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H.B. 117

This document includes House Committee Amendments incorporated into the bill on Wed, Jan 30, 2008 at 10:54 AM by jeyring. -->              1     

INSTREAM FLOW TO PROTECT TROUT

             2     
HABITAT

             3     
2008 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Chief Sponsor: Stephen E. Sandstrom

             6     
Senate Sponsor: Peter C. Knudson

             7     
             8      LONG TITLE
             9      General Description:
             10          This bill authorizes a fishing group to temporarily change a water right for instream
             11      flow to protect trout habitat.
             12      Highlighted Provisions:
             13          This bill:
             14          .    defines terms;
             15          .    authorizes a fishing group to file a change application for a fixed period not
             16      exceeding ten years for an instream flow to protect or restore habitat for native
             17      trout;
             18          .    requires the Division of Wildlife Resources' director to review the proposed change;
             19          .    allows a fixed time change applicant to refile the application;
             20          .    provides that the water right will automatically revert to its previous place and
             21      purpose of use when the application expires;
             22          .    repeals the instream flow water right held by a fishing group in ten years; and
             23          .    makes technical changes.
             24      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             25          None
             26      Other Special Clauses:
             27          None


             28      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             29      AMENDS:
             30          63-55-273, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2003, Chapter 254
             31          73-3-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 215
             32          73-3-12, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 136
             33          73-3-16, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 33
             34          73-3-17, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1955, Chapter 160
             35          73-5-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 136
             36      ENACTS:
             37          73-3-30, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             38     
             39      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             40          Section 1. Section 63-55-273 is amended to read:
             41           63-55-273. Repeal dates, Title 73.
             42          (1) Title 73, Chapter 27, State Water Development Commission, is repealed December
             43      31, 2008.
             44          (2) The instream flow water right for trout habitat established in Subsection 73-3-30 (3)
             45      is repealed December 31, 2018.
             46          Section 2. Section 73-3-3 is amended to read:
             47           73-3-3. Permanent or temporary changes in point of diversion, place of use, or
             48      purpose of use.
             49          (1) For purposes of this section:
             50          (a) "Permanent [changes"] change" means [changes] a change for an indefinite [length]
             51      period of time with an intent to relinquish the original point of diversion, place of use, or
             52      purpose of use.
             53          (b) "Temporary [changes"] change" means [changes] a change for a fixed [periods]
             54      period of time not exceeding one year.
             55          (2) (a) Any person entitled to H. [ [ ] the [ ] ] .H use H. [ [ ] of [ ] ] .H water may
             55a      make H. [ a ] .H permanent or temporary
             56      H. [ [ ] changes [ ] ] [ change ] .H in the:
             57          (i) point of diversion;
             58          (ii) place of use; or


             59          (iii) purpose of use for which the water was originally appropriated.
             60          (b) [A] Except as provided by Section 73-3-30 , a change may not be made if it impairs
             61      [any] a vested water right without just compensation.
             62          (3) [Both permanent and temporary changes of] A person entitled to use water shall
             63      change a point of diversion, place of use, or purpose of [use of] water use, including water
             64      involved in a general adjudication or other [suits, shall be made] suit, in the manner provided
             65      in this section.
             66          (4) (a) A person entitled to use water may not make a change [may not be made] unless
             67      the state engineer approves the change application [is approved by the state engineer].
             68          (b) [Applications shall be made] A person entitled to use water shall submit a change
             69      application upon forms furnished by the state engineer and shall set forth:
             70          (i) the applicant's name [of the applicant];
             71          (ii) [a description of] the water right description;
             72          (iii) the [quantity of] water quantity;
             73          (iv) the stream or water source;
             74          (v) if applicable, the point on the stream or water source where the water is diverted;
             75          (vi) if applicable, the point to which it is proposed to change the diversion of the water;
             76          (vii) the place, purpose, and extent of the present use;
             77          (viii) the place, purpose, and extent of the proposed use; and
             78          (ix) any other information that the state engineer requires.
             79           H. [ [ ] (5) (a) The state engineer shall follow the same procedures, and the
             79a      rights and duties
             80      of the applicants with respect to applications for permanent changes of point of

             80a      diversion, place
             81      of use, or purpose of use shall be the same, as provided in this title for applications to
             82      appropriate water. [ ] ]

             83           [ (5) (a) (i) In considering a permanent change application, the state engineer shall
             84      follow the same procedures as provided in this title for an application to appropriate water.
             85          (ii) The rights and duties of a permanent change applicant are the same as provided in
             86      this title for an applicant to appropriate water.
] .H

             87          (b) The state engineer may[, in connection with applications for] waive notice for a
             88      permanent change application involving only a change in point of diversion of 660 feet or less[,
             89      waive the necessity for publishing a notice of application].


