Download Zipped Introduced WordPerfect SB0085S03.ZIP
[Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

Third Substitute S.B. 85

Senator Dennis E. Stowell proposes the following substitute bill:


             1     
WATER RIGHTS BOARD

             2     
2008 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Dennis E. Stowell

             5     
House Sponsor: James R. Gowans

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill creates the Water Rights Board.
             10      Highlighted Provisions:
             11          This bill:
             12          .    creates a Water Rights Board as the policymaking board for the state engineer and
             13      the Division of Water Rights;
             14          .    authorizes the Water Rights Board to:
             15              .    set fees;
             16              .    make rules;
             17              .    appoint an administrative law judge to conduct an administrative review a final
             18      order of the state engineer;
             19              .    recommend to the governor the suspension or restoration of the appropriation of
             20      surplus water;
             21              .    recommend to the Legislature amendments to or enactments of water law; and
             22              .    submit nominations to the governor for the state engineer appointment;
             23          .    requires the governor to appoint the state engineer from names submitted by the
             24      Water Rights Board;
             25          .    authorizes an administrative law judge to review a final order of the state engineer;


             26          .    revokes the authority of the state engineer to:
             27              .    make rules;
             28              .    set fees;
             29              .    recommend to the governor the suspension or restoration of the appropriation of
             30      surplus water; and
             31              .    recommend to the Legislature amendments to or enactments of water law;
             32          .    revokes the authority of the Division of Water Rights to:
             33              .    set a bond amount; and
             34              .    make rules; and
             35          .    authorizes an aggrieved person to request administrative or judicial review of a final
             36      order of the state engineer.
             37      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             38          None
             39      Other Special Clauses:
             40          None
             41      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             42      AMENDS:
             43          73-1-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2003, Chapter 298
             44          73-2-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 329
             45          73-2-1.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 33
             46          73-2-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1983, Chapter 201
             47          73-2-14, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 314
             48          73-2-25, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 136
             49          73-2-26, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 33
             50          73-3-5.6, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 121
             51          73-3-14, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1987, Chapter 161
             52          73-3-16, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 33
             53          73-3-23, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             54          73-3-25, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 191
             55          73-3a-104, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1991, Chapter 234
             56          73-3b-104, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1991, Chapter 146


             57          73-3b-201, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 28
             58          73-3b-204, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 28
             59          73-3b-302, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 28
             60          73-3c-302, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2006, Chapter 179
             61          73-5-13, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2001, Chapter 136
             62          73-5-15, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapters 179 and 329
             63          73-5a-101, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
             64          73-5a-105, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
             65          73-5a-203, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
             66          73-5a-304, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
             67          73-5a-401, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
             68          73-5a-403, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
             69          73-5a-502, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1996, Chapter 264
             70          73-5a-602, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
             71          73-6-1, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             72          73-6-2, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             73          73-22-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1987, Chapter 161
             74          73-22-6, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1981, Chapter 188
             75          73-22-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1987, Chapter 161
             76      ENACTS:
             77          73-2-29, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             78          73-2-30, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             79          73-2-31, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             80     
             81      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             82          Section 1. Section 73-1-10 is amended to read:
             83           73-1-10. Conveyance of water rights -- Deed -- Exceptions -- Filing and recording
             84      of deed -- Report of water right conveyance.
             85          (1) (a) A water right, whether evidenced by a decree, a certificate of appropriation, a
             86      diligence claim to the use of surface or underground water, or a water user's claim filed in
             87      general determination proceedings, shall be transferred by deed in substantially the same


             88      manner as is real estate.
             89          (b) The deed must be recorded in the office of the recorder of the county where the
             90      point of diversion of the water is located and in the county where the water is used.
             91          (c) A recorded deed of a water right shall from the time of its recording in the office of
             92      the county recorder constitute notice of its contents to all persons.
             93          (2) The right to the use of water evidenced by shares of stock in a corporation shall be
             94      transferred in accordance with the procedures applicable to securities set forth in Title 70A,
             95      Chapter 8, Uniform Commercial Code - Investment Securities.
             96          (3) (a) To update water right ownership on the records of the state engineer, a water
             97      right owner shall submit a report of water right conveyance to the state engineer.
             98          (b) The report of water right conveyance shall be on forms provided by the state
             99      engineer.
             100          (c) The report shall be prepared by:
             101          (i) or prepared under the direction of and certified by, any of the following persons
             102      licensed in Utah:
             103          (A) an attorney;
             104          (B) a professional engineer;
             105          (C) a title insurance producer; or
             106          (D) a professional land surveyor; or
             107          (ii) the water right owner as authorized by rule of the [state engineer] Water Rights
             108      Board.
             109          (d) The filing and processing of a report of water right conveyance with the state
             110      engineer is neither an adjudication of water right ownership nor an opinion as to title or validity
             111      of the water right.
             112          (e) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall adopt rules that specify:
             113          (i) the information required in a report of water right conveyance; and
             114          (ii) the procedures for processing the reports.
             115          Section 2. Section 73-2-1 is amended to read:
             116           73-2-1. State engineer -- Term -- Powers and duties -- Qualification for duties.
             117          (1) There shall be a state engineer.
             118          (2) (a) The state engineer shall:


             119          [(a)] (i) be appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate;
             120          [(b)] (ii) hold office for the term of four years and until a successor is appointed; and
             121          [(c)] (iii) have five years experience as a practical engineer or the theoretical
             122      knowledge, practical experience, and skill necessary for the position.
             123          (b) The governor shall appoint the state engineer from a list of nominees submitted by
             124      the Water Rights Board.
             125          (3) (a) The state engineer shall be responsible for the general administrative
             126      supervision of the waters of the state and the measurement, appropriation, apportionment, and
             127      distribution of those waters.
             128          (b) The state engineer may secure the equitable apportionment and distribution of the
             129      water according to the respective rights of appropriators.
             130          [(4) The state engineer shall make rules, in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a,
             131      Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this title,
             132      regarding:]
             133          [(a) reports of water right conveyances;]
             134          [(b) the construction of water wells and the licensing of water well drillers;]
             135          [(c) dam construction and safety;]
             136          [(d) the alteration of natural streams;]
             137          [(e) sewage effluent reuse;]
             138          [(f) geothermal resource conservation; and]
             139          [(g) enforcement orders and the imposition of fines and penalties.]
             140          [(5) The state engineer may make rules, in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             141      Administrative Rulemaking Act, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this title,
             142      governing:]
             143          [(a) water distribution systems and water commissioners;]
             144          [(b) water measurement and reporting;]
             145          [(c) ground-water recharge and recovery;]
             146          [(d) the determination of water rights; and]
             147          [(e) the form and content of applications and related documents, maps, and reports.]
             148          [(6)] (4) The state engineer may bring suit in courts of competent jurisdiction to:
             149          (a) enjoin the unlawful appropriation, diversion, and use of surface and underground


             150      water without first seeking redress through the administrative process;
             151          (b) prevent theft, waste, loss, or pollution of those waters;
             152          (c) enable him to carry out the duties of his office; and
             153          (d) enforce administrative orders and collect fines and penalties.
             154          [(7)] (5) The state engineer may:
             155          (a) upon request from the board of trustees of an irrigation district under Title 17B,
             156      Chapter 2a, Part 5, Irrigation District Act, or another local district under Title 17B, Limited
             157      Purpose Local Government Entities - Local Districts, or a special service district under Title
             158      17A, Chapter 2, Part 13, Utah Special Service District Act, that operates an irrigation water
             159      system, cause a water survey to be made of all lands proposed to be annexed to the district in
             160      order to determine and allot the maximum amount of water that could be beneficially used on
             161      the land, with a separate survey and allotment being made for each 40-acre or smaller tract in
             162      separate ownership; and
             163          (b) upon completion of the survey and allotment under Subsection [(7)] (5)(a), file with
             164      the district board a return of the survey and report of the allotment.
             165          [(8)] (6) (a) The state engineer may establish water distribution systems and define
             166      their boundaries.
             167          (b) The water distribution systems shall be formed in a manner that:
             168          (i) secures the best protection to the water claimants; and
             169          (ii) is the most economical for the state to supervise.
             170          Section 3. Section 73-2-1.5 is amended to read:
             171           73-2-1.5. Procedures -- Adjudicative proceedings.
             172          Except as provided in Sections 63-46b-1 and 73-2-25 , the Water Rights Board, the state
             173      engineer, and the Division of Water Rights shall comply with the procedures and requirements
             174      of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, in their adjudicative proceedings.
             175          Section 4. Section 73-2-10 is amended to read:
             176           73-2-10. Knowledge of waterways and irrigation -- Suggestions as to amendment
             177      or enactment of laws.
             178          (1) The state engineer shall become conversant with the waterways of the state and its
             179      needs as to irrigation matters[; and he shall make such suggestions as to the amendment of].
             180          (2) The Water Rights Board shall suggest an amendment to existing laws or the


