Court Opinion

ID: 2770354
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-01-15 19:12:53.709003+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:27:39.901863
License: Public Domain

FILED 

                                                                JAN. 15, 2015 

                                                        In the Office of the Clerk of Court 

                                                      W A State Court of Appeals, Division III 

         IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON 

                            DIVISION THREE 

BRUCE M. BEATTY,                            )        No. 31409-0-III
                                            )
                    Appellant,              )
                                            )
             v.                             )        PUBLISHED OPINION
                                            )
WASHINGTON FISH and WILDLIFE                )

COMMISSION, WASHINGTON                      )

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND                      )

WILDLIFE, AND POLLUTION                     )

CONTROL HEARINGS BOARD,                     )

                                            )

                    Respondents.            )

      KNODELL, J.* -   Bruce Beatty applied for a hydraulic mining permit to operate a

suction dredge on Fortune Creek outside of the work window dates established by the

Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife (WDFW) Fish and Gold Pamphlet. The

WDFW granted the permit, but included a condition that limited suction dredging to the

dates within the work window. The WDFW informed Mr. Beatty that his request to

operate a suction dredge outside the work window could still be granted ifhe provided

      *Judge John D. Knodell is serving as judge pro tempore of the Court of Appeals
pursuant to RCW 2.06.150.
No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

site specific infonnation that allowed the WDFW to assess the impact to fish life. Mr.

Beatty refused and appealed the pennit decision to the Pollution Control Hearings Board

(PCHB). The PCHB upheld the tenns of the pennit, concluding that WDFW's decision

was reasonably designed to protect fish life and not out of proportion to the proposed

dredging activity given the lack ofinfonnation provided by Mr. Beatty. The superior

court upheld the PCHB's decision. Mr. Beatty appeals. We find no error with the

PCHB's decision to uphold the pennit. We affinn the decision of the superior court.

                                          FACTS

          The WDFW regulates placer mining statewide. l In 2009, the WDFW instituted the

current placer mining regulations in the Gold and Fish Pamphlet (Pamphlet). According

to the Pamphlet, placer miners are allowed to use certain small handheld tools without

restriction. However, miners using motorized equipment, such as suction dredges, are

restricted to specific dates established for individual streams throughout the state. Miners

wishing to prospect outside the allowed mining methods or dates established in the

Pamphlet can apply to the WDFW for an individual hydraulic project approval (HPA)

pennit.

          1 Placer
               mining involves searching for gold that has moved away from its original
host rock, migrated downstream, and settled into the streambed sediment.

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       The specific dates, known as work windows, are developed to protect fish

spawning activity and egg development through the emergence ofjuvenile fish called fry.

The timing of the work window for each stream is based on the spawning habits offish

species residing in the stream. An important spawning habit is the creation of nests,

called redds. A redd is formed when a spawning female fish excavates a hole in small,

loose gravel on the stream bed and deposits eggs. After a male fish fertilizes the eggs, the

female pushes gravel over the eggs. The eggs develop in the gravel.

       Suction dredging mining disturbs gravel in a stream bed, although miners tend to

target packed gravel as opposed to the loose gravel used by fish. A suction dredge uses a

gas engine and suction hose to remove material from the stream bed. The material is then

deposited in a sluice box on a floating platform where the riffle box captures heavier

gold. The remaining material is discarded from the unit and returned to the stream.

While operating the suction dredge, the miner is in the water lying prone on or near the

stream bed with a diving mask, directing the hose to the desired material. Miners pay

close attention to the material entering the hose to prevent items from clogging the flow

and slowing the process.

      Typically, the best gold is found near or on bedrock. Miners using a suction

dredge commonly test the productivity of an area by creating a sample hole down to the

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No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

bedrock. If there are no viable signs of gold, the miner will move to another location.

However, because the dredge equipment is heavy, miners pick a spot that gives them the

most opportunities for alternatives.

       Generally, areas ideal for suction mining are not ideal for fish redds. Suction

dredge miners generally do not consider loose streambed material favorable for gold

deposits. However, both placer miners and redd building fish like stream material that

collects on the back side of large boulders and rocks.

       Mr. Beatty sought an HPA pennit to operate a suction dredge on Fortune Creek

outside the work window. Fortune Creek is a high elevation, high velocity tributary to the

Cle Elum River. While the main stem of the creek is approximately 2.5 miles, the creek

also has a north fork, a south fork, and a number of smaller tributaries. The creek passes

through federally owned forest land and is open to recreational fishing.

       Different portions of the Fortune Creek system exhibit distinct habitat

characteristics for fish. Some areas have boulders with limited spawning areas, and other

areas have more gravel and less velocity, creating a better spawning environment.

Several species are known to reside in the creek, including spring cutthroat trout, rainbow

trout, fall brook trout, and whitefish. Additionally, bull trout redds and limited numbers

of bull trout have been observed in Fortune Creek.

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Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

       For Fortune Creek, the work window for suction dredging is August 1 through

August 15. WDFW based the start date on rainbow trout and steel head spawning in

similar streams in the vicinity of Fortune Creek. The ending date is based on the

observation of bull trout redds in the creek. Although discovery of the redds occurred in

September, WDFW concluded that the redds were likely constructed in August.

        In Mr. Beatty's HPA permit, he sought to use suction dredging and powered

highbanking tools on Fortune Creek anywhere within the Fortune Creek watershed at any

time within the five year period between May 1,2011, and September 30, 2016, with

suction dredging occurring between the months of May and September.

       Mr. Beatty intended to dredge 60 linear feet of stream bed each year. He planned

to use either a three- to four-inch suction intake nozzle, or if allowed, a six-inch suction

intake.nozzle. Like other miners, Mr. Beatty planned to put down sample holes until he

reached a satisfactory site. Ifhe found a deposit, he possibly would use a highbanker in

conjunction with the suction dredge. 2

       The WDFW issued Mr. Beatty a two year HPA permit and granted his request to

use a gasoline-powered highbanker outside of the work window in the Pamphlet.

However, the WDFW limited suction dredging to the two-week work window. In a letter

       2A   highbanker processes material at a mining location away from the stream.

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No. 31409-0-II1
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to Mr. Beatty, the WDFW explained that it granted the pennit for the highbanker but

wished to conduct a site visit to evaluate the impact that the prospecting activities had on

fish life in the relatively small stream. It also stated that it could not approve the suction

dredging request because Fortune Creek had both spring and fall spawning fish, and eggs

from these fish could be found in the gravel before and after the approved work window.