             90          (6) (a) The state engineer shall investigate all temporary change applications.
             91          (b) If the state engineer finds that the temporary change will not impair [any] a vested
             92      [rights of others, he] water right, the state engineer shall issue an order authorizing the change.
             93          (c) If the state engineer finds that the change sought might impair a vested [rights]
             94      water right, before authorizing the change, [he] the state engineer shall give notice of the
             95      application to any person whose [rights] right may be affected by the change.
             96          (d) Before making an investigation or giving notice, the state engineer may require the
             97      applicant to deposit a sum of money sufficient to pay the expenses of the investigation and
             98      publication of notice.
             99          (7) (a) [The] Except as provided by Section 73-3-30 , the state engineer may not reject
             100      [applications for either permanent or temporary changes] a permanent or temporary change
             101      application for the sole reason that the change would impair [the] a vested [rights of others]
             102      water right.
             103          (b) If otherwise proper, the state engineer may approve a permanent or temporary
             104      [changes may be approved] change application for part of the water involved or upon the
             105      condition that the applicant acquire the conflicting [rights are acquired] water right.
             106          (8) (a) [Any] A person holding an approved application for the appropriation of water
             107      may [either permanently or temporarily] change the point of diversion, place of use, or purpose
             108      of use.
             109          (b) A change of an approved application does not:
             110          (i) affect the priority of the original application; or
             111          (ii) extend the time period within which the construction of work is to begin or be
             112      completed.
             113          (9) Any person who changes or who attempts to change a point of diversion, place of
             114      use, or purpose of use, either permanently or temporarily, without first applying to the state
             115      engineer in the manner provided in this section:
             116          (a) obtains no right;
             117          (b) is guilty of a crime punishable under Section 73-2-27 if the change or attempted
             118      change is made knowingly or intentionally; and
             119          (c) is guilty of a separately punishable offense for each day of the unlawful change.
             120          (10) (a) This section does not apply to the replacement of an existing well by a new


             121      well drilled within a radius of 150 feet from the point of diversion of the existing well.
             122          (b) Any replacement well must be drilled in accordance with the requirements of
             123      Section 73-3-28 .
             124          [(11) (a) In accordance with the requirements of this section, the Division of Wildlife
             125      Resources or Division of Parks and Recreation may file applications for permanent or
             126      temporary changes for the purpose of providing water for instream flows, within a designated
             127      section of a natural stream channel or altered natural stream channel, necessary within the state
             128      for:]
             129          [(i) the propagation of fish;]
             130          [(ii) public recreation; or]
             131          [(iii) the reasonable preservation or enhancement of the natural stream environment.]
             132          [(b) Applications may be filed for changes on:]
             133          [(i) perfected water rights presently owned by the respective division;]
             134          [(ii) perfected water rights purchased by the respective division for the purpose of
             135      providing water for instream flows, through funding provided for that purpose by legislative
             136      appropriation or acquired by lease, agreement, gift, exchange, or contribution; or]
             137          [(iii) appurtenant water rights acquired with the acquisition of real property by either
             138      division.]
             139          [(c) A physical structure or physical diversion from the stream is not required to
             140      implement a change for instream flow use.]
             141          [(d) This Subsection (11) does not allow enlargement of the water right sought to be
             142      changed nor may the change impair any vested water right.]
             143          [(e) In addition to the other requirements of this section, an application filed by either
             144      division shall:]
             145          [(i) set forth the legal description of the points on the stream between which the
             146      necessary instream flows will be provided by the change; and]
             147          [(ii) include appropriate studies, reports, or other information required by the state
             148      engineer that demonstrate the necessity for the instream flows in the specified section of the
             149      stream and the projected benefits to the public that will result from the change.]
             150          [(f) The Division of Wildlife Resources and Division of Parks and Recreation may:]
             151          [(i) purchase water rights for the purposes provided in Subsection (11)(a) only with