             181      enactment of new laws [as his information and experience shall suggest].
             182          Section 5. Section 73-2-14 is amended to read:
             183           73-2-14. Fees -- Deposited as a dedicated credit.
             184          (1) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall charge fees pursuant to Section
             185      63-38-3.2 for the following:
             186          (a) applications to appropriate water;
             187          (b) applications to temporarily appropriate water;
             188          (c) applications for permanent or temporary change;
             189          (d) applications for exchange;
             190          (e) applications for an extension of time in which to resume use of water;
             191          (f) applications to appropriate water, or make a permanent or temporary change, for use
             192      outside the state filed pursuant to Title 73, Chapter 3a, Water Exports;
             193          (g) groundwater recovery permits;
             194          (h) diligence claims for surface or underground water filed pursuant to Section
             195      73-5-13 ;
             196          (i) republication of notice to water users after amendment of application where
             197      required by this title;
             198          (j) applications to segregate;
             199          (k) requests for an extension of time in which to submit proof of appropriation not to
             200      exceed 14 years after the date of approval of the application;
             201          (l) requests for an extension of time in which to submit proof of appropriation 14 years
             202      or more after the date of approval of the application;
             203          (m) groundwater recharge permits;
             204          (n) applications for a well driller's license, annual renewal of a well driller's license,
             205      and late annual renewal of a well driller's license;
             206          (o) certification of copies;
             207          (p) preparing copies of documents; [and]
             208          (q) reports of water right conveyance[.]; and
             209          (r) administrative review under Section 73-2-31 .
             210          (2) (a) Fees for the services specified in Subsections (1)(a) through (i) shall be based
             211      upon the rate of flow or volume of water.


             212          (b) If it is proposed to appropriate by both direct flow and storage, the fee shall be
             213      based upon either the rate of flow or annual volume of water stored, whichever fee is greater.
             214          (c) The fee for the service specified in Subsection (1)(r) shall be based on the cost of
             215      the administrative review process.
             216          (3) [Fees] Except as provided in Subsection (4), a fee collected under this section:
             217          (a) shall be deposited in the General Fund as a dedicated credit to be used by the
             218      Division of Water Rights; and
             219          (b) may only be used by the Division of Water Rights to:
             220          (i) meet the publication of notice requirements under this title; and
             221          (ii) process reports of water right conveyance.
             222          (4) The fee collected under Subsection (1)(r) shall be deposited in the General Fund as
             223      a dedicated credit to be used by the Water Rights Board for the costs associated with the
             224      administrative review process.
             225          Section 6. Section 73-2-25 is amended to read:
             226           73-2-25. State engineer enforcement powers.
             227          (1) For purposes of this section, "initial order" means one of the following issued by
             228      the state engineer:
             229          (a) a notice of violation; or
             230          (b) a cease and desist order.
             231          (2) (a) The state engineer may commence an enforcement action under this section if
             232      the state engineer finds that a person:
             233          (i) is diverting, impounding, or using water for which no water right has been
             234      established;
             235          (ii) is diverting, impounding, or using water in violation of an existing water right;
             236          (iii) violates Section 73-5-4 ;
             237          (iv) violates Section 73-5-9 ;
             238          (v) violates a written distribution order from the state engineer;
             239          (vi) violates an order issued under Section 73-3-29 regarding the alteration of the bed
             240      or bank of a natural stream channel; or
             241          (vii) violates a notice or order regarding dam safety issued under Chapter 5a, Dam
             242      Safety.


             243          (b) To commence an enforcement action under this section, the state engineer shall
             244      issue an initial order, which shall include:
             245          (i) a description of the violation;
             246          (ii) notice of any penalties to which a person may be subject under Section 73-2-26 ;
             247      and
             248          (iii) notice that the state engineer may treat each day's violation of the provisions listed
             249      in Subsection (2)(a) as a separate violation under Subsection 73-2-26 (1)(d).
             250          (c) The state engineer's issuance and enforcement of an initial order is exempt from
             251      Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             252          (3) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
             253      [state engineer] the Water Rights Board shall make rules necessary to enforce an initial order,
             254      which shall include:
             255          (a) provisions consistent with this section and Section 73-2-26 for enforcement of the
             256      initial order if a person to whom an initial order is issued fails to respond to the order or abate
             257      the violation;
             258          (b) the right to a hearing, upon request by a person against whom an initial order is
             259      issued; and
             260          (c) provisions for timely issuance of a final order after:
             261          (i) the person to whom the initial order is issued fails to respond to the order or abate
             262      the violation; or
             263          (ii) a hearing held under Subsection (3)(b).
             264          (4) A person may not intervene in an enforcement action commenced under this
             265      section.
             266          (5) After issuance of a final order under rules made pursuant to Subsection (3)(c), the
             267      state engineer shall serve a copy of the final order on the person against whom the order is
             268      issued by:
             269          (a) personal service under Utah Rules of Civil Procedure 5; or
             270          (b) certified mail.
             271          (6) (a) The state engineer's final order may be reviewed by:
             272          (i) the Water Rights Board as authorized by Section 73-2-31 ; or
             273          (ii) trial de novo by the district court in:


             274          [(i)] (A) Salt Lake County; or
             275          [(ii)] (B) the county where the violation occurred.
             276          (b) A person shall file a petition for administrative or judicial review of the state
             277      engineer's final order issued under this section within 20 days from the day on which the final
             278      order was served on that person.
             279          (7) The state engineer may bring suit in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce a
             280      final order issued under this section.
             281          (8) If the state engineer prevails in an action brought under Subsection (6)(b) or (7), the
             282      state may recover all court costs and a reasonable attorney fee.
             283          Section 7. Section 73-2-26 is amended to read:
             284           73-2-26. Administrative penalties.
             285          (1) (a) As part of a final order issued under Section 73-2-25 , the state engineer may
             286      order that a person to whom an order is issued:
             287          (i) pay an administrative fine not to exceed:
             288          (A) $5,000 for each knowing violation; or
             289          (B) $1,000 for each violation that is not knowing;
             290          (ii) replace up to 200% of water taken; and
             291          (iii) be liable for any expense incurred by the state engineer or division in investigating
             292      and stopping the violation.
             293          (b) The definition of "knowingly" under Subsection 76-2-103 (2) shall apply to
             294      determinations under Subsection (1)(a)(i).
             295          (c) The penalties described in Subsection (1)(a) shall be in addition to:
             296          (i) any criminal penalty established for a violation described in Subsection (1); and
             297          (ii) any private right of action.
             298          (d) (i) Each day of a continuing violation of the provisions described in Subsection
             299      73-2-25 (2)(a) or an initial or final order issued under Section 73-2-25 is a separate violation.
             300          (ii) A penalty may not be imposed for a violation of the provisions listed in Subsection
             301      73-2-25 (2)(a) or an initial or a final order issued under Section 73-2-25 for a violation
             302      occurring more than 12 months before the day on which a notice of violation is issued.
             303          (e) Separate violations under Subsection (1)(d) may be consolidated for resolution in
             304      one enforcement proceeding under Section 73-2-25 .


             305          (f) The state engineer has discretion to pursue an administrative fine, order requiring
             306      replacement, or both.
             307          (2) Before imposing a fine or ordering replacement under Subsection (1), the state
             308      engineer shall consider:
             309          (a) the value or quantity of water unlawfully taken, including the cost or difficulty of
             310      replacing the water;
             311          (b) the gravity of the violation, including the economic injury or impact to others;
             312          (c) whether the person subject to fine or replacement attempted to comply with the
             313      state engineer's orders; and
             314          (d) the violator's economic benefit from the violation.
             315          (3) (a) The state engineer may require that the water unlawfully taken be replaced after:
             316          (i) a person fails to request administrative or judicial review of a final order issued
             317      under Section 73-2-25 ; or
             318          (ii) the completion of administrative or judicial review, including any appeals.
             319          (b) The state engineer's order shall require that replacement of water begin within one
             320      year of the day on which:
             321          (i) the time period for requesting administrative or judicial review of a final order
             322      issued under Section 73-2-25 expires without a person requesting administrative or judicial
             323      review of the final order; or
             324          (ii) the completion of administrative or judicial review, including any appeals.
             325          (4) Water replaced under Subsection (3) shall be taken from water that the person
             326      subject to the order requiring replacement would be entitled to use during the replacement
             327      period.
             328          (5) (a) If the state engineer issues an order requiring replacement, a copy of the order
             329      shall be placed in the Division of Water Rights' water rights records.
             330          (b) The order requiring replacement shall constitute a lien upon the water right affected
             331      if the state engineer files a notice of lien in the office of the county recorder in the county
             332      where the place of use of the water right is located.
             333          (c) A notice of lien under Subsection (5)(b) shall include a legal description of the
             334      place of use of the water right.
             335          (6) Any monies collected under this section shall be deposited into the General Fund.


