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Show WASHINGTON 763 The administrative head of the department is the director, who is appointed by the Governor. The director is responsible for carrying out all the powers and duties of the department.14 However, the act also creates an ecological commission 15 to advise the director .on matters relating to (1) the position to be taken by the State before any interstate body or Federal agency which would affect the quality of the environment of the State; (2) the development of State poli- cies with regard to any comprehensive environmental quality plan; (3) procedures for financial assistance grants to local governments for environment quality purposes; (4) procedures for considering and granting variances; (5) proposed legislation relating to the department; and, (6) any other matter relating to the department when requested by the director.16 B. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT The department is to develop and implement a comprehensive State water resources program.17 In order to carry out the policies of the department, water may be reserved and set aside for future beneficial utilization, or withdrawn from appropriation while data is developed for sound decisionmaking.18 An evaluation is to be made of the need for water resources development projects and alternative methods of financing.19 The responsibility of the department for establishing minimum stream flows and lake levels for the public waters of the state is discussed in section 3.5, infra. In addition to other responsibilities, the director is empowered to represent the State on any interstate commission or Federal-State agency which would involve the water resources of the State; pre- pare recommendations on Federal water projects in the State; co- operate and coordinate plans with the Federal Government concern- ing water projects; accept and administer Federal grants; develop, maintain, coordinate a comprehensive State water plan to assure that the waters of the State are used, conserved, and preserved for the best interests of the State; correlate State, local and Federal plans, programs and policies concerning water use, pollution control and water conservation.20 Also, the director may undertake studies deal- ing with all aspects of environmental problems involving land, water or air, and may cooperate with other States, the Federal Govern- ment and Canadian provinces in the study and control of environ- mental problems.21 C. APPROPRIATION AND ADJUDICATION With respect to the initiation of new water rights, an application to appropriate must be filed with and approved by the director.22 The specific procedures which must be followed to perfect a water right are set forth in section 3.1. infra. This section, along with u Sees. 43.21A.050 and 43.21A.090. « Sec. 43.21A.170. la Sec. 43.21A.190. "Sec. 90.54.040. 18 Sec. 90.54.050. 18 Sec. 90.54.100. 20 Sec. 43.27A.090. 21 Sees. 43.21A.130 and 43.21A.150. 22 Sees. 90.03.010 to 90.03.480. |