Nevertheless, the WDFW said that pennit approval for suction dredging was still a

possibility for Mr. Beatty in Fortune Creek. The letter continued, '" [I]fyou were to

provide us with site specific information where we can conduct a site assessment

regarding the impacts to fish life, we may be able to issue a pennit to allow work with a

suction dredge outside of the standard work window.'" Clerk's Papers (CP) at 57.

       Mr. Beatty chose not to provide site specific infonnation to WDFW after receipt of

the letter. He did not believe that identifying particular dredging locations on the stream

would be meaningful because conditions change each year. He also declined WDFW's

offer to make a site visit and discuss measures that could be added to the pennit to protect

the fish species spawning in Fortune Creek.

       Mr. Beatty appealed the decision to the PCHB. An administrative hearing was

held on the matter. Mr. Beatty contended that the condition restricting suction dredging

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No. 31409-0-II1
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

to the work window was unreasonable because it did not serve the purpose of protecting

fish life as required by RCW 77.55.021.

       Mr. Beatty presented evidence in an attempt to establish that the restriction was not

needed because there was a low likelihood that his operation would harm fish life in

Fortune Creek. Dr. Robert Crittenden, a biometrician and fish biologist, testified that the

chance of a suction dredge miner encountering a redd on Fortune Creek was miniscule.

Dr. Crittenden did not prepare a formal or detailed statistical analysis of potential harm to

redds or the likelihood of encountering redds during spawning season. However, he

presented a "back of the envelope" calculation of the statistical likelihood of a suction

dredge miner encountering a redd on Fortune Creek. CP at 290. Dr. Crittenden's

calculation used the size of the entire watershed area, anywhere between 5 and 10 miles,

with Mr. Beatty mining 60 feet of stream anywhere in the watershed. By estimating the

number of redds and assuming the redds were randomly located, Dr. Crittenden estimated

that the probability of encountering a redd was anywhere between one in ten thousand

and one in a million. Dr. Crittenden stated that the probability was zero ifminers and fish

preferred different areas of the creek. Even then, Dr. Crittenden reasoned that harm to

fish eggs was of little importance to protecting fish life because the majority of the eggs

die under natural causes.

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No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

       Dr. Crittenden admitted that his personal observation of the creek was very

limited. He stated that he observed the top ford of the creek once, but never visited the

main stem of the creek. His conclusion that only a small portion of the creek was suitable

redd habitat was based on the reports of others.

      Mr. Beatty testified that he would not encounter any redds because he avoids the

type of areas that they are located. He said that he had never seen or stumbled across a

redd. When asked what a redd looks like, Mr. Beatty gave a description of typical color,

size, and location, but could not answer more specific questions. Mr. Beatty said that he

works underwater close to the suction nozzle, so if he encounters a redd, he could move

the nozzle away and take his equipment elsewhere.

      Mr. Beatty testified that he felt he was discriminated against in connection with the

permit because other miners were getting increased work windows for suction dredging in

other waterways in Washington. Mr. Beatty said that he was involved with the Pamphlet

rule making process, and that the process was not smooth and harmonious. He stated that

in one meeting, Perry Harvester repeatedly interrupted Mr. Beatty's wife while she tried

to make a comment. Mr. Harvester's boss apologized for the incident.

      WDFW maintained that the decision on Mr. Beatty's permit was based on the

information that he provided. WDFW biologists William Meyer and Mr. Harvester

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No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

testified that WDFW refused to extend the work window for suction dredging because of

the lack of infonnation about where Mr. Beatty would prospect. Mr. Meyer said that he

could not detennine the risk to the Fortune Creek area because Mr. Beatty failed to give

him the infonnation he needed to calculate quantitative impact.

       Mr. Harvester testified that the purpose of the restriction on Mr. Beatty's pennit

was the protection of fish life. Similarly, Mr. Meyer stated that his job was to write a

penn it that protects fish life, including eggs, fry and adults. He felt that he accomplished

this purpose with Mr. Beatty's pennit. He limited Mr. Beatty to the standard work

window for suction dredging because Mr. Beatty would not discuss other options for the

pennit. However, he believed that there were areas where Mr. Beatty would have been

approved to mine.

       As for fish life in Fortune Creek, Mr. Meyer testified that the creek is a good fish

habitat and holds a number of different species of fish. Mr. Meyer personally observed

the fish in the river during night snorkels. While he never witnessed a bull trout, he read

reports that they were in the creek. The WDFW presented fish surveys of Fortune Creek

that noted the presence of bull trout and other fish.

       Mr. Meyer testified that there were several areas on Fortune Creek that were

suitable for redds, depending on the size of the fish. These areas include pools on the

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No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

back side of large boulders suitable for placer mining. Mr. Meyer explained that the fish

in Fortune Creek spawn primarily in concentrated areas, which ifhit, would suffer a

catastrophic impact.

       Also, Mr. Meyer testified that a trained biologist would have difficulty spotting

redds before they are dug into. He described the redds found in high elevation streams as

very tiny eggs, approximately the size ofBBs. Mr. Harvester used pictures ofredds in

streams to demonstrate the difficulty in spotting them.

      The WDFW presented evidence of the impact of running eggs through a suction

dredge. Eggs in their first stage of development that are caught in suction have a

mortality rate of nearly 100 percent. The mortality rate decreases significantly for eggs in

their second stage. However, when eggs develop into sac fry, the mortality rate jumps up

again to approximately 83 percent. In addition, eggs that survive the suction dredge are

deposited on the streambed without cover, placing the eggs in extreme danger from

predators and in an environment unsuitable for development.

      In contrast to Dr. Crittenden's testimony, Mr. Harvester testified that protecting

redds is very important in developing fish populations. Furthermore, protecting redds of

later emerging fish is important for genetic reasons. Redds from early-producing fish

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No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

could be wiped out by a single flood event. However, redds produced after the flood

event would still have a chance to survive.

       Mr. Harvester did not agree that he had a personal conflict with Mr. Beatty, and

that his statements to Mr. Beatty's wife during the meeting were nothing more than a

request for her to sit down if she did not have a question regarding the rules. Mr.

Harvester said he played a limited role in processing Mr. Beatty's permit.