             336          Section 8. Section 73-2-29 is enacted to read:
             337          73-2-29. Water Rights Board created.
             338          (1) As used in this section, "board" means the Water Rights Board.
             339          (2) There is created the Water Rights Board that is the policymaking board for the state
             340      engineer and the Division of Water Rights.
             341          (3) (a) The governor, with the consent of the Senate, shall appoint the following five
             342      members to the board:
             343          (i) one member who:
             344          (A) represents an agricultural or livestock interest;
             345          (B) owns a surface water right; and
             346          (C) is nominated by an organization that promotes agriculture;
             347          (ii) one member who:
             348          (A) represents an agricultural or livestock interest;
             349          (B) owns a groundwater right; and
             350          (C) is nominated by an organization that promotes agriculture;
             351          (iii) one member who:
             352          (A) represents a municipality; and
             353          (B) is nominated by an organization that promotes municipal interests;
             354          (iv) one member who:
             355          (A) represents a water conservancy district; and
             356          (B) is nominated by an organization that represents water conservancy districts; and
             357          (v) one member who:
             358          (A) represents a fish, wildlife, or recreational interest; and
             359          (B) is nominated by an organization that promotes the instream flow of water.
             360          (b) (i) At least one member appointed under Subsection (3)(a) shall be:
             361          (A) licensed to practice law in the state; and
             362          (B) knowledgeable about water law.
             363          (ii) No member appointed under Subsection (3)(a) may reside in the same county as
             364      another member.
             365          (c) (i) A nominating organization shall nominate at least three people.
             366          (ii) If the governor rejects all nominations submitted for a member, the nominating


             367      organization shall submit additional names.
             368          (d) If no organization submits a nomination, the governor shall appoint a member who
             369      represents the interest listed in Subsection (3)(a).
             370          (4) (a) Except as provided by Subsection (4)(b), a member shall serve a four year term.
             371          (b) The governor shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length
             372      of terms to ensure that the terms of no more than half of the members expire in a fiscal year.
             373          (c) When a vacancy occurs on the board for any reason, the governor shall appoint a
             374      replacement for the unexpired term with the consent of the Senate.
             375          (5) (a) A board member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's
             376      services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's
             377      official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and
             378      63A-3-107 .
             379          (b) A member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's service.
             380          (6) (a) The board shall elect one of its members to serve as chair for a term of two
             381      years.
             382          (b) All members on the board have equal voting rights on a board matter when present
             383      at a board meeting.
             384          (c) Four board members is a quorum for conducting board business.
             385          (d) A majority vote of the quorum present is required for an action to be taken by the
             386      board.
             387          (7) The board shall meet at each of the Division of Water Rights' regional offices at
             388      least once a year, but may hold other meetings at times and places as scheduled by:
             389          (a) the chair; or
             390          (b) three members, upon filing a written request for a meeting with the chair.
             391          (8) The attorney general shall provide the Water Rights Board with:
             392          (a) legal advice; and
             393          (b) legal services in the prosecution or defense of an action resulting from the
             394      performance of the board's duties.
             395          (9) The Division of Water Rights shall provide necessary administrative and staff
             396      support services to the Water Rights Board.
             397          Section 9. Section 73-2-30 is enacted to read:


             398          73-2-30. Water Rights Board -- Powers -- Duties.
             399          (1) The Water Rights Board shall:
             400          (a) set policy consistent with this title for the state engineer and the Division of Water
             401      Rights by making rules in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
             402      Rulemaking Act, and as provided in this title;
             403          (b) adopt a fee authorized by this title;
             404          (c) appoint an administrative law judge to review an order by the state engineer as
             405      provided by Section 73-2-31 ;
             406          (d) nominate at least three people for the appointment of the state engineer in
             407      accordance with Section 73-2-1 ; and
             408          (e) perform other duties assigned to the Water Rights Board in this title.
             409          (2) A rule made by the state engineer or the Division of Water Rights that is in effect
             410      on May 4, 2008 is considered a rule made by the board on May 5, 2008.
             411          Section 10. Section 73-2-31 is enacted to read:
             412          73-2-31. Administrative Review by the Water Rights Board.
             413          (1) A person aggrieved by a final order of the state engineer regarding a water right of
             414      50 acre-fee or less:
             415          (a) may seek administrative review of the order by the administrative law judge
             416      appointed by the Water Rights Board by:
             417          (i) following Section 63-46b-12 ; and
             418          (ii) paying the fee set in accordance with Section 73-2-14 .
             419          (b) is not required to seek an administrative review before seeking judicial review of
             420      the order in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             421          (2) (a) For purposes of Section 63-46b-12 , the administrative law judge is a superior
             422      agency that may review a final order of the state engineer.
             423          (b) After review of a state engineer's final order in accordance with Title 63, Chapter
             424      46b, Administrative Procedures Act, the administrative law judge may:
             425          (i) take no action;
             426          (ii) vacate or remand the order; or
             427          (iii) amend the order.
             428          (c) The administrative law judge shall sign a written final order on review as required


             429      by Section 63-46b-12 .
             430          (3) A person aggrieved by a final order of the administrative law judge may seek
             431      judicial review of the order in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative
             432      Procedures Act.
             433          (4) An order by the state engineer is final 30 days after the day on which the order is
             434      issued unless stayed, amended, or overturned by:
             435          (a) the administrative law judge under Section 63-46b-12 ;
             436          (b) a district court under Section 63-46b-15 ; or
             437          (c) the Supreme Court under Section 63-46b-16 .
             438          Section 11. Section 73-3-5.6 is amended to read:
             439           73-3-5.6. Applications to appropriate or permanently change a small amount of
             440      water.
             441          (1) The state engineer may approve an application to appropriate or permanently
             442      change a small amount of water necessary to meet the requirements of one residence, 1/4 acre
             443      of irrigable land, and ten cattle or the equivalent amount of water for livestock purposes, if:
             444          (a) the state engineer undertakes a thorough investigation of the proposed appropriation
             445      or permanent change;
             446          (b) notice is provided in accordance with Subsection (2); and
             447          (c) the application complies with [the state engineer's]:
             448          (i) the Water Rights Board's regional policies and restrictions made by rule; and
             449          (ii) Section 73-3-3 or 73-3-8 , as applicable.
             450          (2) (a) Advertising of an application to appropriate or permanently change a small
             451      amount of water as specified in Subsection (1) shall be at the discretion of the state engineer.
             452          (b) If the state engineer finds that the uses proposed by the application may impair
             453      other rights, before approving the application, the state engineer shall give notice of the
             454      application according to Section 73-3-6 .
             455          (3) An applicant receiving approval under this section shall be responsible for the time
             456      limit of construction and submitting proof of appropriation or permanent change as required
             457      under this chapter.
             458          Section 12. Section 73-3-14 is amended to read:
             459           73-3-14. Judicial and administrative review.


