DAR File No. 43743

Natural Resources, Water Rights

Rule R655-13

Stream Alteration

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Repeal and Reenact)

DAR File No.: 43743
Filed: 05/29/2019 11:39:24 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

Subsection 73-2-1(4)(d) establishes and clarifies the procedures necessary to obtain approval by the state engineer for any project that proposes to alter a natural stream within the state of Utah. Approval does not grant access, authorize trespass, or supersede property rights. Additional procedures may be required to comply with other governing state statute, federal law, federal regulation, or local ordinance. The old rule has a different method of describing the affected areas of streams where the jurisdiction lies. The new rule just simplified the process to a single method.

Summary of the rule or change:

Subsection 73-2-1(4)(d) establishes and clarifies the procedures necessary to obtain approval by the state engineer for any project that proposes to alter a natural stream within the state of Utah. The old rule has a different method of describing the affected areas of streams where the jurisdiction lies. The new rule just simplified the process to a single method.

Statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 73-2-1

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

No cost involved; clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

local governments:

No cost involved; clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

small businesses:

No cost involved; clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

No cost involved; clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

No cost involved; clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

No fiscal impact; clarification of processing does not require a dollar figure.

Brian C. Steed, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Office of Administrative Rules, or at:

Natural Resources
Water RightsRoom 220
1594 W NORTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3154

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Marianne Burbidge at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7370, by FAX at 801-538-7467, or by Internet E-mail at marianneburbidge@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/15/2019

This rule may become effective on:

07/25/2019

Authorized by:

Kent Jones, State Engineer/Director

Appendix 1: Regulatory Impact Summary Table*

Fiscal Costs	FY 2020	FY 2021	FY2022
State Government	$0	$0	$0
Local Government	$0	$0	$0
Small Businesses	$0	$0	$0
Non-Small Businesses	$0	$0	$0
Other Person	$0	$0	$0
Total Fiscal Costs:	$0	$0	$0
Fiscal Benefits
State Government	$0	$0	$0
Local Government	$0	$0	$0
Small Businesses	$0	$0	$0
Non-Small Businesses	$0	$0	$0
Other Persons	$0	$0	$0
Total Fiscal Benefits:	$0	$0	$0
Net Fiscal Benefits:	$0	$0	$0

 

*This table only includes fiscal impacts that could be measured. If there are inestimable fiscal impacts, they will not be included in this table. Inestimable impacts for State Government, Local Government, Small Businesses and Other Persons are described in the narrative. Inestimable impacts for Non-Small Businesses are described in Appendix 2.

 

Appendix 2: Regulatory Impact to Small and Non-Small Businesses

Brian C. Steed, Executive Director, has reviewed and approved this fiscal analysis.

 

 

R655. Natural Resources, Water Rights.

R655-13. Stream Alteration.

[R655-13-1. Authority.

(1) The following rule is established under the authority of Section 73-3-29. Additional procedures may be required to comply with other governing state statute, federal law, federal regulation, or local ordinance.

 

R655-13-2. Purpose.

(1) The purpose of this rule is to clarify the procedures necessary to obtain approval by the state engineer for any project that proposes to alter a natural stream within the state of Utah. Approval does not grant access, authorize trespass, or supercede property rights.

 

R655-13-3. Applicability.

(1) These rules apply to all stream alteration projects within the state of Utah.

 

R655-13-4. Definitions.

(1) Alteration: To obstruct, diminish, enhance, destroy, alter, modify, relocate, realign, change, or potentially affect the existing condition or shape of a channel, or to change the path or characteristics of water flow within a natural channel. It includes processes and results of removal or placement of material or structures within the jurisdiction delineated in this rule.

(2) Bankfull discharge: The flow corresponding to the elevation of the water surface, in a natural stream, where overflowing onto the floodplain normally begins.