       The PCHB limited review of Mr. Beatty's arguments to those that addressed the

WDFW's actions in the permit approval process. The PCHB found the permit review

proceeding was not the appropriate vehicle for challenging the administrative rules the

WDFW adopted and incorporated into the Pamphlet. For instance, the PCHB determined

that Mr. Beatty's argument that fish protection should only be conducted on the resource

level, rather than safeguarding all eggs and fish, is an attack on the regulations governing

the work window and not a justification for an individual extension of the rules based on

site specific information.

       The PCHB affirmed the WDFW's permit decision, concluding that the conditions

placed on Mr. Beatty's permit were reasonably designed to protect fish life and do not

impose restrictions unrelated or out of proportion to the proposed dredging activity.

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No.31409-0-III
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       Citing RCW 77.55.021, the PCHB explained that in order for an applicant to

obtain an individual HPA permit extending the duly adopted timing window, the

applicant must provide information showing that the requested activity would not harm

fish life or habitat based on the conditions specific to the operation or conditions specific

to the stream involved. The PCHB concluded that Mr. Beatty, as the applicant, failed to

provide the information necessary to fully evaluate the impact of extending a duly

adopted work window. He did not identify practices he would employ to avoid redds or

describe any conditions on segments of Fortune Creek that might reduce the prospect of

harm to redds. He refused to provide any information to the WDFW about his

prospecting plans beyond his desire to suction dredge anywhere in the Fortune Creek

watershed between May I and September 30 each year. Nor did he make an effort to

gather information that would justify special exceptions from the established regulations

for his prospecting in Fortune Creek. The PCHB explained that Mr. Beatty cannot expect

to obtain approval of an HPA to relax a previously adopted regulation for protecting fish

without providing any grounds or substantiation for the deviation from the regulation.

      The PCHB discredited Dr. Crittenden's testimony. It found Dr. Crittenden's

statistical approximations were not based on valid assumptions for Fortune Creek. The

approximations did not consider site specific operations or stream conditions when

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No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

estimating the hann to fish. The same type of statistics applied to any stream with

spawning activity. Furthennore, a statistical calculation based on the entire area within

the watershed was again just a further attack on the WDFW policy of establishing a work

window to protect fish and eggs.

       The PCHB also discredited Mr. Beatty's testimony that he could avoid hann by

stopping the dredge immediately ifhe observed a redd. The PCHB found that it was

unlikely that Mr. Beatty could see a redd before sucking it up into a dredge. The PCHB

relied on evidence that redds are difficult to identify in a high velocity small stream like

Fortune Creek and on evidence of Mr. Beatty's inexperience and lack of training in

identifying eggs. The PCHB also found that stopping the dredge after encountering a

redd would not avoid hann to eggs already sucked into the dredge and would decrease the

number of fish emerging. The PCHB recounted evidence that many of the eggs that are

sucked into a dredge are killed directly and the ejected eggs are deposited into a setting

that does not allow for further development of fish.

       The PCHB also recognized that the Pamphlet already requires miners to stop

dredging if they encounter a redd. The PCHB reasoned that if stopping dredging activity

when eggs are encountered is adequate protection, then the Pamphlet would not have

identified specific work windows at all. The court concluded that Mr. Beatty's argument

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No. 31409-0-III
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was another improper attack on WDFW regulations rather than a justification for relaxed

restrictions based upon the specific conditions on Fortune Creek.

       In affirming the permit condition, the PCHB concluded that Mr. Beatty failed to

show that the condition on his permit was not reasonably designed to protect fish life,

citing RCW 77.55.021. The dredging dates Mr. Beatty requested in the permit were the

period of time that WDFW had determined through the Pamphlet rulemaking process that

fish redds would be present in Fortune Creek. The PCHB concluded that without any

other information from Mr. Beatty on specific plans, the WDFW was not unreasonable in

refusing to allow unrestricted suction dredging in Fortune Creek during the time periods

that encompassed spawning and egg development.

      The PCHB also concluded that Mr. Beatty failed to show that the condition placed

on the permit to optimize fish life was out of proportion to the impact of the proposed

project, citing RCW 77.55.231(1). The court found that limiting work to the work

window was a method of avoiding direct harm to fish, rather than a directive to enhance

or improve existing fish habitat. Also, the condition was specially designed to address the

harm to redds and eggs posed by the suction dredging activity in question and did not

extend to enhancing habitat features or repairing damage caused by other persons or prior

activity. Because Mr. Beatty did not include information in his application to support a

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No. 31409-0-111
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deviation from the work window, the WDFW acted reasonably in limiting suction

dredging to the time frame set forth in the Pamphlet.

       Finally, the PCHB concluded that the WDFW's decision on the permit was not the

result of personal animosity toward Mr. Beatty. The PCHB determined that Mr. Beatty

did not demonstrate that he received unfair treatment when compared to other miners.

Other miners obtained extensions based on information specific to their proposed site.

The WDFW provided Mr. Beatty the same opportunity to provide additional site specific

information and offered to work with him to develop limits that would protect fish. The

PCHB found that the WDFW was willing to vary the work window timing standards

based on specific facts. Instead, Mr. Beatty chose to stand on his asserted right to mine

without limitation.

       Mr. Beatty appealed the PCHB's decision to the Kittitas County Superior Court. 3

The court affirmed the PCHB' s final order. The court found that substantial evidence

supported the factual findings, that the statutory scheme of Washington's regulations on

small scale mineral prospecting and mining is neither unconstitutionally vague nor

preempted by federal law, and that the final order did not erroneously apply or interpret

       3 Mr. Beatty amended his petition for review to add a challenge to the Pamphlet
rules. Later, the parties stipulated to bifurcate the rule challenge. The rule challenge is
not a part of the appeal before this court.

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No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

the law. The court's decision focused on Mr. Beatty's refusal to provide site specific

information despite WDFW's request. The court noted that the most critical fact in the

proceedings was Mr. Beatty's refusal to meet and discuss his specific site information.

       Mr. Beatty appeals the decision of the PCHB. He contends that (1) the PCHB

misinterpreted the state hydraulic mining code when imposing the conditions, (2) the

PCHB's order is not supported by substantial evidence, (3) the conditions on the permit

conflict with federal mining law, (4) the hydraulic mining code is unconstitutionally

vague, (5) WDFW discriminated against him when it imposed the condition, and (6) the

WDFW relied on an invalidly adopted rule to impose the condition.

