Opinion ID: 1393084
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: protests

Text: Any person or persons desiring to contest the approval of an application for permit, the granting of an extension of the time limits for the completion of construction work or complete application of water under a permit, the issuance of a water right certificate, or  the approval of an application for a transfer of the point of diversion or place of use under a water right, shall file a written protest with the State Engineer setting forth the grounds for such protests.      A copy of each protest must be served on each party whose right is protested, such service to be made by the party making the protest. Service shall be made by registered mail or by personal delivery. Each protest shall contain a statement that a copy thereof has been served upon the protestee and shall state the manner of service, i.e., whether personally or by mail. Each protest shall contain the name and address of the protestant, name and address of protestee and a description of the application or permit being contested. If the protest is made on the grounds that the proposed appropriation, extension, issuance of certificate or transfer will cause an injury to the protestant, the protest shall contain such allegation and shall state the nature of such alleged injury. The protest shall also state the basis of protestant's water right which it claimed will be injured. If the protest to the approval of an application is on the grounds that it will prejudicially affect the public interest, the protest shall contain such allegation and shall state the nature of such alleged injury. Each protest shall set forth fully the grounds upon which the protest is based and shall contain an affidavit that all allegations and statements contained therein are true and correct to the best of the protestant's knowledge. No protest to the approval of an application submitted after application has been approved and permit issued can be considered. No protest to the granting of an extension of time or issuance of a certificate can be accepted from any party holding a right prior to the one being protested. Any person owning an application, permit, or certificate subsequent in priority may contest before the  State Engineer the issuance of a water right certificate at any time before the same has issued and after the time has expired for the completion of the appropriation under such permit, or within the period of three months after issuance of such certificate, and not otherwise. Protests may be supported by affidavits of witness or other documentary evidence. When a protest is filed the State Engineer will make an investigation and hold a hearing if it is deemed advisable.