             152      funds specifically appropriated by the Legislature for water rights purchases; or]
             153          [(ii) accept a donated water right without legislative approval.]
             154          [(g) This Subsection (11) does not authorize either division to:]
             155          [(i) appropriate unappropriated water under Section 73-3-2 for the purpose of
             156      providing instream flows; or]
             157          [(ii) acquire water rights by eminent domain for instream flows or for any other
             158      purpose.]
             159          [(h) This Subsection (11) applies only to change applications filed on or after April 28,
             160      1986.]
             161          [(12) (a) Sixty days before the date on which proof of change for instream flows under
             162      Subsection (11) is due, the state engineer shall notify the applicant by registered mail or by any
             163      form of electronic communication through which receipt is verifiable of the date when proof of
             164      change is due.]
             165          [(b) Before the date when proof of change is due, the applicant must either:]
             166          [(i) file a verified statement with the state engineer that the instream flow uses have
             167      been perfected, which shall set forth:]
             168          [(A) the legal description of the points on the natural stream channel or altered natural
             169      stream channel between which the necessary instream flows have been provided;]
             170          [(B) detailed measurements of the flow of water in second feet changed;]
             171          [(C) the period of use; and]
             172          [(D) any additional information required by the state engineer; or]
             173          [(ii) apply for a further extension of time as provided for in Section 73-3-12 .]
             174          [(c) Upon approval of the verified statement required under Subsection (12)(b)(i), the
             175      state engineer shall issue a certificate of change for instream flow use.]
             176          Section 3. Section 73-3-12 is amended to read:
             177           73-3-12. Time limit on construction and application to beneficial use --
             178      Extensions -- Procedures and criteria.
             179          (1) As used in this section, "public agency" means:
             180          (a) a public water supply agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state; or
             181          (b) the Bureau of Reclamation.
             182          (2) (a) [The construction of the works and the application of] An applicant shall


             183      construct works, if necessary, and apply the water to beneficial use [shall be diligently
             184      prosecuted to completion] within the time fixed by the state engineer.
             185          (b) [Extensions] Except as provided by Subsection (2)(c), the state engineer may grant
             186      an extension of time, not exceeding 50 years from the application's approval date [of approval
             187      of the application, except as provided in Subsection (2)(c), may be granted by the state engineer
             188      on proper showing of], if the applicant shows diligence or a reasonable cause for delay.
             189          (c) [Additional extensions] The state engineer may grant an extension of time, beyond
             190      50 years, [may be granted by the state engineer on applications] on an application held by [any]
             191      a public agency, if the public agency can demonstrate that the water will be needed to meet the
             192      reasonable future requirements of the public.
             193          (d) [All requests] An applicant shall file a request for an extension of time [shall be
             194      filed in] with the office of the state engineer on or before the date fixed for filing proof of
             195      appropriation.
             196          (e) The state engineer may grant an extension of time:
             197          [(e) Extensions] (i) not exceeding 14 years after the approval date [of approval may be
             198      granted by the state engineer] upon a sufficient showing[, but extensions]; and
             199          (ii) beyond 14 years [shall be granted only] after application and publication of notice.
             200          (f) (i) The state engineer shall publish a notice of the application once a week for two
             201      successive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation, in the county in which the [source of
             202      the] water supply source is located and where the water is to be used.
             203          (ii) The notice shall:
             204          (A) state that an application has been made; and
             205          (B) specify where the interested party may obtain additional information relating to the
             206      application.
             207          (g) Any person who owns a water right or holds an application from the source of
             208      supply referred to in Subsection (2)(f) [or holds an application from that source of supply] may
             209      file a protest with the state engineer:
             210          (i) within 20 days after the notice is published, if the adjudicative proceeding is
             211      informal; and
             212          (ii) within 30 days after the notice is published, if the adjudicative proceeding is
             213      formal.