                                        ANALYSIS

       The Washington Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW, provides for

judicial review ofPCHB's orders. RCW 34.05.570; Port a/Seattle v. Pollution Control

Hearings Bd., 151 Wash. 2d 568, 587, 90 P.3d 659 (2004). When reviewing an agency's

action, this court sits in the same position as the superior court. Tapper v. Emp 't Sec.

Dep't, 122 Wash. 2d 397, 402,858 P.2d 494 (1993). The party challenging the agency

action has the burden of demonstrating the invalidity of the action. RCW

34.05.570(1)(a). The challenging party must show that he or she has been substantially

prejudiced by the agency action. RCW 34.05.570(1)(d). Additionally, reviewing courts

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No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

shall grant relief only if the challenging party shows that the agency's order is invalid for

one or more of the grounds enumerated in RCW 34.05.570(3)(a)-(i). We address Mr.

Beatty's challenges under RCW 34.05.570(3) individually.

       Interpretation ofthe Hydraulic Code. Mr. Beatty contends that the WDFW

misinterpreted and misapplied the hydraulic permitting statute. Relief may be granted if

this court finds that the PCHB has "erroneously interpreted or applied the law."

RCW 34.05.570(3)(d). Whether the PCHB has erroneously interpreted or applied the law

is reviewed under the error of law standard. Cascade Court Ltd. P 'ship v. Noble, 105
Wash. App. 563, 566-67,20 P.3d 997 (2001). When applying the error oflaw standard, the

court may substitute its own judgment for that of the PCHB, although it must give

substantial weight to the agency's view of the law it administers. Id. at 567. Regulations

that are consistent with the legislative scheme will be upheld. William Dickson Co. v.

Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency, 81 Wash. App. 403, 407, 914 P.2d 750 (1996)

(quoting ASARCO, Inc. v. Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency, 112 Wash. 2d 314,

321, 771 P.2d 335 (1989)).

       Relief can also be granted if the reviewing court finds the agency order is arbitrary

and capricious. RCW 34.05.570(3)(i). An agency order is arbitrary or capricious if it is

willful and unreasoning and disregards or does not consider the facts and circumstances

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No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

underlying the decision. Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity v. Wash. State Univ., 152 Wn.

App. 401, 421, 216 P.3d 451 (2009) (quoting Bowers v. Pollution Control Hearings Bd.,

103 Wash. App. 587, 596, 13 P.3d 1076 (2000)). A decision is not arbitrary or capricious if

there is room for more than one opinion and the decision is based on honest and due

consideration, even if we disagree with it. Id. at 421-22 (quoting Bowers, 103 Wash. App.

at 596).

       In 1997, the Washington legislature declared that small scale mineral prospecting

and mining

       (1) [i]s an important part of the heritage of the state; (2) provides economic
       benefits to the state; and (3) can be conducted in a matter that is beneficial
       to fish habitat and fish propagation. Now, therefore, the legislature declares
       that small scale prospecting and mining shall be regulated in the least
       burdensome manner that is consistent with the state's fish management
       objectives and the federal endangered species act.

LAWS OF    1997, ch. 415, §1.

       The legislature tasked the WDFW to adopt rules applicable to small scale

prospecting and mining in cooperation with the recreational mining community and other

interested parties. RCW 77.55.091(2). The WDFW included these regulations on

mineral prospecting as part of the hydraulic code rules, WAC 220-110. See

WAC 220-110-200 to -206. The hydraulic code provides protection for fish life through

the development of a statewide system of rules for hydraulic projects or other work that

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No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of state waters. WAC 220­

110-010. Implementation of the hydraulic code rules is necessary to minimize project

specific and cumulative impacts to fish life. WAC 220-110-010.

       For small scale mining, the legislature required WDFW to distribute a pamphlet

describing the methods of mineral prospecting consistent with WDFW's adopted rules.

RCW 77.55.091(3). "The pamphlet shall be written to clearly indicate the prospecting

methods that require a permit under this chapter and prospecting methods that require

compliance with the pamphlet." RCW 77.55.091(3). The Pamphlet contains regulations

that a person must follow when mineral prospecting and placer mining. WAC 220-110­

200(1).

      A person may request an exception to the Pamphlet by applying for an individual

HPA permit. WAC 220-110-200(2). To obtain an individual permit, a person must

submit a written application containing general plans for the overall project, complete

plans and specifications for the proposed construction or work within the ordinary high

water line in freshwater, and complete plans and specifications for the proper

protection of fish life, among other requirements. WAC 220-110-030; see also

RCW 77.55.021(2)(a)-(c).

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       The only ground upon which approval of a permit may be denied or conditioned is

the protection offish life. Former RCW 77.55.021(3)(a) (2010). If the WDFW denies

approval of a permit, it shall provide the applicant with a written statement of the specific

reasons why and how the proposed project would adversely affect fish life.

Former RCW 77.55.021(4). "An HPA shall be denied when, in the judgment of the

[WDFW], the project will result in direct or indirect harm to fish life, unless adequate

mitigation can be assured by conditioning the HPA or modifYing the proposal."

WAC 220-110-030(14).

       Approval of a permit may not be unreasonably withheld or unreasonably

conditioned. Former RCW 77.55.02 1(3)(a). "Conditions imposed upon a permit must be

reasonably related to the project. The permit conditions must ensure that the project

provides proper protection for fish life, but the department may not impose conditions

that attempt to optimize conditions for fish life that are out of proportion to the impact of

the proposed project." RCW 77.55.231 (l).

       The WDFW mitigation policy provides, "WDFW shall determine the project

impact, significance of impact, amount of mitigation required, and amount of mitigation

achieved, based on the best available information, including the applicant's plans and

specifications. For large projects with potentially significant impacts, this will be based

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No. 31409-0-111
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on review of studies approved by WDFW." Ex. A-36 at 4. A similar but lengthier

definition of "mitigation" can be found in WAC 220-11 0-020(66).

       Mr. Beatty makes several challenges to the WDFW's interpretation of the statutory

scheme governing his hydraulic mining permit. First, Mr. Beatty contends that the PCHB

misinterpreted the legislative mandate to protect fish life as reflected in RCW 77.55.021.

