Permits for nonconsumptive hydropower use in areas not meeting minimum instream flows.

The bill allows the Department of Ecology to issue water right permits for nonconsumptive hydropower use in water resource inventory areas where minimum instream flows are not being met. The permit is conditional on the water being returned to the same stream reach, the project having an installed power generation capacity of less than 25 kilowatts, and the project not having a net detrimental impact on fish and related aquatic resources. The department must also consult with federally recognized Indian tribes with treaty fishing rights within the area.

Permits for nonconsumptive hydropower use in areas not meeting minimum instream flows.

The bill allows the Department of Ecology to issue water right permits for nonconsumptive hydropower use in water resource inventory areas where minimum instream flows are not being met. The permit is conditional on the water being returned to the same stream reach, the project having an installed power generation capacity of less than 25 kilowatts, and the project not having a net detrimental impact on fish and related aquatic resources. The department must also consult with federally recognized Indian tribes with treaty fishing rights within the area.