             460          (1) (a) Any person aggrieved by an order of the state engineer may obtain:
             461          (i) administrative review by the Water Rights Board in accordance with Section
             462      73-2-31 ; or
             463          (ii) judicial review by following the procedures and requirements of Title 63, Chapter
             464      46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             465          (b) Venue for judicial review of informal adjudicative proceedings shall be in the
             466      county in which the stream or water source, or some part of it, is located.
             467          (2) The state engineer shall be joined as a defendant in all suits to review [his] the state
             468      engineer's decisions, but no judgment for costs or expenses of the litigation may be rendered
             469      against [him] the state engineer.
             470          Section 13. Section 73-3-16 is amended to read:
             471           73-3-16. Proof of appropriation or permanent change -- Notice -- Manner of
             472      proof -- Statements -- Maps, profiles, and drawings -- Verification -- Waiver of filing --
             473      Statement in lieu of proof of appropriation or change.
             474          (1) Sixty days before the date set for the proof of appropriation or proof of change to be
             475      made, the state engineer shall notify the applicant by mail when proof of completion of the
             476      works and application of the water to a beneficial use will be due.
             477          (2) On or before the date set for completing the proof in accordance with the
             478      application, the applicant shall file proof with the state engineer on forms furnished by the state
             479      engineer.
             480          (3) Except as provided in Subsection (4), the applicant shall submit the following
             481      information:
             482          (a) a description of the works constructed;
             483          (b) the quantity of water in acre-feet or the flow in second-feet diverted, or both;
             484          (c) the method of applying the water to beneficial use; and
             485          (d) (i) detailed measurements of water put to beneficial use;
             486          (ii) the date the measurements were made; and
             487          (iii) the name of the person making the measurements.
             488          (4) (a) On applications filed for appropriation or permanent change of use of water to
             489      provide a water supply for state projects constructed pursuant to Title 73, Chapter 10, Board of
             490      Water Resources - Division of Water Resources, or for federal projects constructed by the


             491      United States Bureau of Reclamation for the use and benefit of the state, any of its agencies, its
             492      political subdivisions, public and quasi-municipal corporations, or water users' associations of
             493      which the state, its agencies, political subdivisions, or public and quasi-municipal corporations
             494      are stockholders, the proof shall include:
             495          (i) a statement indicating construction of the project works has been completed;
             496          (ii) a description of the major features with appropriate maps, profiles, drawings, and
             497      reservoir area-capacity curves;
             498          (iii) a description of the point or points of diversion and rediversion;
             499          (iv) project operation data;
             500          (v) a map showing the place of use of water and a statement of the purpose and method
             501      of use;
             502          (vi) the project plan for beneficial use of water under the applications and the quantity
             503      of water required; and
             504          (vii) a statement indicating what type of measuring devices have been installed.
             505          (b) The director of the Division of Water Resources shall sign proofs for the state
             506      projects and an authorized official of the Bureau of Reclamation shall sign proofs for the
             507      federal projects specified in Subsection (4)(a).
             508          (5) The proof on all applications shall be sworn to by the applicant or the applicant's
             509      appointed representative and proof engineer.
             510          (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), when filing proof, the applicant shall
             511      submit maps, profiles, and drawings made by a Utah licensed land surveyor or Utah licensed
             512      professional engineer that show:
             513          (i) the location of the completed works;
             514          (ii) the nature and extent of the completed works;
             515          (iii) the natural stream or source from which and the point where the water is diverted
             516      and, in the case of a nonconsumptive use, the point where the water is returned; and
             517          (iv) the place of use.
             518          (b) The state engineer may waive the filing of maps, profiles, and drawings if in the
             519      state engineer's opinion the written proof adequately describes the works and the nature and
             520      extent of beneficial use.
             521          (7) The completed proof shall conform to rules [and standards] established by the [state


             522      engineer] Water Rights Board.
             523          (8) In those areas in which general determination proceedings are pending, or have
             524      been concluded, under Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, the state engineer
             525      may petition the district court for permission to:
             526          (a) waive the requirements of this section and Section 73-3-17 ; and
             527          (b) permit each owner of an application to file a verified statement to the effect that the
             528      applicant has completed the appropriation or change and elects to file a statement of water
             529      users claim in the proposed determination of water rights or any supplement to it in accordance
             530      with Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, in lieu of proof of appropriation or
             531      proof of change.
             532          Section 14. Section 73-3-23 is amended to read:
             533           73-3-23. Replacement of water.
             534          (1) In all cases of appropriations of underground water the right of replacement is
             535      hereby granted to any junior appropriator whose appropriation may diminish the quantity or
             536      injuriously affect the quality of appropriated underground water in which the right to the use
             537      thereof has been established as provided by law.
             538          (2) No replacement may be made until application in writing has been made to and
             539      approved by the state engineer.
             540          (3) In all cases replacement shall be at the sole cost and expense of the applicant and
             541      subject to [such] rules [and regulations as the state engineer may prescribe] made by the Water
             542      Rights Board.
             543          (4) The right of eminent domain is hereby granted to any applicant for the purpose of
             544      replacement as provided herein.
             545          Section 15. Section 73-3-25 is amended to read:
             546           73-3-25. Well driller's license -- Bond -- Revocation or suspension for
             547      noncompliance.
             548          (1) (a) Every person that constructs a well in the state shall obtain a license from the
             549      state engineer.
             550          (b) [The state engineer] In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
             551      Rulemaking Act, the Water Rights Board shall enact rules:
             552          (i) defining the form, the expiration date, and the renewal cycle of the application for a


             553      license[.]; and
             554          (ii) regulating well construction.
             555          (c) Well drillers' licenses are not transferable. [The state engineer shall enact rules for
             556      well construction according to the procedures and requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             557      Administrative Rulemaking Act.]
             558          (2) (a) (i) A person who constructs a well in this state must first obtain a license as
             559      provided in this section.
             560          (ii) Before a well driller's license will be issued, the applicant must file a well driller
             561      bond with the state engineer.
             562          (iii) The bond shall be made payable to the Office of the State Engineer.
             563          (iv) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act,
             564      the [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules to set the amount, form, and general
             565      administrative requirements of a well driller bond. Proper compliance with the provisions of
             566      this section and the rules enacted under the authority of this section are required to obtain or
             567      renew a license.
             568          (b) (i) Well drillers shall comply with the rules [enacted by the state engineer under this
             569      chapter] authorized by this section.
             570          (ii) If the state engineer determines, following an investigation, that the licensee has
             571      failed to comply with these rules, the state engineer may revoke or suspend the license, and
             572      exact the bond and deposit the money as a nonlapsing dedicated credit.
             573          (iii) The state engineer may expend the funds to investigate or correct any deficiencies
             574      which could adversely affect the public interest resulting from noncompliance with the rules
             575      promulgated under this chapter by any well driller.
             576          (iv) The state engineer may refuse to issue a license to a well driller if it appears that
             577      there has been a violation of the rules or a failure to comply with Section 73-3-22 .
             578          Section 16. Section 73-3a-104 is amended to read:
             579           73-3a-104. Rulemaking power of Water Rights Board.
             580          In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
             581      [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules necessary to administer this chapter.
             582          Section 17. Section 73-3b-104 is amended to read:
             583           73-3b-104. Rulemaking power of Water Rights Board.


             584          The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules to administer this chapter in
             585      accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
             586          Section 18. Section 73-3b-201 is amended to read:
             587           73-3b-201. Application for a recharge permit -- Required information -- Filing
             588      fee.
             589          (1) The application for obtaining a groundwater recharge permit shall include the
             590      following information:
             591          (a) the name and mailing address of the applicant;
             592          (b) the name of the groundwater basin or groundwater sub-basin in which the applicant
             593      proposes to operate the project;
             594          (c) the name and mailing address of the owner of the land on which the applicant
             595      proposes to operate the project;
             596          (d) a legal description of the location of the proposed project;
             597          (e) the source and annual quantity of water proposed to be stored underground;
             598          (f) evidence of a water right or an agreement to use the water proposed to be stored
             599      underground;
             600          (g) the quality of the water proposed to be stored underground and the water quality of
             601      the receiving groundwater aquifer;
             602          (h) evidence that the applicant has applied for all applicable water quality permits;
             603          (i) a plan of operation for the proposed recharge and recovery project which shall
             604      include:
             605          (i) a description of the proposed project;
             606          (ii) its design capacity;
             607          (iii) a detailed monitoring program; and
             608          (iv) the proposed duration of the project;
             609          (j) a copy of a study demonstrating[;]:
             610          (i) the area of hydrologic impact of the project;
             611          (ii) that the project is hydrologically feasible;
             612          (iii) that the project will not:
             613          (A) cause unreasonable harm to land; or
             614          (B) impair any existing water right within the area of hydrologic impact; and


             615          (iv) the percentage of anticipated recoverable water;
             616          (k) evidence of financial and technical capability; and
             617          (l) any other information that the state engineer requires.
             618          (2) (a) A filing fee must be submitted with the application.
             619          (b) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall establish the filing fee in accordance
             620      with Section 63-38-3.2 .
             621          Section 19. Section 73-3b-204 is amended to read:
             622           73-3b-204. Application for a recovery permit -- Required information.
             623          (1) If a person intends to recharge and recover water, the recovery application and
             624      permit may be filed and processed with the groundwater recharge application and permit.
             625          (2) The application for obtaining a recovery permit shall include the following
             626      information:
             627          (a) the name and mailing address of the applicant;
             628          (b) a legal description of the location of the existing well or proposed new well from
             629      which the applicant intends to recover stored water;
             630          (c) a written consent from the owner of the recharge permit;
             631          (d) the name and mailing address of the owner of the land from which the applicant
             632      proposes to recover stored water;
             633          (e) the name or description of the artificially recharged groundwater aquifer which is
             634      the source of supply;
             635          (f) the purpose for which the stored water will be recovered;
             636          (g) the depth and diameter of the existing well or proposed new well;
             637          (h) a legal description of the area where the stored water is proposed to be used;
             638          (i) the design pumping capacity of the existing well or proposed new well; and
             639          (j) any other information including maps, drawings, and data that the state engineer
             640      requires.
             641          (3) (a) A filing fee must be submitted with the application.
             642          (b) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall establish the filing fee in accordance
             643      with Section 63-38-3.2 .
             644          Section 20. Section 73-3b-302 is amended to read:
             645           73-3b-302. Fee.