(3) Bank(s): The confining sides of a natural stream channel, including the adjacent complex that provides stability, erosion resistance, aquatic habitat, or flood capacity.

(4) Bed: The bottom of a natural stream channel.

(5) Canopy: Mature riparian woody vegetation, usually referring to limb and leaf overhang.

(6) Channel: The bed and banks of a natural stream.

(7) Clearance: The vertical distance between a given water surface and the lowest point on any structure crossing a natural channel.

(8) Ecology: A branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environment.

(9) Ecosystem: The assemblage of organisms and their environment functioning as an ecological unit in nature.

(10) Floodplain: The maximum area that will accommodate water when flow exceeds bankfull discharge.

(11) Flowline: The lowest part of a streambed when viewed in cross-section.

(12) Fluvial: 1: Of, relating to, or living in a stream or river. 2: Produced by stream action.

(13) Gradient: Elevation change per unit length.

(14) Natural stream: Any waterway, along with its fluvial system, that receives sufficient water to sustain an ecosystem that distinguishes it from the surrounding upland environment.

(15) Reference reach: A portion or segment of a natural stream channel that shows little or no indication of alteration.

(16) Revegetation: The planting of salvaged plants, containerized plants, cuttings, seeds, or other methods to produce a desired plant community.

(17) Riparian corridor: The vegetation zone associated with a natural stream environment.

(18) Riprap: Preferably hard, well-graded, angular rock, sufficient in size and density to remain stationary during high flows.

(19) State Engineer: Director of the Division of Water Rights.

(20) Waterway: A topographic low that collects and conveys water.

 

R655-13-5. Jurisdiction.

(1) For the purposes of determining the need to obtain an approved stream alteration application, it is necessary to review the criteria outlined in Section 73-3-29(4)(a). The items, and thus the adopted jurisdictional limits, must be investigated by the state engineer before making a determination on a proposed stream alteration. The state engineer shall conduct investigations that may be reasonably necessary to determine whether the proposed alteration will:

(a) impair vested water rights. In order to determine if vested water rights could be impaired, it is necessary to determine if: stream flows are being modified; the geometry of the bankfull channel will change; or the proposal will have any effect on the diversion, collection, or distribution appurtenances associated with the water right within the jurisdictional limits presented in sections R655-13-5(1)(b) below. In evaluating a proposed stream alteration, the state engineer must consider the proposal's impact on any diversion, collection or distribution structure associated with the water right. By necessity, the jurisdictional limit must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must assess those appurtenances to the actual diversion structure which could be affected even though they are located outside of the channel.

(b) unreasonably or unnecessarily affect any recreational use or the natural stream environment. The natural stream environment consists of the stream, the conveyed water, the adjoining vegetative complex, and the habitat provided by the abutting riparian zone. Evaluation of impacts to recreational use must factor in the hydrology of the stream, manmade structures detrimental to recreational use and the riparian zone's ability to keep the system erosion resistant. The jurisdictional limit to be used to evaluate the impacts on recreational use and the natural stream environment will be the greater of the two as follows:

(i) The observed riparian zone or canopy drip line of a undisturbed reference reach; or

(ii) Two times the bankfull width from the bankfull edge of water in a direction perpendicular to the flow and away from the channel up to a maximum of 30 feet.

(c) unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger aquatic wildlife. Any changes made to a natural stream that affect the geometry, water quality, flows, temperature, and vegetative cover may endanger aquatic wildlife. The jurisdictional limit, when considering the impacts to aquatic wildlife, is taken to be contained within the limit established under R655-13-5(1)(b).