             214          (h) In considering an application to extend the time in which to place water to
             215      beneficial use under an approved application, the state engineer shall deny the extension and
             216      declare the application lapsed, unless the applicant affirmatively shows that the applicant has
             217      exercised or is exercising reasonable and due diligence in working toward completion of the
             218      appropriation.
             219          (i) (i) [If] The state engineer shall approve the extension of time if the applicant shows
             220      reasonable and due diligence [is shown by the applicant, the state engineer shall approve the
             221      extension].
             222          (ii) The approved extension of time is effective so long as the applicant continues to
             223      exercise reasonable diligence in completing the appropriation.
             224          (j) (i) The state engineer shall consider the holding of an approved application by [any]
             225      a public agency to meet the reasonable future requirements of the public to be reasonable and
             226      due diligence within the meaning of this section for the first 50 years.
             227          (ii) The state engineer may approve [extensions] an extension of time beyond 50 years
             228      for a public agency, if the public agency provides information H. [ [ ] sufficient to demonstrate [ ] ]
             228a      [ that
            
229      shows ] .H the water will be needed to meet the reasonable future requirements of the public.
             230          (k) If the state engineer finds unjustified delay or lack of diligence in prosecuting the
             231      works to completion, the state engineer may:
             232          (i) deny the extension of time; or [may]
             233          (ii) grant the request in part or upon conditions, including a reduction of the priority of
             234      all or part of the application.
             235          (3) (a) Except as provided [in] by Subsections (3)(b) and (c), an application upon
             236      which proof has not been submitted shall lapse and have no further force or effect after the
             237      expiration of 50 years from the date of its approval.
             238          (b) If the works are constructed with which to make beneficial use of the water applied
             239      for, the state engineer may, upon showing of that fact, grant additional time beyond the 50-year
             240      period in which to make proof.
             241          (c) An application held by a public agency to meet the reasonable future requirements
             242      of the public, for which proof of appropriation has not been submitted, shall lapse, unless
             243      extended as provided in Subsection (2)(j).
             244          Section 4. Section 73-3-16 is amended to read:


             245           73-3-16. Proof of appropriation or permanent change -- Notice -- Manner of
             246      proof -- Statements -- Maps, profiles, and drawings -- Verification -- Waiver of filing --
             247      Statement in lieu of proof of appropriation or change.
             248          (1) Sixty days before the date set for the proof of appropriation or proof of change to be
             249      made, the state engineer shall notify the applicant by mail when proof of completion of the
             250      works and application of the water to a beneficial use will be due.
             251          (2) On or before the date set for completing the proof in accordance with the
             252      application, the applicant shall file proof with the state engineer on forms furnished by the state
             253      engineer.
             254          (3) Except as provided in Subsection (4), the applicant shall submit the following
             255      information:
             256          (a) a description of the works constructed;
             257          (b) the quantity of water in acre-feet or the flow in second-feet diverted, or both;
             258          (c) the method of applying the water to beneficial use; and
             259          (d) (i) detailed measurements of water put to beneficial use;
             260          (ii) the date the measurements were made; and
             261          (iii) the name of the person making the measurements.
             262          (4) (a) On applications filed for appropriation or permanent change of use of water to
             263      provide a water supply for state projects constructed pursuant to Title 73, Chapter 10, Board of
             264      Water Resources - Division of Water Resources, or for federal projects constructed by the
             265      United States Bureau of Reclamation for the use and benefit of the state, any of its agencies, its
             266      political subdivisions, public and quasi-municipal corporations, or water users' associations of
             267      which the state, its agencies, political subdivisions, or public and quasi-municipal corporations
             268      are stockholders, the proof shall include:
             269          (i) a statement indicating construction of the project works has been completed;
             270          (ii) a description of the major features with appropriate maps, profiles, drawings, and
             271      reservoir area-capacity curves;
             272          (iii) a description of the point or points of diversion and rediversion;
             273          (iv) project operation data;
             274          (v) a map showing the place of use of water and a statement of the purpose and method
             275      of use;