             646          (1) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall assess an annual fee, in accordance
             647      with Section 63-38-3.2 , on each person who holds a groundwater recharge or recovery permit.
             648          (2) The fee shall reflect the division's costs to administer and monitor groundwater
             649      recharge and recovery projects.
             650          Section 21. Section 73-3c-302 is amended to read:
             651           73-3c-302. Application to the state engineer.
             652          (1) A public agency proposing water reuse shall apply to the state engineer.
             653          (2) An application for water reuse under Subsection (1) shall be made upon forms
             654      furnished by the state engineer and shall include:
             655          (a) the name of the applicant;
             656          (b) a description of the underlying water right;
             657          (c) an evaluation of the underlying water right's diversion, depletion, and return flow
             658      requirements;
             659          (d) the estimated quantity of water to be reused;
             660          (e) the location of the POTW;
             661          (f) the place, purpose, and extent of the proposed water reuse;
             662          (g) an evaluation of depletion from the hydrologic system caused by the water reuse;
             663      and
             664          (h) any other information consistent with this chapter that is requested by the state
             665      engineer.
             666          (3) An application under Subsection (1) shall include a copy of a reuse authorization
             667      contract for water reuse proposed by a public agency for any underlying water right not owned
             668      by the public agency.
             669          (4) In considering an application for water reuse, the state engineer shall comply with:
             670          (a) Section 73-3-6 ;
             671          (b) Section 73-3-7 ;
             672          (c) Section 73-3-10 ; and
             673          (d) Section 73-3-14 .
             674          (5) In determining whether a proposed water reuse is consistent with the underlying
             675      water right, the state engineer shall conclude that a proposed water reuse is consistent with the
             676      underlying water right if:


             677          (a) the use of the reuse water does not enlarge the underlying water right; and
             678          (b) any return flow requirement of the underlying water right is satisfied.
             679          (6) (a) The state engineer shall approve a water reuse application if the state engineer
             680      concludes that the proposed water reuse is consistent with the underlying water right.
             681          (b) The state engineer may:
             682          (i) deny an application for water reuse if the proposed water reuse is inconsistent with
             683      the underlying water right; or
             684          (ii) approve the application in part or with conditions to assure consistency with the
             685      underlying water right.
             686          (7) A public agency with an approved reuse application shall submit a report, as
             687      directed by the state engineer, concerning the ongoing water reuse operation.
             688          (8) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules in accordance with Title
             689      63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to implement the provisions of this
             690      chapter.
             691          Section 22. Section 73-5-13 is amended to read:
             692           73-5-13. Claim to surface or underground water not otherwise represented --
             693      Information required -- Corrections -- Filing -- Investigation -- Publication -- Judicial
             694      action to determine validity -- Rules.
             695          (1) (a) All claimants to the right to the use of water, including both surface and
             696      underground, whose rights are not represented by certificates of appropriation issued by the
             697      state engineer, by applications filed with the state engineer, by court decrees, or by notice of
             698      claim filed pursuant to law, shall submit the claim to the state engineer.
             699          (b) Subsections (2) through (7) shall only apply to claims submitted to the state
             700      engineer pursuant to this section after May 4, 1997.
             701          (2) (a) Each claim submitted under this section shall be verified under oath by the
             702      claimant or the claimant's duly appointed representative and submitted on forms furnished by
             703      the state engineer setting forth any information the state engineer requires, including:
             704          (i) the name and post office address of the person making the claim;
             705          (ii) the quantity of water claimed in acre-feet or rate of flow in second-feet, or both,
             706      where appropriate;
             707          (iii) the source of supply;


             708          (iv) the priority date of the right;
             709          (v) the location of the point of diversion with reference to a United States land survey
             710      corner;
             711          (vi) the place of use;
             712          (vii) the nature and extent of use;
             713          (viii) the time during which the water has been used each year; and
             714          (ix) the date when the water was first used.
             715          (b) The claim shall also include the following information verified under oath by a
             716      registered engineer or land surveyor:
             717          (i) measurements of the amount of water diverted;
             718          (ii) a statement that the quantity of water claimed either in acre-feet or cubic feet per
             719      second is consistent with the beneficial use claimed and the supply which the source is capable
             720      of producing; and
             721          (iii) a map showing the original diversion and conveyance works and where the water
             722      was placed to beneficial use, including irrigated lands, if irrigation is the claimed beneficial
             723      use.
             724          (c) The state engineer may require additional information as necessary to evaluate any
             725      claim including:
             726          (i) affidavits setting forth facts of which the affiant has personal knowledge;
             727          (ii) authenticated or historic photographs, plat or survey maps, or surveyors' notes;
             728          (iii) authenticated copies of original diaries, personal histories, or other historical
             729      documents which document the claimed use of water; and
             730          (iv) other relevant records on file with any county recorder's, surveyor's, or assessor's
             731      office.
             732          (3) (a) A claim may be corrected by submitting to the state engineer a verified
             733      corrected claim designated as such and bearing the same number as the original claim.
             734          (b) No fee shall be charged for submitting a corrected claim.
             735          (4) (a) Upon submission by a claimant of a claim that is acceptably complete under
             736      Subsection (2) and the deposit of money by a claimant with the state engineer sufficient to pay
             737      the expenses of conducting a field investigation and publishing a notice of the claim, the state
             738      engineer shall:


             739          (i) file the claim;
             740          (ii) endorse the date of its receipt;
             741          (iii) assign the claim a water right number; and
             742          (iv) publish a notice of the claim following the same procedures as provided in Section
             743      73-3-6 .
             744          (b) Any claim not acceptably complete under Subsection (2) shall be returned to the
             745      claimant.
             746          (c) The acceptance of any claim filed under this section by the state engineer may not
             747      be considered to be an adjudication by the state engineer of the validity of the claimed water
             748      right.
             749          (5) (a) The state engineer shall:
             750          (i) conduct a field investigation of each claim filed; and
             751          (ii) prepare a report of the investigation.
             752          (b) The report of the investigation shall:
             753          (i) become part of the file on the claim; and
             754          (ii) be admissible in any administrative or judicial proceeding on the validity of the
             755      claim.
             756          (6) (a) Any person who may be damaged by a diversion and use of water as described
             757      in a claim submitted pursuant to this section may file an action in district court to determine the
             758      validity of the claim, whether or not the claim has been accepted for filing by the state
             759      engineer.
             760          (b) Venue for the action shall be in the county in which the point of diversion listed in
             761      the claim is located, or in a county where the place of use, or some part of it, is located.
             762          (c) The action shall be brought against the claimant to the use of water or the claimant's
             763      successor in interest.
             764          (d) In any action brought to determine the validity of a claim to the use of water under
             765      this section, the claimant shall have the initial burden of proof as to the validity of the claimed
             766      right.
             767          (e) Any person filing an action challenging the validity of a claim to the use of water
             768      under this section shall notify the state engineer of the pendency of the action in a manner
             769      prescribed by the state engineer. Upon receipt of the notice, the state engineer may take no


