Publication Summary

Ecology is obligated under Chapters 90.82, 90.22, and 90.54 RCW to set and protect instream flows at levels needed to protect fish and other environmental values. Rule setting instream flows may also include strategies or provisions for future out-of-stream water uses. Ecology has developed this rule, Chapter 173-517 WAC in order to fulfill these obligations. The economic analysis described in this document is part of the rule-making process. Ecology is issuing this joint Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Least Burdensome Alternative Analysis, under Chapter 34.05 RCW, and Maximum Net Benefit Analysis (MNB), under RCW 90.54.020 (2). Ecology will use the information from these analyses to ensure that the rule is consistent with legislative policy. Ecology has also developed and issued a Small Business Economic Impact Statement (SBEIS) as part of its rule-making process.