He contends that the WDFW interpreted the mandate to mean that every fish egg must be

protected when issuing a permit under the hydraulic code, and used this interpretation as a

basis to deny his request to suction dredge outside the work window.

      Contrary to Mr. Beatty's assertion, protection of every egg is not the interpretation

adopted by the WDFW or the PCHB. The WDFW biologists who testified did not

advocate for every egg, but recognized that protection of eggs must be based on the

impact the eggs have on the fish population. As stated by Mr. Harvester, "But the idea

was to protect most of the fish most of the time over most of the conditions that we have

observed. So the intent was not to protect every fish. We knew that." CP at 179.

      WDFW's policy to protect fish life in general is reflected in the creation of work

windows for mining. Work windows protect fish life by identifYing the fish residing in

each of hundreds of watercourses throughout the state and calculating the incubation

periods necessary to protect the redds and eggs developing through emergence. The

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No. 31409-0-111
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

establishment of a work window contemplates some harm to fish eggs and fish life that

develop outside of the specified dates. The work window provides a baseline measure of

protection without any need for further regulatory control and does not contemplate

protection of every egg. Thus, limiting Mr. Beatty to the work window did not evidence

an interpretation by WDFW or PCHB that every egg must be protected.

       Second, Mr. Beatty contends the PCHB wrongly applied RCW 77.55.231, which

requires the WDFW to develop permit conditions in proportion to the impact of the

proposed project. Mr. Beatty argues that the WDFW was required to determine the

specific impact of his project before imposing conditions. Instead of following the statute

and policy, Mr. Beatty contends that PCHB allowed the WDFW to forego presenting

testimony on the proposed impact and instead concluded that Mr. Beatty was responsible

for providing the information.

       The PCHB did not err in its interpretation or application ofRCW 77.55.231 when

deciding that WDFW's permit decision was correct. RCW 77.55.231 states that the

WDFW is responsible for assuring that permit conditions that attempt to optimize

conditions for fish life are not out of proportion to the impact of the proposed project.

The WFDW presented testimony at the hearingjustitying the imposition of the condition.

The WDFW judged the impact of Mr. Beatty's project by considering the specifications

                                             22 

No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

for the proposed construction and the proper protection of fish life. See

RCW 77.55.021(2). Mr. Beatty's request was to suction dredge outside of the work

window in Fortune Creek with no time or place restrictions. The WDFW determined that

dredging outside of the work window was harmful for fish life when it developed the

Pamphlet. Thus, without information in Mr. Beatty's application explaining why he

would qualify for an exception to the work window, imposing a permit condition in

accordance with the Pamphlet is not out of proportion to the impact of the project.

       Furthermore, neither RCW 77.55.231, nor the permit application process in

RCW 77.55.021, nor the hydraulic mining code in WAC 220-110 require the WDFW to

quantify the precise likelihood of impacts to fish life before imposing conditions. Instead,

Mr. Harvester testified that risk outside the work window is based on a biologist's

observations in conjunction with specific site and operation information provided to the

WDFW. Again, Mr. Beatty provided no specific site information to the WDFW, so there

was no basis to impose conditions other than those adopted in the Pamphlet. There is no

misinterpretation ofRCW 77.55.231.

      Next, in a related issue, Mr. Beatty contends that the PCHB and WDFW failed to

obey the command of the legislature to utilize the least burdensome form of regulation.

                                            23 

No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

Mr. Beatty maintains that the WDFW needed to insert provisions in his permit to

minimize impacts rather than denying his request to work outside of the work window.

       While legislative policy advocates for the least burdensome regulations, there is no

statutory requirement that the WDFW must insert provisions in his permit that minimize

impact. Also, there is no reason to conclude that other provisions were available to Mr.

Beatty based on the information provided in his permit. Suction dredging in Fortune

Creek is harmful to fish life when it occurs outside of the work window. To minimize

impact, WDFW prohibited suction dredging during this period. If other less burdensome

regulations were available to minimize impacts, they would have been included in the

Pamphlet. Therefore, the PCHB did not misinterpret the permitting scheme by failing to

require the WDFW to add minimizing impact provisions to Mr. Beatty's permit.

       Last, Mr. Beatty contends that the PCHB interpreted an extra obligation into the

statutory permit process that requires an applicant to meet with the WDFW and provide

more information before a decision can be granted.

       The PCHB did not add an extra requirement to the permitting process. Mr. Beatty

was required to include site specific information in his permit application according to

WAC 220-110-030. The PCHB acknowledged the reason for the denial of Mr. Beatty's

permit was his lack of information to substantiate a deviation from the adopted work

                                            24 

No. 31409-0-111
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

window regulations. The WDFW offered to meet with Mr. Beatty to help gather the

information needed to assess the application, but did not require the visit. The PCHB' s

determination that Mr. Beatty needed to provide more information to quality for an

exception to the Pamphlet was not a misinterpretation of the law. The PCHB correctly

interpreted the hydraulic code when it affirmed the conditions on Mr. Beatty's permit.

       Sufficiency ofthe Evidence. Mr. Beatty contends that the PCHB's decision to

uphold the permit conditions is not supported by the evidence.

       The substantial evidence standard in RCW 34.05.570(3)(e) allows this court to

grant relief if the agency's decision "is not supported by evidence that is substantial when

viewed in light of the whole record before the court." Evidence is substantial if it is in

sufficient quantum to persuade a fair-minded person of the truth of the declared premise.

Heinmiller v. Dep't o/Health, 127 Wash. 2d 595, 607, 903 P.2d 433 (1995) (quoting Thieu

Lenh Nghiem v. State, 73 Wash. App. 405, 412,869 P.2d 1086 (1994». This standard is

highly deferential to the agency fact finder. ARCa Prods. Co. v. Uti/so & Transp.

Comm'n, 125 Wn.2d 805,812,888 P.2d 728 (1995). When reviewing the evidence, the

court should give substantial deference to the agency's determinations, which are based

heavily on factual matters, especially when the factual matters are complex, technical, and

close to the heart of the agency's expertise. Hillis v. Dep't o/Ecology, 131 Wash. 2d 373,

                                             25 

No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

396,932 P.2d 139 (1997). Reviewing courts do not substitute their judgment for that of

the decision maker with regard to the credibility of witnesses or the weight granted to

conflicting evidence. William Dickson Co., 81 Wash. App. at 411 (quoting State ex rei.