             770      action on any change or exchange applications founded on the claim that is the subject of the
             771      pending litigation, until the court adjudicates the matter.
             772          (f) Upon the entering of any final order or decree in any judicial action to determine the
             773      validity of a claim under this section, the prevailing party shall file a certified copy of the order
             774      or decree with the state engineer, which shall become part of the state engineer's file on the
             775      claim.
             776          (7) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules consistent with this
             777      section specifying information required to be included in a claim and claim procedures.
             778          Section 23. Section 73-5-15 is amended to read:
             779           73-5-15. Groundwater management plan.
             780          (1) As used in this section:
             781          (a) "Critical management area" means a groundwater basin in which the groundwater
             782      withdrawals consistently exceed the safe yield.
             783          (b) "Safe yield" means the amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn from a
             784      groundwater basin over a period of time without exceeding the long-term recharge of the basin
             785      or unreasonably affecting the basin's physical and chemical integrity.
             786          (2) (a) The state engineer may regulate groundwater withdrawals within a specific
             787      groundwater basin by adopting a groundwater management plan in accordance with this section
             788      for any groundwater basin or aquifer or combination of hydrologically connected groundwater
             789      basins or aquifers.
             790          (b) The objectives of a groundwater management plan are to:
             791          (i) limit groundwater withdrawals to safe yield;
             792          (ii) protect the physical integrity of the aquifer; and
             793          (iii) protect water quality.
             794          (c) The state engineer shall adopt a groundwater management plan for a groundwater
             795      basin if more than 1/3 of the water right owners in the groundwater basin request that the state
             796      engineer adopt a groundwater management plan.
             797          (3) (a) In developing a groundwater management plan, the state engineer may consider:
             798          (i) the hydrology of the groundwater basin;
             799          (ii) the physical characteristics of the groundwater basin;
             800          (iii) the relationship between surface water and groundwater, including whether the


             801      groundwater should be managed in conjunction with hydrologically connected surface waters;
             802          (iv) the geographic spacing and location of groundwater withdrawals;
             803          (v) water quality;
             804          (vi) local well interference; and
             805          (vii) other relevant factors.
             806          (b) The state engineer shall base the provisions of a groundwater management plan on
             807      the principles of prior appropriation.
             808          (c) (i) The state engineer shall use the best available scientific method to determine
             809      safe yield.
             810          (ii) As hydrologic conditions change or additional information becomes available, safe
             811      yield determinations made by the state engineer may be revised by following the procedures
             812      listed in Subsection (5).
             813          (4) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), the withdrawal of water from a
             814      groundwater basin shall be limited to the basin's safe yield.
             815          (ii) Before limiting withdrawals in a groundwater basin to safe yield, the state engineer
             816      shall:
             817          (A) determine the groundwater basin's safe yield; and
             818          (B) adopt a groundwater management plan for the groundwater basin.
             819          (iii) If the state engineer determines that groundwater withdrawals in a groundwater
             820      basin exceed the safe yield, the state engineer shall regulate groundwater rights in that
             821      groundwater basin based on the priority date of the water rights under the groundwater
             822      management plan, unless a voluntary arrangement exists under Subsection (4)(c) that requires a
             823      different distribution.
             824          (b) When adopting a groundwater management plan for a critical management area, the
             825      state engineer shall, based on economic and other impacts to an individual water user or a local
             826      community caused by the implementation of safe yield limits on withdrawals, allow gradual
             827      implementation of the groundwater management plan.
             828          (c) (i) In consultation with the state engineer, water users in a groundwater basin may
             829      agree to participate in a voluntary arrangement for managing withdrawals at any time, either
             830      before or after a determination that groundwater withdrawals exceed the groundwater basin's
             831      safe yield.


             832          (ii) A voluntary arrangement under Subsection (4)(c)(i) shall be consistent with other
             833      law.
             834          (iii) The adoption of a voluntary arrangement under this Subsection (4)(c) by less than
             835      all of the water users in a groundwater basin does not affect the rights of water users who do
             836      not agree to the voluntary arrangement.
             837          (5) To adopt a groundwater management plan, the state engineer shall:
             838          (a) give notice as specified in Subsection (7) at least 30 days before the first public
             839      meeting held in accordance with Subsection (5)(b):
             840          (i) that the state engineer proposes to adopt a groundwater management plan;
             841          (ii) describing generally the land area proposed to be included in the groundwater
             842      management plan; and
             843          (iii) stating the location, date, and time of each public meeting to be held in accordance
             844      with Subsection (5)(b);
             845          (b) hold one or more public meetings in the geographic area proposed to be included
             846      within the groundwater management plan to:
             847          (i) address the need for a groundwater management plan;
             848          (ii) present any data, studies, or reports that the state engineer intends to consider in
             849      preparing the groundwater management plan;
             850          (iii) address safe yield and any other subject that may be included in the groundwater
             851      management plan;
             852          (iv) outline the estimated administrative costs, if any, that groundwater users are likely
             853      to incur if the plan is adopted; and
             854          (v) receive any public comments and other information presented at the public
             855      meeting, including comments from any of the entities listed in Subsection (7)(a)(iii);
             856          (c) receive and consider written comments concerning the proposed groundwater
             857      management plan from any person for a period determined by the state engineer of not less
             858      than 60 days after the day on which the notice required by Subsection (5)(a) is given;
             859          (d) (i) at least 60 days prior to final adoption of the groundwater management plan,
             860      publish notice:
             861          (A) that a draft of the groundwater management plan has been proposed; and
             862          (B) specifying where a copy of the draft plan may be reviewed; and


             863          (ii) promptly provide a copy of the draft plan in printed or electronic form to each of
             864      the entities listed in Subsection (7)(a)(iii) that makes written request for a copy; and
             865          (e) provide notice of the adoption of the groundwater management plan.
             866          (6) A groundwater management plan shall become effective on the date notice of
             867      adoption is completed under Subsection (7), or on a later date if specified in the plan.
             868          (7) (a) A notice required by this section shall be:
             869          (i) published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general
             870      circulation in each county that encompasses a portion of the land area proposed to be included
             871      within the groundwater management plan;
             872          (ii) published conspicuously on the state engineer's Internet website; and
             873          (iii) mailed to each of the following that has within its boundaries a portion of the land
             874      area to be included within the proposed groundwater management plan:
             875          (A) county;
             876          (B) incorporated city or town;
             877          (C) improvement district under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 4, Improvement District
             878      Act;
             879          (D) service area, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 9, Service Area Act;
             880          (E) drainage district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 2, Drainage District Act;
             881          (F) irrigation district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 5, Irrigation District Act;
             882          (G) metropolitan water district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 6, Metropolitan
             883      Water District Act;
             884          (H) special service district providing water, sewer, drainage, or flood control services,
             885      under Title 17A, Chapter 2, Part 13, Utah Special Service District Act;
             886          (I) water conservancy district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 10, Water
             887      Conservancy District Act; and
             888          (J) conservation district, under Title 17A, Chapter 3, Part 8, Conservation Districts.
             889          (b) A notice required by this section is effective upon substantial compliance with
             890      Subsections (7)(a)(i) through (iii).
             891          (8) A groundwater management plan may be amended in the same manner as a
             892      groundwater management plan may be adopted under this section.
             893          (9) The existence of a groundwater management plan does not preclude any otherwise


             894      eligible person from filing any application or challenging any decision made by the state
             895      engineer within the affected groundwater basin.
             896          (10) (a) A person aggrieved by a groundwater management plan may challenge any
             897      aspect of the groundwater management plan by:
             898          (i) requesting administrative review by the Water Rights Board in accordance with
             899      Section 73-2-31 ; or
             900          (ii) filing a complaint within 60 days after the adoption of the groundwater
             901      management plan in the district court for any county in which the groundwater basin is found.
             902          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (9), a person may challenge the components of a
             903      groundwater management plan only in the manner provided by Subsection (10)(a).
             904          (c) An action brought under [this] Subsection (10)(a)(ii) is reviewed de novo by the
             905      district court.
             906          (d) A person challenging a groundwater management plan under [this] Subsection
             907      (10)(a)(ii) shall join the state engineer as a defendant in the action challenging the groundwater
             908      management plan.
             909          (e) (i) Within 30 days after the day on which a person files an action challenging any
             910      aspect of a groundwater management plan under Subsection (10)(a), the person filing the action
             911      shall publish notice of the action in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which
             912      the district court is located.
             913          (ii) The notice required by Subsection (10)(e)(i) shall be published once a week for two
             914      consecutive weeks.
             915          (iii) The notice required by Subsection (10)(e)(i) shall:
             916          (A) identify the groundwater management plan the person is challenging;
             917          (B) identify the case number assigned by the district court;
             918          (C) state that a person affected by the groundwater management plan may petition the
             919      district court to intervene in the action challenging the groundwater management plan; and
             920          (D) list the address for the clerk of the district court in which the action is filed.
             921          (iv) (A) Any person affected by the groundwater management plan may petition to
             922      intervene in the action within 60 days after the day on which notice is last published under
             923      Subsections (10)(e)(i) and (ii).
             924          (B) The district court's treatment of a petition to intervene under this Subsection