(d) unreasonably or unnecessarily diminish the natural channel's ability to conduct high flows. Changes in cross-sectional geometry, grade, surface roughness, sediment load, in-stream structures, levees, and floodplain development, can have an influence on a channel's ability to conduct high flows. The objective in evaluating a stream's ability to conduct high flows is not to attempt to provide a certain level of protection (i.e. 100 year event), but rather to make sure that the losses in the natural stream's carrying capacity are minimized. It is important to recognize that the hydraulic capability of a natural stream, at a section on the stream, is a three dimensional issue and alterations at a point can change the carrying capacity of the stream both upstream and downstream of the actual stream alteration. The jurisdictional area, when considering the channel's hydraulic capacity, must include the bankfull stream channel and in many cases portions of the floodplain which have been observed conducting or storing water during high flow events or show physical evidence of conducting or storing water during high flows.

(2) Any work proposed in any of the preceding identified jurisdictional limits will require an approved stream alteration application.

 

R655-13-6. Application Requirements.

(1) Blank application forms are available through the Division of Water Rights or on the Division of Water Rights website. In addition to the information requested on the application, the following information shall be submitted with the application, if applicable:

(a) A rehabilitation plan for areas disturbed during construction activities;

(b) Hydraulic calculations on which the design of the proposed alteration is based;

(c) A description of the construction methods to be employed; and

(d) Any other information the state engineer determines is necessary to evaluate the proposal.

(2) Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.

 

R655-13-7. Specific Stream Alteration Activities.

(1) The following subsections address specific types of stream alteration activities and the nature of special information that shall be provided to the state engineer. These subsections are not intended to be comprehensive and other requirements may be imposed at the discretion of the state engineer.

(a) Applications that propose to install a utility (sewer, water, fiber-optic cable, etc.) beneath a natural stream will be subject to the following conditions and requirements:

(i) Applicants will be required to explore the utilization of directional drilling or jacking methods where year-round flows exist. Where directional drilling or jacking in not feasible, the applicant will be required to submit detailed plans showing how flow will be diverted away from the area during construction (use of coffer dams, temporary culverts, etc.) and how the channel will be rehabilitated to it pre-alteration state following installation of the utility.

(ii) Bedding and backfill material placed over and around the utility shall not be more free-draining than the adjacent bed, bank, and riparian area materials and shall be compacted to in-place densities at least as great as those of similar adjacent materials. In some circumstances, cutoff collars may be required.

(iii) Utility crossings under natural streams shall be placed with the top of the utility a minimum of three (3) feet below the existing natural elevation of the streambed. In some instances, a greater depth may be required if there is significant evidence of on-going erosion.

(iv) Where utility crossings occur on river bends or areas of significant on-going bank erosion, the utility shall be kept at an elevation below that of the bed of the stream, laterally away from the stream, to a distance where erosion will not expose the utility at a later date.

(b) Applications that propose to span natural streams by way of bridges or other structures will be subject to the following conditions and requirements:

(i) Submission of consideration for the use of existing stream crossings as an alternative to construction of a new bridge or span.

(ii) Construction of the bridge abutments shall not encroach on the bankfull stage of a natural stream.

(iii) Clearance of the lowest part of the span shall be a minimum of three (3) feet above bankfull stage unless specifically exempted by the state engineer.

(c) Applications that propose installation of a culvert or other similar structure will be subject to the following conditions and requirements:

(i) The applicant shall submit evidence to justify the infeasibility of constructing a bridge crossing.

(ii) The grade and elevation of the bottom (or floor) of the culvert shall not change the profile from that of the original undisturbed streambed, unless the culvert is intended to be used as a fish barrier.

(iii) The bottom of the culvert should contain natural streambed material if the natural stream contains a fishery. This may require installing the culvert flowline below the bed of the channel or installation of an open bottom culvert.

(iv) The culvert shall be sized to allow passage of flood flows and in some cases wildlife migration.

(v) The culvert design should include energy dissipation structures or devices when necessary.

(d) Applications that propose to remove or thin-out living or dead riparian vegetation will be considered if:

(i) the existing riparian vegetation consists exclusively or predominantly of non-native plant and tree species, provided that removal or thinning will not jeopardize the stability of the stream or impact wildlife habitat; or

(ii) the existing vegetation represents a flood threat to existing buildings or other permanent structures, residential areas, transportation routes , or established utilities.