Lige & William B. Dickson Co. v. County o/Pierce, 65 Wash. App. 614, 618, 829 P.2d 217

(1992)).

       The agency's legal conclusions receive de novo review under the error of law

standard. Stuewe v. Dep't o/Revenue, 98 Wash. App. 947, 949, 991 P.2d 634 (2000).

       Mr. Beatty asserts that the WDFW failed to present substantial evidence showing

impact or risk to fish. And, without any evidence of impact, the PCHB could not uphold

the denial of his permit request. Implicit in this argument is the notion the WDFW bears

the burden, when denying a permit, of demonstrating some likelihood his proposed

mining operation will endanger fish life.

       As a preliminary note, it is not appropriate under Washington law to shift the

burden of proof under these circumstances to the WDFW as Mr. Beatty suggests.

WAC 371-08-485 placed the burden on Mr. Beatty in the administrative hearing and

RCW 34.05.570(1)(a) places the burden on Mr. Beatty in this appeal. Furthermore,

"[w ]hen information necessary to proof 'is exclusively within the knowledge of one or the

other of the parties, the burden would be upon the party possessed of that knowledge to

                                            26 

No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

make the proof.'" Cedar River Water & Sewer Dist. v. King County, 178 Wash. 2d 763,

779,315 P.3d 1065 (2013) (quoting Joll[Oe v. N Pac. R.R., 52 Wash. 433, 436,100 P.

977 (1909)). Only Mr. Beatty knows the locations of Fortune Creek where he proposes to

suction dredge. The burden of proof cannot shift to WDFW. WDFW does not have

access to site specific location information of Mr. Beatty's suction dredging as he did not

supply it with his initial application or after WDFW requested it.

       In his sufficiency of the evidence argument, Mr. Beatty assigns error to several of

the PCHB's findings. First, he challenges the findings that bull trout redds and bull trout

have been observed in Fortune Creek. This finding is supported by substantial evidence.

The WDFW presented records from night snorkeling surveys conducted in July 2000 that

documented bull trout in Fortune Creek. Also, the WDFW submitted a draft of a 2000

study by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service that found at least 11 bull trout redds

in Fortune Creek. The PCHB relied on these studies in its findings. These studies

support the PCHB' s finding of bull trout in Fortune Creek.

       Second, Mr. Beatty challenges the findings that pertain to his ability to mitigate the

damage to fish eggs. He assigns error to the findings that he had no real experience in

recognizing redds and that redds were generally difficult to locate. Also, Mr. Beatty

                                             27 

No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

contends that the PCHB should have allowed hearsay declarations from other miners who

stated that they never found fish eggs.

       These findings are also supported by substantial evidence. Mr. Beatty testified that

he had never seen a redd. While he gave a description of a redd, the testimony was based

on information Mr. Harvester provided at a stakeholder meeting. Mr. Beatty could not

answer when asked specific questions about the color of the eggs and the type of gravel

where redds may be found. Mr. Harvester, a WDFW biologist, testified to the difficulties

in identifYing redds. This testimony of Mr. Beatty and Mr. Harvester sufficiently

supports the PCHB's findings. Also, the PCHB did not err by excluding the declarations

of the miners. The weight of this evidence would not have had an effect on the PCHB's

findings.

       Next, Mr. Beatty challenges the PCHB's finding that the WDFW's decision on the

application was not the result of personal animosity toward Mr. Beatty. Mr. Beatty

contends that the evidence of an altercation between his wife and Mr. Harvester created a

bias against Mr. Beatty and led to the denial of his permit.

       Substantial evidence supports the finding that the decision on the permit was not

based on personal animosity or retaliation. While there is evidence of a brief exchange

between Mr. Harvester and Mr. Beatty's wife at a rule development meeting, there is no

                                             28 

No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

evidence that this influenced the permit decision. Mr. Harvester testified that he did not

take umbrage against Mr. Beatty. The PCHB found this testimony credible.

       Ultimately, Mr. Beatty contends that the evidence as a whole does not show an

impact or risk to fish. Mr. Beatty's challenge is based largely on Dr. Crittenden's

testimony that there is only a small chance-between one in ten thousand and one in a

million-{)frandomly selecting a spot along the course of the affected river where fish

were spawning. Mr. Beatty asserts that on the strength of this testimony there is only an

insignificant chance he would mine at the site of a fish habitat. Thus, the WDFW did not

demonstrate that his proposed mining operation would likely endanger fish life.

       However, the WDFW was not required to find Mr. Beatty's mining operation was

likely to harm fish life in order to deny him his permit. It was required to determine,

based on the evidence provided, only whether the potential risk of his proposed operation

could be adequately managed. The unavailability of sufficient evidence here resulted

from Mr. Beatty's failure to submit a complete written application specifying each

location of his proposed operation as he was required to do. Mr. Beatty was not going to

select mining sites at random, as Dr. Crittenden's testimony suggested. In order to

determine the probability that Mr. Beatty would mine at the site of a fish habitat, the

WDFW had to know where those sites would be.

                                             29
No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

       The PCHB correctly found that Dr. Crittenden's testimony was too general and not

meaningful. Dr. Crittenden's testimony was really nothing more than a demonstration of

the futility of making any kind of quantification of the risk of harm posed by Mr. Beatty's

proposed operation. In evaluating the kind of evidence presented by Dr. Crittenden, one

must ask whether (I) the study was properly designed and (2) whether it was based on

sufficient data. The study, a "back of the envelope" calculation on its face did not answer

a relevant question. It addressed only the likelihood of randomly selecting a spot on the

river where fish were spawning. The relevant question was whether a mining site

designated by the applicant (not randomly selected) would coincide with a fish habitat

site. Additionally, Dr. Crittenden failed to employ any generally accepted hypothesis

testing required to evaluate the significance of his conclusions. See D.H. Kaye, Is Proof

ofStatistical Significance Relevant?, 61 WASH. L. REv. 1333 (1986).

       Apparently the only datum available to Dr. Crittenden was the length of the river.

Dr. Crittenden was unable to supply any reliable data establishing even the proportion of

the river covered by fish habitat. This, coupled with Mr. Beatty's failure to disclose the

location of his operations made it impossible to make any meaningful prediction about the

likelihood of harm occurring. There was no basis to estimate the degree of possible harm.