             276          (vi) the project plan for beneficial use of water under the applications and the quantity
             277      of water required; and
             278          (vii) a statement indicating what type of measuring devices have been installed.
             279          (b) The director of the Division of Water Resources shall sign proofs for the state
             280      projects and an authorized official of the Bureau of Reclamation shall sign proofs for the
             281      federal projects specified in Subsection (4)(a).
             282          (5) The proof on all applications shall be sworn to by the applicant or the applicant's
             283      appointed representative and proof engineer.
             284          (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), when filing proof, the applicant shall
             285      submit maps, profiles, and drawings made by a Utah licensed land surveyor or Utah licensed
             286      professional engineer that show:
             287          (i) the location of the completed works;
             288          (ii) the nature and extent of the completed works;
             289          (iii) the natural stream or source from which and the point where the water is diverted
             290      and, in the case of a nonconsumptive use, the point where the water is returned; and
             291          (iv) the place of use.
             292          (b) The state engineer may waive the filing of maps, profiles, and drawings if in the
             293      state engineer's opinion the written proof adequately describes the works and the nature and
             294      extent of beneficial use.
             295          (7) The completed proof shall conform to rules and standards established by the state
             296      engineer.
             297          (8) In those areas in which general determination proceedings are pending, or have
             298      been concluded, under Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, the state engineer
             299      may petition the district court for permission to:
             300          (a) waive the requirements of this section and Section 73-3-17 ; and
             301          (b) permit each owner of an application to file a verified statement to the effect that the
             302      applicant has completed the appropriation or change and elects to file a statement of water
             303      users claim in the proposed determination of water rights or any supplement to it in accordance
             304      with Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, in lieu of proof of appropriation or
             305      proof of change.
             306          (9) This section does not apply to an instream flow water right authorized by Section


             307      73-3-30 .
             308          Section 5. Section 73-3-17 is amended to read:
             309           73-3-17. Certificate of appropriation -- Evidence.
             310          (1) Upon it being made to appear to the satisfaction of the state engineer that an
             311      appropriation [or], a permanent change of point of diversion, place or [nature] purpose of use,
             312      or a fixed time change authorized by Section 73-3-30 has been perfected in accordance with the
             313      application [therefor], and that the water appropriated or affected by the change has been put to
             314      a beneficial use, as required by Section 73-3-16 [, he] or 73-3-30 , the state engineer shall issue a
             315      certificate, in duplicate, setting forth:
             316          (a) the name and post-office address of the person by whom the water is used[,];
             317          (b) the quantity of water in acre-feet or the flow in second-feet appropriated[,];
             318          (c) the purpose for which the water is used[,];
             319          (d) the time during which the water is to be used each year[,];
             320          (e) the name of the stream or water source [of supply]:
             321          (i) from which the water is diverted[,]; or
             322          (ii) within which an instream flow is maintained;
             323          (f) the date of the appropriation or change[,]; and [such other matter as will fully and
             324      completely define]
             325          (g) other information that defines the extent and conditions of actual application of the
             326      water to a beneficial use[; provided that certificates].
             327          (2) Certificates issued on applications for projects constructed [pursuant] according to
             328      Title 73, Chapter 10, [Utah Code Annotated 1953] Board of Water Resources - Division of
             329      Water Resources, and for the federal projects constructed by the United States Bureau of
             330      Reclamation, referred to in Section 73-3-16 [of said Code], need show no more than the facts
             331      shown in the proof. [The]
             332          (3) A certificate [shall] under this section does not extend the rights described in the
             333      application.
             334          (4) Failure to file proof of appropriation or proof of change of the water on or before
             335      the date set therefor shall cause the application to lapse.
             336          (5) One copy of [such] a certificate issued under this section shall be filed in the office
             337      of the state engineer and the other shall be delivered to the appropriator or to the person making