(e) Dead vegetation within the channel may be removed without written authorization by the state engineer provided that removal can be accomplished by way of manual methods.

(f) Applications that propose to discharge storm water or waste water into a natural stream channel shall include plans for treating the water prior to discharge (debris box, skimmer, or other appropriate method for removing debris or any other pollutant or constituent which will impair the ecosystem health of the receiving channel) when water originates from areas containing potential waste or contaminants. Debris boxes shall be cleaned or otherwise serviced regularly. Outfall structure design shall include methods for reducing water velocities and preventing erosion (keyed-in riprap, flared end-section, baffles, etc).

(g) Applications that propose to relocate a natural stream channel will be considered if:

(i) the existing channel is degraded or impaired and relocating the channel will enhance the natural stream environment; or

(ii) the existing channel location represents a significant hazard to existing permanent structures, residential areas, transportation routes, or established utilities; and other bank stabilization methods can be shown to be inappropriate or infeasible for reducing or eliminating the hazard.

(h) Applicants that propose to relocate a natural stream will be required to submit detailed drawings of the new channel (plan, cross-section(s), and profile views) and vegetation plans for the channel and surrounding area. Monitoring of planted vegetation must be conducted and results reported to the Division of Water Rights.

(i) Applications that propose to remove beaver dams will be considered if:

(i) the dam(s) interferes with the operation or maintenance or threaten the integrity of a bridge, culvert, an authorized man-made dam, or authorized water diversion works; or

(ii) the presence of the dam(s) causes or may reasonably be expected to cause flooding of pre-existing developed areas, buildings, transportation routes, or established utilities; or

(iii) the dam(s) exists in areas of highly erosive soil or recently authorized stream restoration activities; or

(iv) the presence of the dam(s) represents a detriment to fish management.

(j) Removal of established beaver dams for the sole purpose of obtaining impounded water to supplement other water sources will be reviewed critically.]

R655-13-1. Authority.

(1) The following rule is established under the authority of Section 73-2-1(4)(d). Additional procedures may be required to comply with other governing state statute, federal law, federal regulation, or local ordinance.

 

R655-13-2. Purpose.

(1) The purpose of this rule is to clarify the procedures necessary to obtain approval of an application by the state engineer for any project that proposes to alter a natural stream within the state of Utah. Approval does not grant access, authorize trespass, supercede property rights, or address safety considerations of the proposal.

 

R655-13-3. Applicability.

(1) These rules apply to all stream alteration projects within the state of Utah.

 

R655-13-4. Definitions.

(1) Alteration: To obstruct, diminish, enhance, destroy, alter, modify, relocate, realign, change, or potentially affect the existing condition or shape of a channel, or to change the path or characteristics of water flow within a natural channel. It includes processes and results of removal or placement of material or structures within the jurisdiction delineated in this rule.

(2) Bankfull discharge: The flow corresponding to the elevation of the water surface, in a natural stream, where overflowing onto the floodplain normally begins. Bankfull discharge is considered analogous to ordinary high water or average seasonal high flow. In urbanized streams this is often lower than the top of bank.

(3) Bank(s): The confining sides of a natural stream channel, including the adjacent complex that provides stability, erosion resistance, aquatic habitat, or flood capacity.

(4) Bed: The bottom of a natural stream channel.

(5) Channel: The bed and banks of a natural stream.

(6) Clearance: The vertical distance between a given water surface and the lowest point on any structure crossing a natural channel.

(7) Ecosystem: The assemblage of organisms and their environment functioning as an ecological unit in nature.

(8) Floodplain: The maximum area that will accommodate water when flow exceeds bankfull discharge.

(9) Flowline: The lowest part of a bed when viewed in cross-section.

(10) Fluvial: 1: Of, relating to, or living in a stream or river. 2: Produced by stream action.

