Opinion ID: 2634723
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Deference and Scope of Review

Text: 1. What level of deference is due Ecology where Ecology and the PCHB disagree? With regard to each challenge to a § 401 certification, the PCHB must determine as a threshold matter whether the § 401 certification provides reasonable assurance that state water quality standards will be met. The PCHB may create an additional condition only after it has concluded that the § 401 certification is inadequate to protect water quality. Ecology's interpretations of water quality statutes and its own regulations are entitled to great weight. A PCHB factual finding will not be overturned unless it is clearly erroneous, but deference will be given to Ecology on technical issues based on Ecology's specialized expertise. 2. Did the PCHB apply the proper scope of review? The PCHB did not erroneously interpret or apply the law or act contrary to agency rule when it considered plans, reports, and studies that were not available to Ecology. The scope of PCHB review is truly de novo, subject to established discovery deadlines.