             338      the change who shall, within [thirty] 30 days, cause the same to be recorded in the office of the
             339      county recorder of the county in which the water is diverted from the natural stream or source.
             340          (6) The certificate [so] issued and filed [shall be] under this section is prima facie
             341      evidence of the owner's right to the use of the water in the quantity, for the purpose, at the
             342      place, and during the time specified therein, subject to prior rights.
             343          Section 6. Section 73-3-30 is enacted to read:
             344          73-3-30. Change application for an instream flow.
             345          (1) As used in this section:
             346          (a) "Division" means the Division of Wildlife Resources, created in Section 23-14-1 ,
             347      or the Division of Parks and Recreation, created in Section 63-11-17.1 .
             348          (b) "Fishing group" means an organization that:
             349          (i) is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code; and
             350          (ii) promotes fishing opportunities in the state.
             351          (c) "Fixed time change" means a change in a water right's point of diversion, place of
             352      use, or purpose of use for a fixed period of time longer than one year but not longer than ten
             353      years.
             354          (2) (a) A division may file a permanent or temporary change application, as provided
             355      by Section 73-3-3 , for the purpose of providing water for an instream flow, within a specified
             356      section of a natural or altered stream channel, necessary within the state for:
             357          (i) the propagation of fish;
             358          (ii) public recreation; or
             359          (iii) the reasonable preservation or enhancement of the natural stream environment.
             360          (b) A division may file a change application on:
             361          (i) a perfected water right:
             362          (A) presently owned by the division;
             363          (B) purchased by the division for the purpose of providing water for an instream flow,
             364      through funding provided for that purpose by legislative appropriation; or
             365          (C) acquired by lease, agreement, gift, exchange, or contribution; or
             366          (ii) an appurtenant water right acquired with the acquisition of real property by the
             367      division.
             368          (c) A division may:


             369          (i) purchase a water right for the purposes provided in Subsection (2)(a) only with
             370      funds specifically appropriated by the Legislature for water rights purchases; or
             371          (ii) accept a donated water right without legislative approval.
             372          (d) A division may not acquire water rights by eminent domain for an instream flow or
             373      for any other purpose.
             374          (3) (a) A fishing group may file a fixed time change application on a perfected,
             375      consumptive water right for the purpose of providing water for an instream flow, within a
             376      specified section of a natural or altered stream channel, to protect or restore habitat for three
             377      native trout:
             378          (i) the Bonneville cutthroat;
             379          (ii) the Colorado River cutthroat; or
             380          (iii) the Yellowstone cutthroat.
             381          (b) Before filing an application authorized by Subsection (3)(a) to change a
             382      shareholder's proportionate share of water, the water company shall submit the decision to
             383      approve or deny the change request required by Subsection 73-3-3.5 (3) to a vote of the
             384      shareholders:
             385          (i) in a manner outlined in the water company's articles of incorporation or bylaws;
             386          (ii) at an annual or regular meeting described in Section 16-6a-701 ; or
             387          (iii) at a special meeting convened under Section 16-6a-702 .
             388          (c) The specified section of the natural or altered stream channel for the instream flow
             389      may not be further upstream than the water right's original point of diversion nor extend further
             390      downstream than the next physical point of diversion made by another person.
             391          (d) (i) The fishing group shall receive the Division of Wildlife Resources' director's
             392      approval of the proposed change before filing the fixed time change application with the state
             393      engineer.
             394          (ii) The director may approve the proposed change if:
             395          (A) the specified section of the stream channel is historic or current habitat for a specie
             396      listed in Subsections (3)(a)(i) through (iii);
             397          (B) the proposed purpose of use is consistent with an existing state management or
             398      recovery plan for that specie; and
             399          (C) the water right owner has received a certificate of inclusion from a person who has:


             400          (I) entered into a programmatic Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances
             401      with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as authorized by 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531(a)(5)
             402      and 1536(a)(1); and
             403          (II) obtained an enhancement of survival permit, as authorized by 16 U.S.C. Sec.
             404      1539(a)(1)(A).
             405          (iii) The director may disapprove the proposed change if the proposed change would
             406      not be in the public's interest.
             407          (e) (i) In considering a fixed time change application, the state engineer shall follow the
             408      same procedures as provided in this title for an application to appropriate water.
             409          (ii) The rights and the duties of a fixed time change applicant are the same as provided
             410      in this title for an applicant to appropriate water.
             411          (f) A fishing group may refile a fixed time change application by filing a written
             412      request with the state engineer no later than 60 days before the application expires.
             413          (g) (i) The water right for which the state engineer has approved a fixed time change
             414      application will automatically revert to the point of diversion and place and purpose of use that
             415      existed before the approved fixed time change application when the fixed time change
             416      application expires or is terminated.
             417          (ii) The applicant shall give written notice to the state engineer and the lessor, if
             418      applicable, if the applicant wishes to terminate a fixed time change application before the fixed
             419      time change application expires.
             420          (4) In addition to the requirements of Subsection 73-3-3 (4)(b), an application
             421      authorized by this section shall:
             422          (a) set forth the legal description of the points on the stream channel between which the
             423      instream flow will be provided by the change application; and
             424          (b) include appropriate studies, reports, or other information required by the state
             425      engineer demonstrating the necessity for the instream flow in the specified section of the
             426      stream and the projected benefits to the public resulting from the change.
             427          (5) (a) For a permanent change application or a fixed time change application filed
             428      according to this section, 60 days before the date on which proof of change for an instream
             429      flow is due, the state engineer shall notify the applicant by mail or by any form of
             430      communication through which receipt is verifiable of the date when proof of change is due.


