WATER RIGHT EVALUATIONS

Water Right Transfer, C&M Group, Colville, Washington

Gene conducted a due diligence review for a proposed water right transfer of a groundwater withdrawal near Colville, Washington.  The project involved determining if the existing water right withdrawal was valid, conducting an ACQ analysis to determine the actual consumptive use (beneficial use) of the crops irrigated, determining actual amount of water withdrawn over the past 5 years through electrical records, and determining if adequate infrastructure was in place to utilize the water right.  Gene prepared a report of findings to accompany the water right transfer application prepared. 

Water Right Transfer, Chewelah Golf Course, Chewelah, Washington

Gene conducted a due diligence review for a proposed water right transfer of a surface water diversion on the North Fork of Chewelah Creek near Chewelah, Washington.  The project involved determining if the existing water right withdrawal was valid, conducting an ACQ analysis to determine the actual consumptive use (beneficial use) of the crops irrigated, determining actual amount of water withdrawn over the past 5 years through electrical records, and determining if adequate infrastructure was in place to utilize the water right.  In addition, irrigation needs for the golf course were calculated.  A review of the clients existing water rights were also conducted to determine the amount of water that would be required for purchase.  The analysis was used to determine if the Golf Course needs could be met with the purchase and transfer of the identified water right. 

Water Right Transfer, Longview Fibre, Winton, Washington

Gene conducted a hydraulic continuity evaluation for a proposed water right point of diversion change on Skinney Creek (tributary to Chiwaukum Creek and the Wenatchee River) near Winton, Washington.  The project involved determining if a change to a groundwater withdrawal from the existing surface water diversion was still hydraulically connected to the Skinney Creek.  The site is located in a unique hydrogeologic setting on the saddle of two major drainages.  Preliminary evaluation of existing hydrogeologic conditions determined that the new proposed withdrawal site was in hydraulic continuity with the stream, but would have minimal affects on flows.

Water Right Evaluation, Kimberly Mill Site and Rescue Mine, Warren, Idaho

The WNR Group was retained by Kimberly Mines to assist them with a BLM challenge to the validity of a water right at the Kimberly Mill site.  The a Form 1 objection was filed by the US BLM and the US Forest Service during the Basin 77 Adjudication.  The challenge was based on the validity of the water right as relevant to a time lapse in the claims on which the mill is situated.  The WNR Group assisted Kimberly Mines with responding to the BLM challenge and filing the appropriate court documents for a water right hearing in the SRBA court.

Richard Price, Attorney at Law

Water Right Transfer – Hydraulic Analysis, Harms Property, Riverside, Washington

Gene conducted a hydraulic analysis of a groundwater withdrawal location to the Okanogan River.  The project was conducted to support a transfer of a groundwater right to a surface diversion downstream of the existing water right location.  The project determined that the groundwater withdrawal was in direct hydraulic continuity with the Okanogan River.

Water Right Transfer, Dominion Golf Course, Colville, Washington

Gene conducted a preliminary due diligence review for a proposed water right transfer of a surface water diversion on a tributary to the Colville River near Colville, Washington.  The project involved conducting a review of a previously denied water right transfer to assist the legal team with an appeal of the Ecology ROE.  In addition, a review of other available water rights within the basin was conducted.

Water Right Transfer, Wright Property, Okanogan River, Washington

Gene conducted a preliminary hydraulic continuity evaluation for a proposed water right point of diversion change on the Okanogan River near Tonasket, Washington.  The project involved determining if a change in point of withdrawal to a groundwater withdrawal from the existing surface water diversion was still hydraulically connected to the Okanogan River.  Preliminary evaluation of existing hydrogeologic conditions determined that the new proposed withdrawal site was in hydraulic continuity with the river, but would have minimal affects on flows.  The transfer of the point of withdrawal was determined to be beneficial to flows within the Okanogan River.

Water Right Transfer, Daniels Nursery, Colville River, Washington

Gene was the Senior Project Manger on a transfer application for the Daniels Nursery in Stevens County, Washington.  The project included coordinating with the client’s attorney to submit the water right transfer application to the Washington State Department of Ecology, and to conduct an evaluation of actual water use on the irrigated property.  The water use evaluation included determining quantity of applied water, and consumptive use of crops located on the 185 acre property.  Results determined that all of the 74 acre feet of water could be transferred from the Colville River, down stream to another surface water diversion on the Columbia River.

Assessment, Colville Indian Power and Veneer Property Water Rights Investigation, Colville Confederated Tribes

Gene was the Project Manager to attain the history and standing of the water rights associated with this property located in the western portion of the Reservation near the Okanogan River.  The City of Omak has permitted water rights dependent upon the original water right claims filed with the State of Washington.  The Colville Confederated Tribe requested an investigation be conducted into the validity of the water rights associated with the points of withdrawal on the Colville Indian Reservation.  Project involved meetings with tribal representatives and investigating and documenting the actions taken and requested by previous property owners, the City of Omak, and the Tribe in relation to this property and water rights.

Palouse Conservation District, Assessment of Water Rights, WRIA 34

Whitman County, Washington

Gene was the senior project manager on this project to evaluate and give preliminary interpretations of the Ecology WRATS database for the WRIA 34 Planning Unit.  Project involved compilation and review of claims, certificates, and permits and the associated uses of the water rights as presented in the WRATS database.  GIS maps of surface water and groundwater diversions prepared showing quantity of withdrawals per Section throughout the entire watershed.  Results of assessment of papered water rights presented in a report and presented at a public meeting. 

PO Box 28755, Spokane, WA 99228       Ph/Fax: 509-468-4876    Cell: 509-953-9395  Email