WAC 173-165-010. Purpose and authority of this chapter

The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures for implementing RCW 90.03.665 , Certified water right examiners—Fees—Rules. The statute authorizes certified water right examiners to conduct final proof examinations of permitted water uses to support department of ecology (ecology) decisions on whether to issue water right certificates. The statute requires permittees, as explained herein, to hire a certified water right examiner to complete a proof examination. RCW 90.03.665 (1) requires ecology to establish and maintain a list of certified water right examiners through a defined certification process. RCW 90.03.665 (11) authorizes ecology to adopt rules appropriate to carry out the purposes of the statute.