SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE EXTENDING THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR
PROPOSED CHANGES ON WATER MANAGEMENT
IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
On January 15, 2021, the Department of Natural Resources published public notice of its proposed changes to water management regulations in 11 AAC 93. The purpose of this supplemental notice is to extend the public comment period for an additional three weeks. The original public comment period was scheduled to run from January 15 to February 26, 2021. The new deadline for public comments is now 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2021. The Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW) is preparing responses to questions submitted on the proposed regulation changes, and a questions and answers document will be posted on the Alaska Online Public Notice system and on DMLW’s website.
The Department of Natural Resources proposes to adopt regulation changes in Title 11 of the Alaska Administrative Code, dealing with its water management regulations regarding the appropriation and use of water. Specifically, DMLW is proposing to revise regulations in 11 AAC 93 relating to the closure of water right applications, the contents of instream flow reservation applications, the issuance of certificates for instream flow reservations, the review of instream flow reservations, procedures for temporary water use, public notices and hearings on critical water management areas, and definitions.
You may comment on the proposed regulation changes, including the potential costs to private persons of complying with the proposed changes, by submitting written comments to Brandon McCutcheon, Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070, Anchorage, AK 99501-3579, the Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 W. 7th Ave., Ste. 1070, Anchorage, AK 99501-3579, by email to dnr.water.regulation@alaska.gov, or by fax at 907-269-8904. The comments must be received not later than 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2021. All comments received become public records that are subject to public inspection.
You may submit written questions relevant to the proposed action by email at dnr.water.regulation@alaska.gov or by mail to Brandon McCutcheon at the Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 W. 7th Ave., Ste. 1070, Anchorage, AK 99501. The questions must be received at least 10 days before the end of the public comment period (by 5:00 p.m. on March 9, 2021). The division will aggregate its response to substantially similar questions and make the questions and responses available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and on the agency website at https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/news/.
If you are a person with a disability who needs a special accommodation in order to participate in this process, please contact Brandon McCutcheon by email at dnr.water.regulation@alaska.gov or by phone at 269-8511 not later than March 9, 2021, to ensure that any necessary accommodation can be provided.
A copy of the proposed regulation changes is available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System, by contacting Brandon McCutcheon by email at dnr.water.regulation@alaska.gov, by phone at 269-8511, or on the agency website at http: https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/news/.
After the public comment period ends, DNR will either adopt these or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action. The language of the final regulations may be different from that of the proposed regulations. After the public comment period ends, the Department of Natural Resources will either adopt the proposed regulation changes or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action. The language of the final regulation may be different from that of the proposed regulation. You should comment during the time allowed if your interests could be affected.
Statutory Authority: AS 46.15.010; AS 46.15.020; AS 46.15.040; AS 46.15.050; AS 46.15.080; AS 46.15.120; AS 46.15.133; AS 46.15.140; AS 46.15.145; AS 46.15.155.
Statutes Being Implemented, Interpreted, or Made Specific: AS 46.15.010; AS 46.15.020; AS 46.15.040; AS 46.15.050; AS 46.15.080; AS 46.15.120; AS 46.15.133; AS 46.15.140; AS 46.15.145; AS 46.15.155.
Fiscal information: The proposed regulation changes are not expected to require an increased appropriation.