Utah Admin. Code R655-14-13 - Replacement of Water

(1) In addition to administrative fines and enforcement costs, the Enforcement Engineer may impose and the Presiding Officer may order the respondent to replace up to 200 percent of water unlawfully taken in accordance with Section 73-2-26.

(2) The Presiding Officer may order actual replacement of water after:

(a) A respondent fails to request judicial review of a Final Judgment and Order issued under Section 73-2-25; or

(b) Completion of judicial review, including any appeals.

(3) Pursuant to Section 73-2-26, and before imposing or ordering replacement of water, the Enforcement Engineer and the Presiding Officer shall consider the following factors:

(a) The value or quantity of water unlawfully taken, including the cost or difficulty of replacing the water;

(b) The gravity of the violation, including the economic injury or impact to others;

(c) Whether the respondent attempted to comply with the State Engineer's orders; and

(d) The respondent's economic benefit from the violation.

(4) The Enforcement Engineer may require and the Presiding Officer may order the respondent to submit a plan to replace water, which shall be submitted in writing and contain the following information:

(a) The name and mailing address of the respondent or persons submitting the plan;

(b) The State Engineer Agency Action (SEAA) number assigned to the IO;

(c) Identification of the water right(s) and property for which the water replacement plan is proposed;

(d) A description of the water replacement plan; and

(e) Any information that assists the Enforcement Engineer in evaluating whether the proposed water replacement plan is acceptable.

(5) The factors the Enforcement Engineer or Presiding Officer may consider to determine if the plan is acceptable include, but are not limited to:

(a) Whether the plan provides for the respondent to forgo use of a vested water right owned or leased by the respondent until water is replaced to the extent required in the IO or ordered in the Final Judgment and Order;

(b) The reliability of the source of replacement water over the term in which it is proposed to be used under the plan; and

(c) Whether the plan provides for monitoring and adjustment as necessary to protect vested water rights.

(6) As provided in Section 73-2-26, water replaced shall be taken from water to which the respondent would be entitled during the replacement period.

(7) In accordance with Subsection 73-2-26(5)(a), or any other statutory authority, the Division may record any order requiring water replacement in the office of the county recorder where the place of use or water right is located. Any subsequent transferee of such property shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of said order.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R655-14-13