This lack of data disfavored any kind of statistical proof. Under these circumstances, the

                                            30 

No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

PCHB was entitled both to reject Dr. Crittenden's attempt to quantity the risk of Mr.

Beatty's proposed operation and to conclude there was no adequate means of managing

that risk. Thus, the PCHB's finding that Dr. Crittenden's testimony was too general and

not meaningful is supported by evidence.

       Mr. Beatty's challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence fails. Mr. Beatty's

application did not include site or operation specific information that would have allowed

the WDFW to determine the risks of Mr. Beatty's operation and whether an exception

was warranted from the work window. The PCHB correctly concluded that "the

conditions WDFW placed on [Mr. Beatty's permit] are reasonably designed to protect

fish life and do not impose restrictions unrelated to or out of proportion to the proposed

dredging activity." CP at 73-74. The PCHB order affirming the suction dredging

condition is supported by substantial evidence.

       Conflict with Federal Mining Laws. Mr. Beatty contends that WDFW's

regulations are preempted by federal law because they materially interfere with mining on

his federal mining claim. Mr. Beatty maintains that the condition on his permit

essentially prohibits him from exercising his mining rights.

       We may declare an agency rule invalid as applied if it violates constitutional

provisions or ifit exceeds statutory authority of the agency. RCW 34.0S.570(3)(a), (b);

                                            31 

No. 31409-0-II1
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

Ass 'n of Wash. Bus. v. Dep't ofRevenue, 155 Wn.2d 430,437, 120 P.3d 46 (2005). The

validity of an agency rule is reviewed de novo. Ass 'n of Wash. Bus., 155 Wash. 2d at 437.

Similarly, de novo review applies to questions of federal preemption. Robertson v. Wash.

State Liquor Control Bd., 102 Wash. App. 848, 853, 10 P.3d 1079 (2000).

      The Supremacy Clause in the United States Constitution gives the federal

government the power to preempt state law. Arizona v. United States, _ U.S. _, 132 S.

Ct. 2492, 2500-01, 183 L. Ed. 2d 351 (2012). Preemption can occur in three ways:

express preemption, field preemption, and conflict preemption. Id. Express preemption

occurs when Congress expressly withdraws specified powers from a state through a

statutory provision. Id. Field preemption occurs when Congress detennines that a field

of conduct must be regulated by its exclusive governance. Id. Conflict preemption

occurs when federal and state laws conflict making compliance with both a physical

impossibility, or when the challenged state law stands'" as an obstacle to the

accomplishment and execution of the full purposes and objectives of Congress.'" Id. at

2495 (quoting Hines v. Davidowitz, 312 U.S. 52,67,61 S. Ct. 399, 85 L. Ed. 581 (1941».

Conflict preemption is at issue here, specifically, whether the pennit conditions imposed

by the WDFW and upheld by the PCHB stand as an obstacle to the purpose of the federal

mining laws.

                                            32
No. 31409-0-111
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

       To determine whether the permit condition is preempted, "we must first determine

the purposes and objectives of Congress that are embodied in the [Federal Mining Act of

1872,30 U.S.C. §§ 21-26]. Second, we must determine whether the [condition] stands as

an obstacle to the accomplishment of these Congressional purposes." South Dakota

Mining Ass 'n v. Lawrence County, 155 F.3d 1005, 1009 (8th Cir. 1998).

       The Federal Mining Act provides for the free and open exploration of public lands

for valuable mineral deposits. 30 U.S.c. § 22. Generally, the purpose of federal mining

regulations is for "the encouragement of exploration for mining of valuable minerals

located on federal lands, providing federal regulation of mining to protect the physical

environment while allowing the efficient and economical extraction and use of minerals,

and allowing state and local regulation of mining so long as such regulation is consistent

with federal mining law." South Dakota Mining, 155 F.3d at 1010.

      Federal forest service regulations, including the Federal Mining Act and the

Multiple Use Mining Act, 30 U.S.C. § 601, do not preempt a general state environmental

regulation requiring a permit for operating a mining claim on federal land. California

Coastal Comm 'n v. Granite Rock Co., 480 U.S. 572, 582-95, 107 S. Ct. 1419,94 L. Ed.

2d 577 (1987).

                                            33 

No. 31409-0-111
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

       In Granite Rock, the California Coastal Act, California Public Resources § 30000,

required any person undertaking development in the state's coastal zone to obtain a

permit from the coastal commission, including those wishing to exercise federal mining

rights. Id. at 576. Granite Rock refused to obtain a permit for its limestone mining

operation on federal land within the coastal zone. Id. at 576-77. Instead, Granite Rock

challenged the permit requirement in federal court, contending that the state law permit

requirement was preempted by federal law. Id. at 577. The United States Supreme Court

concluded that the state law permit requirement, as a means of imposing reasonable

environmental regulations on mining operations, was not in conflict with federal law and

was not preempted on its face. Id. at 594.

       However, the Court limited the scope of its decision to the facial challenge

presented. Id. It pointed out that Granite Rock did not argue that the coastal commission

placed any particular conditions on the permit that conflicted with federal statutes or

regulations. Id. at 579-80. Thus, the Court did not approve any future application of the

state permit requirement that conflicted with federal law. Id. at 594.

       This case presents the issue left open in Granite Rock. Specifically, whether the

condition on Mr. Beatty's permit conflicts with federal law. As the court noted in

                                             34 

No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

Granite Rock, "one may hypothesize a state environmental regulation so severe that a

particular land use would become commercially impracticaL" [d. at 587.

       The condition on Mr. Beatty's permit and the state regulations supporting the

condition do not stand as an obstacle to the accomplishment of the federal mining laws.

The general environmental mining regulations imposed in the Pamphlet still allow Mr.

Beatty to exercise his federal mining rights, albeit with restrictions. The mining

restrictions and permit conditions are designed to protect the physical environment for the

development of fish life, which is consistent with the Federal Mining Act.

       The restrictions in the Pamphlet do not act as a de facto ban on mining. If the

allowable mining methods in the Pamphlet are not suitable or economically viable, a

miner may request relaxed mining regulations by completing an application with site

specific information and specifications for the proper protection of fish life. See

WAC 220-110-030. As another layer of protection, any condition placed on the

permit to optimize fish life cannot be out of proportion to the proposed project.

