WAC 400-12-400   Lead agency for watershed planning.  (1) Designation.

     (a) The county is assumed to be the lead agency for each watershed management committee. However, another entity may serve as the lead agency if it has geographic jurisdiction and/or responsibilities that wholly or mostly encompass the watershed and can demonstrate that it has the ability to perform the duties of a lead agency as per WAC 400-12-200(17), either directly or through a memorandum of agreement with the county. Additionally, the entity shall demonstrate coordination with the county. If the county does not act as the lead agency, it shall serve on the committee and shall participate in local review of the action plan as described in Part Five of this chapter.

     (b) In multicounty watersheds, the counties may jointly convene the committee, provided there is demonstrated coordination, or may choose one entity to carry out lead agency responsibilities. In these situations there shall be a single public involvement process which ensures that interested and affected parties throughout the watershed are involved.

     (c) Where a joint ground water and watershed management program is established, a city may be designated as the lead agency if both the ground water and watershed management plan areas are wholly or mostly within the city.

     (2) Responsibilities. The lead agency shall be responsible for:

     (a) Initiating the planning process and developing the work plan and schedule;

     (b) Setting up the watershed management committee and convening additional advisory committees as necessary;

     (c) Convening meetings and coordinating the activities necessary to develop the action plan;

     (d) Coordinating the activities of the watershed management committee with other existing land and water planning and management programs (e.g., ground water, local comprehensive planning);

     (e) Working with planning and implementing agencies throughout preparation of the action plan, including:

     (i) Informing federal agencies with jurisdiction in the watershed of action plan requirements to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act Section 313 and to assist federal agencies in the review of their activities pursuant to Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., if applicable; and

     (ii) Informing local and state agencies that either have jurisdiction over any property or facility, or are engaged in any activity resulting in nonpoint pollution in the watershed, of their role or responsibility in the implementation of the action plan;

     (f) Coordinating the SEPA review;

     (g) Performing other such duties as necessary to ensure the action planning process is carried out;

     (h) Reviewing the action plan to determine whether it is consistent with the requirements of this chapter and reporting its findings to the committee; and

     (i) Submitting the action plan on behalf of the watershed management committee to the department for approval.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.70 RCW. 91-22-096, § 400-12-400, filed 11/6/91, effective 12/7/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.70.055 and 90.70.060. 88-06-053 (Order 88-01), § 400-12-400, filed 3/2/88.]