Opinion ID: 1275766
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Investigation & Permit

Text: The next statutory step requires Ecology to investigate the application to ensure that there is sufficient unallocated water in the region. RCW 90.03.290. Here, Ecology investigated the permit and determined: No other water right or other applicant for a water right is likely to be harmed by perfection of a water right using the pumps and pipes interpretation in this case. This stretch of the Skagit River has plenty of water, and the ground water along this stretch is also plentiful. There is no minimum flow set for this stretch of the Skagit. There is no fish run which would be endangered by this appropriation. CP at 85 (PCHB Final Findings, Finding No. XVI). Following the investigation Ecology grants a preliminary permit allowing the applicant to move forward with the appropriation. The statute again looks to future intended use, not past actual use. RCW 90.03.290 provides a permit shall not be approved for more water than can be applied to beneficial use for the purposes named in the application. (emphasis added). Here, the purpose named in the Theodoratus application is use of water by some 93 homes all of which are to be linked to the extensive water distribution system built by Theodoratus. These homes are to be built in the future and their use of water will be in the future. Ecology therefore appropriately granted Theodoratus a permit which provides The applicant is, pursuant to the Report of Examination which has been accepted by the applicant, hereby granted a permit to appropriate the following described public waters ... Two (2) wells ... Maximum acre-feet per year: 320.0 ... [for] Community Domestic Supply [for the Theodoratus parcel]. Ex. R-6 (Department of Ecology Permit No. GI-20763P) (emphasis added). Pursuant to this permit to appropriate Theodoratus drilled the specified wells and constructed a water delivery system.