RCW 77.55.231(1). This provision limits the burden that the WDFW can place on

exploration for mining valuable minerals. As applied to Mr. Beatty, he may provide the

information needed to obtain an exception from the Pamphlet regulations and modify the

                                             35 

No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

conditions imposed on his permit. The mining regulations and the modifiable condition

on his permit do not stand as an obstacle to Mr. Beatty's right to mine.

       In sum, the condition on Mr. Beatty's permit does not conflict with federal

regulations on mineral prospecting. The condition allows for the exploration of public

lands for valuable mineral deposits while protecting the physical environment.

Furthermore, the efficient and economical extraction of minerals is not obstructed. Mr.

Beatty may apply for an exception to the permit conditions and propose a site specific

plan that increases his mineral production while protecting fish life.

       Constitutional Challenges. Mr. Beatty makes two constitutional challenges to the

PCHB's approval of the permit. Mr. Beatty contends that the hydraulic mining permit

statute, RCW 77.55.021, is unconstitutionally vague because the statute fails to give the

WDFW any guidance on the proper scope of review for a permit application. He also

contends that he was subject to unconstitutional discrimination.

       Mr. Beatty is incorrect. The hydraulic mining permit statute is not

unconstitutionally vague. The statute provides an identifiable standard for denying a

permit. Former RCW 77.55.021(3)(a) directs the WDFW that protection offish life is the

only grounds upon which approval of a permit may be denied. The WDFW defined fish

as all fish species, including food fish and game fish, at all stages of development of those

                                             36 

No. 31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

species. Fonner RCW 77.08.010(17) (2009). "Protection offish life" is defined as

"prevention of loss or injury to fish or shellfish, and protection of the habitat that supports

fish and shellfish populations." WAC 220-110-020(79). The statute and definitions

provide suitable guidance for the WDFW to deny a pennit on the grounds that it

endangers the fish population.

       Furthennore, the court in State v. Crown Zellerbach Corp., 92 Wash. 2d 894, 900-01,

602 P .2d 1172 (1979) held that the statute delegating authority to WDFW was

constitutionally enforceable under the delegation of powers principle. The court found

the general standards given in the statute were adequate, "particularly in light of our

stated view that environmental factors are not readily subject to standardization or

quantification." Id. at 900. There is no evidence in the record that would support a

conclusion that RCW 77.55.021 was unconstitutional as applied to Mr. Beatty.

       Mr. Beatty's relies on Anderson v. City ofIssaquah, 70 Wash. App. 64, 851 P.2d 744

(1993) as authority that a precise standard is needed in the environmental context. Mr.

Beatty's reliance is misplaced. Anderson is not persuasive. The building code

regulations in Anderson are not comparable to the hydraulic mining code in

WAC 220-110. The words used in Issaquah's building code were not technical words

                                              37 

No. 31409-0-111
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

commonly understood within the industry. Anderson, 70 Wash. App. at 77. Nor did the

regulations involve environmental factors not subject to standardization.

       Mr. Beatty contends that the WDFW unconstitutionally discriminated against him

because he was not treated the same as other miners downstream who received permits.

Mr. Beatty fails to cite legal authority for his argument. Citations to legal authority and

reference to relevant portions of the record must be included in support of issues raised on

appeal. RAP 1O.3(a)(5). "Without adequate, cogent argument and briefing, this court

should not consider an issue on appeal." Schmidt v. Cornerstone Inv., Inc., 115 Wash. 2d
148, 160, 795 P .2d 1143 (1990). In any case, there is no evidence of disparate treatment.

The miners downstream are not similarly situated to Mr. Beatty because they provided

site specific information to WDFW to obtain work window extensions. The WDFW

offered Mr. Beatty the same opportunity to explore a site specific solution to obtain a

permit extension, but Mr. Beatty refused. Mr. Beatty's discrimination claim fails.

       The hydraulic mining permit statute is not unconstitutionally vague. Nor did the

WDFW discriminate against Mr. Beatty.

       Adoption ofWDFW's Mitigation Policy. Mr. Beatty contends that the mitigation

policy adopted by the WDFW is a "rule" as defined by RCW 34.05.010(16) in

                                             38 

No. 31409-0-II1
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

Washington'S Administrative Procedure Act, and that the WDFW did not follow

prescribed rule-making procedures in adopting a rule.

       An agency action constitutes a rule only if it meets the requisite elements in

RCW 34.05.010(16). The action must be an agency order, directive, or regulation of

general applicability and meet one of the five expressed qualifiers in the definition.

RCW 34.05.010(16).

       As stated earlier, the WDFW mitigation policy provides, "WDFW shall determine

the project impact, significance of impact, amount of mitigation required, and amount of

mitigation achieved, based on the best available information, including the applicant's

plans and specifications. For large projects with potentially significant impacts, this will

be based on review of studies approved by WDFW." Ex. A-36 at 4.

       Similarly, "mitigation" in hydraulic permits is defined by rule in WAC 220-110­

020(66) and means "actions that shall be required as provisions of the HPA to avoid or

compensate for impacts to fish life resulting from the proposed project activity." The

definition lists the types of mitigation to be considered and implemented, where feasible,

in the following sequential order of preference:

                                             39 

No.31409-0-III
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

           (a) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or
       parts of an action;
           (b) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the
       action and its implementation;
           (c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the
       affected environment;
           (d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and
       maintenance operations during the life of the action;
           (e) Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute
       resources or environments; or
           (t) Monitoring the impact and taking appropriate corrective measures to
       achieve the identified goaL

WAC 220-110-020(66).

       Mr. Beatty neglected to address which of the qualifiers in RCW 34.05.010(16)

apply to the WDFW's action in order to classify the internal mitigation policy as a rule.

Still, it is clear that the internal mitigation policy is not a new directive to the agency to

consider mitigation. The internal policy is a simplified restatement of WAC 220-110­

020(66), The much shorter internal mitigation policy simply reiterates the mitigation rule

and reminds persons in the WDFW to follow the rule.

       In any case, the mitigation policy did not affect Mr. Beatty. The WDFW did not

consider mitigation because Mr. Beatty did not submit a mitigation plan to the WDFW or

work with them to develop a mitigation plan. Without an influence on the decision, there

is no violation.

                                               40
No. 31409-0-II1
Beatty v. Fish & Wildlife Comm 'n

      In conclusion, we find no error with the PCHB's decision on Mr. Beatty's permit.

We affirm the decision of the superior court.

WE CONCUR: 

                                            41