Section 1727 Of Article 1. Temporary Changes From California Water Code >> Division 2. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 10.5. >> Article 1.
1727
. (a) The board shall review a petition for a temporary change
of water rights in accordance with this section.
(b) The board shall approve a temporary change if it determines
that a preponderance of the evidence shows both of the following:
(1) The proposed temporary change would not injure any legal user
of the water, during any potential hydrologic condition that the
board determines is likely to occur during the proposed change,
through significant changes in water quantity, water quality, timing
of diversion or use, consumptive use of the water, or reduction in
return flows.
(2) The proposed temporary change would not unreasonably affect
fish, wildlife, or other instream beneficial uses.
(c) The petitioner shall have the burden of establishing that a
proposed temporary change would comply with paragraphs (1) and (2) of
subdivision (b). If the board determines that that petitioner has
established a prima facie case, the burden of proof shall shift to
any party that has filed a comment pursuant to subdivision (f) of
Section 1726 to prove that the proposed temporary change would not
comply with paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (b). The board may
make a determination required by this subdivision without a hearing.
(d) In reviewing a petition for a temporary change, the board
shall not modify any term or condition of the petitioner's permit or
license, including those terms that protect other legal users of
water, fish, wildlife, and other instream beneficial uses, except as
necessary to carry out the temporary change in accordance with this
article.
(e) In applying the standards set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2)
of subdivision (b), the board shall not deny, or place conditions on,
a temporary change to avoid or mitigate impacts that are not caused
by the temporary change. Neither the Department of Fish and Wildlife,
nor any other state agency that comments on the proposed temporary
change, shall propose conditions to mitigate effects on fish,
wildlife, or other instream beneficial uses that are not caused by
the proposed temporary change. This subdivision does not limit the
board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, or any other state
agency, in proceedings pursuant to any provision of law other than
this article.