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Ecology home | Water supply | Streamflow restoration | WRIA 9 Duwamish/Green Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee

Last revised: October 17, 2018

The Streamflow Restoration Act (RCW 90.94) is a new law affecting water resource management in Washington State. The law, passed in 2018, helps protect water resources while providing water for families in rural Washington. 

• Read more about the Streamflow Restoration law

The law directs local planning groups in 15 watersheds to develop or update plans that offset potential impacts to instream flows associated with new permit-exempt domestic water use.

We are leading the WRIA 9 Duwamish/Green Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee. Get more information:

• If you would like to receive notices about WRIA 9 Duwamish/Green Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee meetings, subscribe to the email list (link).
• See the committee roster - (link) to spreadsheet or word document
• Attend a meeting - (link) to spreadsheet or word document (we will add to it as dates are identified)

How the law affects this watershed

As of Jan. 19. 2018, new permit-exempt wells for domestic use in this watershed are:

• allowed 950 gallons per day as the maximum annual average (350 gallons per day during drought).
• subject to a $500 fee.

Please contact your county for more information on these standards as they may change in the final watershed plan or any potential rulemaking.

This watershed:

• has an instream flow rule that does not regulate permit-exempt wells.
• is directed by Section 203 of the new law to adopt a watershed restoration and enhancement plan by 2021.

 Meetings

This committee has until June 2021 to complete plans that estimate the 20 year consumptive use from permit-exempt wells and identifies projects to offset that consumptive use. The plans will need to meet net ecological benefit.

2018

October 24, 1 to 4 pm at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168

• Agenda
• Meeting materials:
• Minutes
• Announcements

Net Ecological Benefit Comment Period

Ecology is soliciting comments on the interim guidance on NEB for planning groups on expedited planning tracks and for pilot projects being conducted under Section 301 of the law. The final NEB guidance will be used to evaluate watershed plans that are completed as directed under RCW 90.94.020 and RCW 90.94.030.

• The deadline for submitting e-comments is Oct. 28, 2018. Share feedback via our online commenting system.

Streamflow Restoration Funding Program Rulemaking Comment Period

Ecology is soliciting comments on preliminary draft rule language of Chapter 173-566 WAC - Streamflow Restoration Funding. The rulemaking will establish process and criteria for funding projects statewide under RCW 90.94.060.  This preliminary draft rule language will be discussed at the public workshops being held around the state in October. Please note: This rule does not apply to the 2018 Streamflow Restoration Grant funding cycle.

• The comment period on the preliminary draft runs through Oct. 28 2018. Share your feedback via our online commenting system.

Streamflow restoration implementation grants

We have launched a grant program for Streamflow Restoration implementation projects. The first round of grants will focus on projects that improve streamflows and instream resources:

• Read more and apply

Resource materials:

• Department of Ecology Streamflow Restoration Webpage
• Hirst v. Whatcom County
• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6091
• RCW 90.94
• Streamflow Restoration Grants Fiscal Year 2019 Interim Funding Guidance
• Initial policy interpretation
• Recommendations for water use estimates

Contact:

Contact:

Stephanie Potts
Streamflow Restoration
stephanie.potts@ecy.wa.gov
425 649-7138