Upon the filing of the evidence and the report of the department, any interested party may, on or before five days prior to the date of said hearing, file exceptions to such report in writing and such exception shall set forth the grounds therefor and a copy thereof shall be served personally or by registered mail upon all parties who have appeared in the proceeding. If no exceptions be filed, the court shall enter a decree determining the rights of the parties according to the evidence and the report of the department, whether such parties have appeared therein or not. If exceptions are filed the action shall proceed as in case of reference of a suit in equity and the court may in its discretion take further evidence or, if necessary, remand the case for such further evidence to be taken by the department's designee, and may require further report by him. Costs, not including taxable attorneys fees, may be allowed or not; if allowed, may be apportioned among the parties in the discretion of the court. Appellate review of the decree shall be in the same manner as in other cases in equity, except that review must be sought within sixty days from the entry thereof.

[1988 c 202 § 91; 1987 c 109 § 79; 1971 c 81 § 176; 1917 c 117 § 23; RRS § 7373. Formerly RCW 90.12.100.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- 1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.

     Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.