             431          (b) Before the date when proof of change is due, the applicant must either:
             432          (i) file a verified statement with the state engineer that the instream flow uses have
             433      been perfected, setting forth:
             434          (A) the legal description of the points on the stream channel between which the
             435      instream flow is provided;
             436          (B) detailed measurements of the flow of water in second-feet changed;
             437          (C) the period of use; and
             438          (D) any additional information required by the state engineer; or
             439          (ii) apply for a further extension of time as provided for in Section 73-3-12 .
             440          (c) (i) Upon acceptance of the verified statement required under Subsection (5)(b)(i),
             441      the state engineer shall issue a certificate of change for instream flow use in accordance with
             442      Section 73-3-17 .
             443          (ii) The certificate expires at the same time the fixed time change application expires.
             444          (6) No person may appropriate unappropriated water under Section 73-3-2 for the
             445      purpose of providing an instream flow.
             446          (7) Water used in accordance with this section is considered to be beneficially used, as
             447      required by Section 73-3-1 .
             448          (8) A physical structure or physical diversion from the stream is not required to
             449      implement a change for instream flow use.
             450          (9) This section does not allow enlargement of the water right that the applicant seeks
             451      to change.
             452          (10) A change application authorized by this section may not impair a vested water
             453      right, including a water right used to generate hydroelectric power.
             454          (11) The state engineer or the water commissioner shall distribute water under an
             455      approved or a certificated instream flow change application according to the change
             456      application's priority date relative to the other water rights located within the stream section
             457      specified in the change application for instream flow.
             458          (12) An approved fixed time change application does not create a right of access across
             459      private property or allow any infringement of a private property right.
             460          Section 7. Section 73-5-4 is amended to read:
             461           73-5-4. Controlling works and measuring devices.


             462          (1) To assist the state engineer or water commissioner in the regulation, distribution,
             463      and measurement of water, [each] a person using water in this state, except as provided by
             464      Subsection (4), shall construct or install and maintain controlling works and a measuring
             465      device at:
             466          (a) each location where water is diverted from a source; and
             467          (b) any other location required by the state engineer.
             468          (2) [Each] A person using water in this state shall make the controlling works and
             469      measuring device accessible to the state engineer or water commissioner.
             470          (3) The state engineer shall approve the design of:
             471          (a) the measuring device; and
             472          (b) controlling works so that the state engineer or a water commissioner may regulate
             473      and lock the works.
             474          (4) A person using water as an instream flow:
             475          (a) shall install and maintain a measuring device or stream gauging station in the
             476      section of the stream within which the instream flow is maintained; and
             477          (b) is not required to install controlling works unless the state engineer's order
             478      approving the application requires the installation because controlling works are necessary to
             479      achieve the purpose of the application.
             480          [(4)] (5) (a) [Each] An owner or manager of a reservoir shall construct and maintain a
             481      measuring device as directed by the state engineer to measure the inflow, storage content, and
             482      outflow from the reservoir.
             483          (b) The state engineer shall approve the design and location of the measuring device.
             484          (c) The owner or manager of a reservoir shall make the measuring device accessible to
             485      the state engineer or water commissioner.
             486          [(5)] (6) If a water user refuses or neglects to construct or install the controlling works
             487      or measuring device after 30 days' notice to do so by the state engineer, the state engineer may:
             488          (a) forbid the use of water until the user complies with the state engineer's requirement;
             489      and
             490          (b) commence enforcement proceedings authorized by Section 73-2-25 .





Legislative Review Note
    as of 12-31-07 7:53 AM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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