Section 173-549-020. Establishment of minimum instream flows.

(1) Minimum instream flows are established for stream management units with monitoring to take place at certain control points as follows:

Stream Management Unit Information

(2) Minimum instream flows established for the stream management units in WAC 173-549-020(1) are as follows:

Minimum Instream Flows in the

Okanogan River

(All Figures in Cubic Feet Per Second)

(3) Minimum instream flow hydrographs, as represented in WAC 173-549-900, shall be used for definition of minimum instream flows on those days not specifically identified in WAC 173-549-020(2).

(4) Future consumptive water right permits hereafter issued for diversion of surface water from the mainstem Okanogan River and the Similkameen River shall be expressly subject to minimum instream flows established in WAC 173-549-020 (1) through (3) except those described in WAC 173-549-070.

(5) Projects that would reduce the flow in a portion of a stream's length (e.g. hydroelectric projects that bypass a portion of a stream) will be considered consumptive only with respect to the affected portion of the stream. Such projects will be subject to instream flows as specified by the department. These flows may be those established in WAC 173-549-020 or, when appropriate, may be flows specifically tailored to that particular project and stream reach. When studies are required to determine such reach- and project-specific flow requirements, the department may require the project proponent to conduct such studies.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.54 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 84-13-076 (Order DE 84-15), § 173-549-020, filed 6/20/84; Order DE 76-25, § 173-549-020, filed 7/14/76.]

Chapters 90.54 and 90.22 RCW. WSR 84-13-076 (Order DE 84-15), § 173-549-020, filed 6/20/84; Order DE 76-25, § 173-549-020, filed 7/14/76.

Rules

173-549-900,173-549-070,