             925      (10)(e)(iv) is governed by the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
             926          (v) A district court in which an action is brought under Subsection (10)(a) shall
             927      consolidate all actions brought under that Subsection and include in the consolidated action any
             928      person whose petition to intervene is granted.
             929          (11) A groundwater management plan adopted or amended in accordance with this
             930      section is exempt from the requirements in Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
             931      Rulemaking Act.
             932          (12) Recharge and recovery projects permitted under Chapter 3b, Groundwater
             933      Recharge and Recovery Act, are exempted from this section.
             934          (13) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to require the development,
             935      implementation, or consideration of a groundwater management plan as a prerequisite or
             936      condition to the exercise of the state engineer's enforcement powers under other law, including
             937      powers granted under Section 73-2-25 .
             938          (14) A groundwater management plan adopted in accordance with this section may not
             939      apply to the dewatering of a mine.
             940          (15) (a) A groundwater management plan adopted by the state engineer before May 1,
             941      2006, remains in force and has the same legal effect as it had on the day on which it was
             942      adopted by the state engineer.
             943          (b) If a groundwater management plan that existed before May 1, 2006, is amended on
             944      or after May 1, 2006, the amendment is subject to this section's provisions.
             945          Section 24. Section 73-5a-101 is amended to read:
             946           73-5a-101. Power of state engineer to regulate dams -- Water Rights Board rules.
             947          (1) The state engineer has the authority to regulate dams for the purpose of protecting
             948      public safety.
             949          (2) To protect life and property, the [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make
             950      rules controlling the construction and operation of dams, including rules controlling:
             951          (a) design;
             952          (b) maintenance;
             953          (c) repair;
             954          (d) removal; and
             955          (e) abandonment.


             956          (3) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may by rule exempt from this chapter any
             957      dam that:
             958          (a) impounds less than 20 acre-feet of water and does not constitute a threat to human
             959      life if it fails; or
             960          (b) does not constitute a threat to human life and would result in only minor damage to
             961      property of the owner if it fails.
             962          Section 25. Section 73-5a-105 is amended to read:
             963           73-5a-105. Independent consultants -- Owner to pay costs.
             964          (1) The state engineer may require the owner of a dam or proposed dam to obtain the
             965      services of an independent consultant or team of consultants approved by the state engineer to
             966      consult regarding the adequacy of the design, construction, or operation of the dam if safety
             967      considerations pertaining to the design, construction, or operation of the dam warrant an
             968      independent review.
             969          (2) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall make rules specifying:
             970          (a) the safety considerations that will be considered in determining if an independent
             971      review is required;
             972          (b) the requisite qualifications and experience of the independent consultants; and
             973          (c) the timing of the consultants' review so that their recommendations are made in a
             974      timely manner.
             975          (3) (a) The independent consultants shall be considered to be the agents of the owner of
             976      the dam.
             977          (b) The costs of the independent consultants' services shall be paid by the owner of the
             978      dam.
             979          (c) The owner of the dam may require the independent consultants to consider other
             980      issues, in addition to safety considerations, such as:
             981          (i) design selections or alternatives;
             982          (ii) site selection;
             983          (iii) cost effectiveness; or
             984          (iv) other tasks as defined by the contract.
             985          Section 26. Section 73-5a-203 is amended to read:
             986           73-5a-203. Review of plans.


             987          (1) The state engineer shall establish a formal written procedure for the review of plans
             988      submitted pursuant to Section 73-5a-202 . Plans shall be reviewed according to:
             989          (a) design criteria which the [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall specify in rules;
             990      and
             991          (b) data or criteria generally accepted by the general dam design community.
             992          (2) Upon review of the plans, the state engineer will:
             993          (a) approve them with appropriate conditions;
             994          (b) reject them; or
             995          (c) return them for correction.
             996          (3) The state engineer shall document each review indicating:
             997          (a) how the plans were reviewed; and
             998          (b) his evaluation of the plans.
             999          Section 27. Section 73-5a-304 is amended to read:
             1000           73-5a-304. Final inspection.
             1001          (1) Following construction and prior to impounding any water, the state engineer shall
             1002      undertake a final inspection of the project.
             1003          (2) A written final approval of the project shall be issued if:
             1004          (a) the state engineer determines that:
             1005          (i) the project was constructed in accordance with plans approved by the state engineer
             1006      under Sections 73-5a-203 and 73-5a-303 ; and
             1007          (ii) during construction, inspections and tests were conducted as required by Section
             1008      73-5a-301 ; and
             1009          (b) the emergency action plan and standard operating plan meet the requirements set
             1010      forth in rules adopted by the [state engineer] Water Rights Board.
             1011          (3) (a) The state engineer may require the owner to:
             1012          (i) submit a formal operating plan for the initial filling of the reservoir; or
             1013          (ii) follow certain procedures during the initial filling of the reservoir.
             1014          (b) Failure to submit the operating plan or follow the specified procedures shall result
             1015      in revocation of the final approval.
             1016          Section 28. Section 73-5a-401 is amended to read:
             1017           73-5a-401. Records and reports.


             1018          The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules requiring the owner of any
             1019      dam to:
             1020          (1) maintain records pertaining to the construction, operation, or maintenance of the
             1021      dam; or
             1022          (2) submit:
             1023          (a) reports to the state engineer regarding maintenance, operation, or instrumentation
             1024      readings; or
             1025          (b) any other data considered necessary by the state engineer.
             1026          Section 29. Section 73-5a-403 is amended to read:
             1027           73-5a-403. Contents of standard operating plans.
             1028          [By May 1, 1991, the state engineer] The Water Rights Board shall adopt rules
             1029      specifying the contents of standard operating plans.
             1030          Section 30. Section 73-5a-502 is amended to read:
             1031           73-5a-502. Legislative findings -- Immunity from suit -- Minimum standards for
             1032      existing high hazard dams -- Exceptions -- Investigations and plans for compliance with
             1033      minimum standards.
             1034          (1) The Legislature finds that:
             1035          (a) it is in the interest of the people of the state to improve the safety of existing dams;
             1036          (b) mutual irrigation companies and water users associations cannot afford to bring
             1037      dams into conformance with the state's current minimum safety standards without financial
             1038      assistance from the state;
             1039          (c) due to limited financial, physical, and human resources, it is necessary to establish
             1040      priorities for the upgrade of dams; and
             1041          (d) the state and its officers and employees are immune from suit for any injury or
             1042      damage resulting from the exercise or performance or the failure to exercise or perform any
             1043      function pursuant to this chapter.
             1044          (2) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall establish minimum standards for
             1045      existing high hazard dams by rule. The standards for existing high hazard dams may differ
             1046      from the design criteria established for new construction.
             1047          (3) No seismic standards shall be established for existing high hazard dams within the
             1048      flood control use classification.


             1049          (4) (a) In implementing this section, the state engineer will develop a priority list of
             1050      high hazard dams. The list will be determined by calculating the relative anticipated breach
             1051      flows in the event of a dam failure. The dams will be ranked from the largest breach flow to
             1052      the smallest for all high hazard dams.
             1053          (b) The state engineer shall investigate annually 25 dams on the priority list in order of
             1054      their ranking to determine in what areas they are deficient or do not meet minimum standards.
             1055          (c) Once a determination is made, the owner will be notified that the owner will be
             1056      required to undertake investigations to determine requirements necessary to bring the dam into
             1057      compliance with minimum standards.
             1058          (d) Once the owner has been informed of the deficiencies of the dam, the owner will be
             1059      given 90 days to respond, in writing, as to what steps the owner is taking to investigate the
             1060      deficiencies and the time required to complete the investigations.
             1061          (e) The state engineer will review the proposal, and if it appears reasonable, will
             1062      approve it.
             1063          (5) The state engineer may not require any mutual irrigation company or water users
             1064      association to upgrade a dam in conformance with minimum standards, unless a grant to pay
             1065      for 80% of the costs is made available from the Board of Water Resources.
             1066          Section 31. Section 73-5a-602 is amended to read:
             1067           73-5a-602. Contents of emergency action plans.
             1068          [By May 1, 1991, the state engineer] The Water Rights Board shall adopt rules
             1069      specifying the contents of an emergency action plan.
             1070          Section 32. Section 73-6-1 is amended to read:
             1071           73-6-1. Suspension of right to appropriate -- By proclamation of governor.
             1072          For the purpose of preserving the surplus and unappropriated waters of any stream or
             1073      other source of water supply for use by irrigation districts and organized agricultural water
             1074      users, or for any use whatsoever, when in the judgment of the governor and the [state engineer]
             1075      Water Rights Board the welfare of the state demands it, the governor by proclamation may,
             1076      upon the recommendation of the [state engineer] Water Rights Board, suspend the right of the
             1077      public to appropriate such surplus or unappropriated waters.
             1078          Section 33. Section 73-6-2 is amended to read:
             1079           73-6-2. Restoration by proclamation -- Priority of applications.


