) Also, it is in the public interest that the state's water resources be conserved and that the burden of water shortages in low water years should be shared by the various users to the greatest extent practicable.
(3) Notwithstanding the constraints on pro rata water-sharing under existing state water laws, the department shall, in projected low water years, utilize all reasonable measures of influence to achieve the goal of this section.
(4) During proof of appropriation of water under RCW 90.03.330 and before issuing a certificate of water right, the department shall assure that the quantities of water shown on the certificate accurately reflect the perfected usage consistent with up-to-date water conservation practices and water delivery system efficiencies.
(5) The department shall continue to seek effective methods to better achieve the goal of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-060, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82; WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-060, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-070
In enforcement of this chapter, the department of ecology may impose such sanctions as appropriate under the 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.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21B, 43.27A, 90.22 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 88-13-037 (Order 88-11), § 173-563-070, filed 6/9/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-070, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-075
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21B, 43.27A, 90.22 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 88-13-037 (Order 88-11), § 173-563-075, filed 6/9/88.]
173-563-080
Future authorizations for the use of water which would conflict with the provisions of this chapter shall be authorized by the director only in those situations when it is clear that overriding considerations of the public interest will be served. Such decisions shall be made in consultation with the directors of the Washington state department of fisheries, the Washington state department of wildlife, the Washington state department of agriculture, and the Washington state commissioner of public lands.
Consideration of the public interest by the director of the department of ecology shall include an evaluation of all uses of the river and its impact on the state of Washington. The uses to be considered include, but are not limited to, uses of water for domestic, stockwatering, 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.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21B, 43.27A, 90.22 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 88-13-037 (Order 88-11), § 173-563-080, filed 6/9/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-080, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82; WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-080, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-090
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.21B, 43.27A, 90.22 and 90.54 RCW. WSR 88-13-037 (Order 88-11), § 173-563-090, filed 6/9/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-090, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-100
(1) All water right permits and certificates subject to this chapter or issued subject to chapter 173-531A WAC shall be issued subject to the department's minimum flow requirements. (The minimum average weekly flows established in WAC 173-563-040 and 173-563-052 are equivalent to a flow of 52.5 MAF at The Dalles for the April through September period.)
(2) All water rights for instream uses subject to the minimum flows established in this chapter shall contain the following provision:
This permit/certificate is subject to the minimum flow provisions contained in chapter 173-563 WAC and is subject to regulation by the department of ecology to insure protection of instream resources.
(3) All water rights for out-of-stream uses subject to the flows established in this chapter shall contain the following provisions:
(a) This permit/certificate is subject to the minimum flow provisions contained in chapter 173-563 WAC and is subject to regulation by the department of ecology to insure protection of instream resources.
(b) Use of water under this authorization shall be contingent upon the water right holder's utilization of up to date water conservation practices and maintenance of efficient water delivery systems consistent with established regulation requirements and facility capabilities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-100, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82; WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-100, filed 6/24/80.]
173-563-900
Critical flow adjustment—Minimum instantaneous and weekly average flows—Columbia River.
CRITICAL FLOW ADJUSTMENT MINIMUM INSTANTANEOUS
AND WEEKLY AVERAGE FLOWS COLUMBIA RIVER
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.54.040, 90.54.050, chapters 90.03 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 82-21-001 and 82-21-007 (Orders DE 82-35 and DE 82-35A), § 173-563-900, filed 10/7/82 and 10/8/82; WSR 80-08-021 (Order DE 80-2), § 173-563-900, filed 6/24/80.]