(11) Natural stream: Any waterway, along with its fluvial system, that receives sufficient water to sustain an ecosystem that distinguishes it from the surrounding upland environment.

(12) State Engineer: Director of the Division of Water Rights.

(13) Waterway: A topographic low that collects and conveys water.

 

R655-13-5. Jurisdiction.

(1) The jurisdictional limit along a natural stream is two times the bankfull width from the bankfull edge of water in a direction perpendicular and horizontal to the flow and away from the channel up to a maximum of 30 feet on both sides of the channel.

 

R655-13-6. Application Requirements.

(1) Blank application forms are available through the Division of Water Rights or on the Division of Water Rights website. In addition to the information requested on the application, any other information the state engineer determines is necessary to evaluate the proposal shall be submitted.

 

R655-13-7. Specific Stream Alteration Activities.

(1) The following subsections address specific types of stream alteration activities and the nature of special information that shall be provided to the state engineer. These subsections are not intended to be comprehensive and other requirements may be imposed at the discretion of the state engineer. All requirements may be waived at the discretion of the state engineer.

(a) Applications that propose to install a utility (sewer, water, fiber-optic cable, etc.) beneath a natural stream will be subject to the following conditions and requirements:

(i) The top of the utility shall be a minimum of three (3) feet below the existing natural elevation of the bed. In some instances, a greater depth may be required if there is significant evidence of on-going erosion.

(ii) Where utility crossings occur on river bends or areas of significant on-going bank erosion, the utility shall be kept at an elevation below that of the bed of the stream, laterally away from the stream, to a distance where erosion will not expose the utility at a later date.

(b) Applications that propose to span natural streams by way of bridges or other structures will be subject to the following conditions and requirements:

(i) Clearance of the lowest part of the span shall be a minimum of three (3) feet above bankfull stage unless specifically exempted by the state engineer.

(c) Applications that propose installation of a culvert or other similar structure will be subject to the following conditions and requirements:

(i) The bottom of the culvert should contain natural bed material. This may require installing the culvert flowline below the bed of the channel or installation of an open bottom culvert.

(ii) Bedding and backfill placed around the culvert shall not be more free-draining than the adjacent bed and bank materials and shall be compacted to in-place densities at least as great as those of similar adjacent materials.

(iii) The culvert design should include energy dissipation structures or devices when necessary.

(d) Woody debris within the jurisdictional limits established in R655-13-5 may be removed without written authorization by the state engineer provided that removal can be accomplished by way of manual methods or through use of equipment located outside the channel.

(e) Applications that propose to relocate a natural stream channel will be considered if:

(i) the existing channel is degraded or impaired and relocating the channel will enhance the natural stream environment; or

(ii) the existing channel location represents a significant hazard to existing permanent structures, residential areas, transportation routes, or established utilities; and other bank stabilization methods can be shown to be inappropriate or infeasible for reducing or eliminating the hazard.

(iii) Detailed drawings of the new channel (plan, cross-section(s), and profile views) and vegetation plans for the channel and surrounding area accompany the application.

(iv) Monitoring and reporting plan for planted vegetation is submitted.

(f) Applications that propose to remove beaver dams will be considered if:

(i) the dam(s) interferes with the operation or maintenance or threaten the integrity of a bridge, culvert, an authorized man-made dam, or authorized water diversion works; or

(ii) the presence of the dam(s) causes or may reasonably be expected to cause flooding of pre-existing developed areas, buildings, transportation routes, or established utilities; or

(iii) the dam(s) exists in areas of highly erosive soil or recently authorized stream restoration activities; or

(iv) the presence of the dam(s) represents a detriment to fish management.

(v) Removal of established beaver dams for the sole purpose of obtaining impounded water to supplement other water sources may not be approved on that basis alone.

 

KEY: stream alterations

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [May 4, 2004]2019

Notice of Continuation: December 7, 2018

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 73-3-29