The Department of Ecology released interim guidance to help determine net ecological benefit in water resources decisions. The guidance will form the basis of their evaluation on whether to approve regional watershed plans that address impacts of well-based development.

As a result of the resolution of the Hirst and Foster water resources debates over the last several years, Ecology is tasked with determining whether watershed plans, watershed restoration and enhancement plans, and pilot projects associated with the Foster decision achieve a “net ecological benefit” when water uses are compared to mitigation and other environmental enhancements. This is an important consideration because it is the basis for how the agency will evaluate whether to approve the regional watershed plans and the specific permitted water uses of the Foster pilots.

AWC helped organize a workshop with city natural resource experts to provide feedback to the agency in May – read the notes from that meeting. Ecology issued interim guidance following the meeting. The agency intends to have final guidance out in early 2019.

Watershed planning groups are expected to complete their work in early 2019 (Nooksack and Nisqually) and the five Foster pilots (Yelm, Port Orchard, Sumner, Spanaway Water Company, and Bertrand Irrigation District) will be subject to the interim guidance, while other watershed groups will be subject to the final guidance document.

Carl Schroeder sits on the Water Resource Mitigation Joint Legislative Task Force to help develop a permanent approach to the use of mitigation as part of water rights applications. We would very much like to keep your specific issues in mind, please share any comments with Carl and Shannon McClelland.

We continue to welcome feedback from additional cities that have future water needs if you are concerned about your legal ability to secure water.