Opinion ID: 1706473
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Flowthrough Device

Text: The district court enjoined the Aupperles from constructing their dam until such time as the dam structure contains a draw-down or similar device which will allow for the passage of water through the dam structure. To the extent that this reasoning implies that the Aupperle dam was legally required to include a flowthrough device, we examine it as a part of our de novo review of the propriety of injunctive relief. Section 46-241(1) requires persons intending to construct and operate a storage reservoir to obtain a permit from the DNR. Section 46-241(5) requires that such dams be constructed with a passthrough device. However, § 46-241(2) exempts from the permit requirement [a]ny person intending to construct an on-channel reservoir with a water storage impounding capacity of less than fifteen acre-feet. The record reflects that the Aupperle dam was designed to fall within this exemption. According to the DNR's regulations, installation of a passthrough device is required only when the dam structure being built is subject to the DNR's review and approval, i.e., when a permit is required to construct the dam. [44] Because the Aupperle dam is, by virtue of its impoundment capacity, exempt from the permit requirement, we conclude that there is no statutory or regulatory requirement that its design must include a passthrough device.