             1080          Waters withdrawn from appropriation under this chapter may be restored by
             1081      proclamation of the governor upon the recommendation of the [state engineer] Water Rights
             1082      Board. Such proclamation shall not become effective until notice thereof has been published at
             1083      least once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the
             1084      boundaries of the river system or water source within which the waters so to be restored are
             1085      situated. Applications for appropriations shall not be filed during the time such waters are
             1086      withdrawn from appropriation; provided, that after the first publication of notice aforesaid
             1087      applications may be deposited with the state engineer and at the time such proclamation
             1088      becomes effective the engineer shall hold public hearings, giving all applicants notice, to
             1089      determine which applications so filed during the period of publication of such notice are most
             1090      conducive to the public good, and shall file such applications in order of priority according to
             1091      such determination.
             1092          Section 34. Section 73-22-5 is amended to read:
             1093           73-22-5. Jurisdiction of division -- Hearings -- Subpoena power -- Restraining
             1094      violations -- Actions for damages against violators unaffected.
             1095          (1) (a) The division has jurisdiction and authority over all persons and property, public
             1096      and private, necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter [and may enact, issue, and
             1097      enforce].
             1098          (b) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
             1099      Water Rights Board shall make rules necessary [rules and orders] to carry out the requirements
             1100      of this chapter.
             1101          (2) (a) Any affected person may apply for a hearing before the division, or the division
             1102      may initiate proceedings upon any question relating to the administration of this chapter by
             1103      following the procedures and requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures
             1104      Act.
             1105          (b) The Division of Water Rights shall comply with the procedures and requirements
             1106      of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, in its adjudicative proceedings.
             1107          (3) The division shall have the power to summon witnesses, to administer oaths, and to
             1108      require the production of records, books, and documents for examination at any hearing or
             1109      investigation conducted by it.
             1110          (4) (a) If any person fails or refuses to comply with a subpoena issued by the division,


             1111      or if any witness fails or refuses to testify about any matter regarding which he may be
             1112      interrogated, the division may petition any district court in the state to issue an order
             1113      compelling the person to:
             1114          (i) comply with the subpoena and attend before the division;
             1115          (ii) produce any records, books, and documents covered by the subpoena; or
             1116          (iii) to give testimony.
             1117          (b) The court may punish failure to comply with the order as contempt.
             1118          (5) (a) Whenever it appears that any person is violating or threatening to violate any
             1119      provision of this chapter, or any rule or order made under this chapter, the division may file suit
             1120      in the name of the state to restrain that person from continuing the violation or from carrying
             1121      out the threat of violation.
             1122          (b) Venue for the action is in the district court in the county where any defendant
             1123      resides or in the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred.
             1124          (6) (a) Nothing in this chapter, no suit by or against the division, and no violation
             1125      charged or asserted against any person under this chapter, or any rule or order issued under it,
             1126      shall impair, abridge, or delay any cause of action for damages that any person may have or
             1127      assert against any person violating this chapter, or any rule or order issued under it.
             1128          (b) Any person so damaged by the violation may sue for and recover whatever damages
             1129      that he is otherwise entitled to receive.
             1130          Section 35. Section 73-22-6 is amended to read:
             1131           73-22-6. Information required concerning resource development --
             1132      Confidentiality -- Regulation of wells -- Surety bonds -- Inspection.
             1133          (1) The division shall have authority to require:
             1134          (a) Identification of the location and ownership of all wells and producing geothermal
             1135      leases.
             1136          (b) Filing with the division of a notice of intent to drill, redrill, deepen, permanently
             1137      alter the casing of, or abandon any well. Approval of the notice of intent must be obtained from
             1138      the division prior to commencement of operations.
             1139          (c) Keeping of well logs and filing true and correct copies with the division. These
             1140      records are public records when filed with the division, unless the owner or operator requests,
             1141      in writing, that the records be held confidential. The period of confidentiality shall be


             1142      established by the division, not to exceed five years from the date of production or injection for
             1143      other than testing purposes or five years from the date of abandonment, whichever occurs first,
             1144      as determined by the division. Well records held confidential by the division are open to
             1145      inspection by those persons authorized in writing by the owner or operator. Confidential status
             1146      shall not restrict inspection by state officers charged with regulating well operations or by
             1147      authorized officials of the Utah State Tax Commission for purposes of tax assessment.
             1148          (d) The spacing, drilling, casing, testing, operating, producing, and abandonment of
             1149      wells so as to prevent:
             1150          (i) geothermal resources, water, gases, or other fluids from escaping into strata other
             1151      than the strata in which they are found (unless in accordance with a subsurface injection
             1152      program approved by the division);
             1153          (ii) pollution of surface and groundwater;
             1154          (iii) premature cooling of any geothermal system by water encroachment or otherwise
             1155      which tends to reduce the ultimate economic recovery of the geothermal resources;
             1156          (iv) blowouts, cave-ins, and seepage; and
             1157          (v) unreasonable disturbance or injury to neighboring properties, prior water rights,
             1158      human life, health, and the environment.
             1159          (e) The operator to file cash or individual surety bonds with the division for each new
             1160      well drilled and each abandoned well redrilled. The amount of surety required shall be
             1161      determined by the [division] Water Rights Board. In lieu of bonds for separate wells, the
             1162      operator may file a blanket cash or individual surety bond in an amount set by the division to
             1163      cover all the operator's drilling, redrilling, deepening, maintenance, or abandonment activities
             1164      for wells in the state. Bonds filed with the division shall be executed by the operator, as
             1165      principal, conditioned on compliance with division regulations in drilling, redrilling,
             1166      deepening, maintaining, or abandoning any well or wells covered by the bond and shall secure
             1167      the state against all losses, charges, and expenses incurred by it to obtain such compliance by
             1168      the principal named in the bond.
             1169          (f) The geothermal owner or operator to measure geothermal production according to
             1170      standards set by the division and maintain complete and accurate production records. The
             1171      records, or certified copies of them, shall be preserved on file by the owner or operator for a
             1172      period of five years and shall be available for examination by the division at all reasonable


             1173      times.
             1174          (g) Filing with the division any other reasonable reports which it prescribes regarding
             1175      geothermal operations within the state.
             1176          (2) Any bond filed with the division in conformance with this chapter may, with the
             1177      consent of the division, be terminated and canceled and the surety be relieved of all obligations
             1178      under it when the well or wells covered by the bond have been properly abandoned or another
             1179      valid bond has been substituted for it.
             1180          (3) The division may enter onto private or public land at any time to inspect any well or
             1181      geothermal resource development project to determine if the well or project is being
             1182      constructed, operated, or maintained according to any applicable permits or to determine if the
             1183      construction, operation, or maintenance of the well or project may involve an unreasonable risk
             1184      to life, health, property, the environment or subsurface, surface, or atmospheric resources.
             1185          Section 36. Section 73-22-10 is amended to read:
             1186           73-22-10. Judicial and administrative review of division actions -- Falsification or
             1187      omission of filings as misdemeanor -- Limitation of actions.
             1188          (1) (a) Any person aggrieved by any order issued under this chapter may obtain:
             1189          (i) administrative review by the Water Rights Board in accordance with Section
             1190      73-2-31 ; or
             1191          (ii) judicial review.
             1192          (b) Venue for judicial review of informal adjudicative proceedings is in the district
             1193      court of Salt Lake County, or in the district court of the county in which the complaining
             1194      person resides.
             1195          (2) An action or appeal involving any provision of this chapter, or a rule or order
             1196      issued under it shall be determined as expeditiously as possible.
             1197          (3) Any person who, for the purpose of evading this chapter or any order of the
             1198      division issued under it, makes or causes to be made any false entry in any report, record,
             1199      account, or memorandum required by this chapter, or by any order issued under it, or omits or
             1200      causes to be omitted from the report, record, account, or memorandum, full, true, and correct
             1201      entries as required by this chapter, or by an order, or removes from this state or destroys,
             1202      mutilates, alters, or falsifies the record, account, or memorandum, is guilty of a class A
             1203      misdemeanor.


             1204          (4) No suit, action, or other proceeding based upon a violation of this chapter or any
             1205      order of the division issued under it may be begun or maintained unless the action is begun
             1206      within two years from the date of the alleged violation.


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]