i_wrrc_2017a_2017-08-02t09:01:43z3 Hearing Summary

Date: 08/02/2017

Location: SCR 357

10:51 AM -- State Engineer Update (Republican River, Water Court Rules, Statutes)



The committee returned from recess. Kevin Rein, State Engineer, Division of Water Resources, discussed measures taken by Colorado to comply with the Republican River Compact including a pipeline that delivers water to the Colorado-Nebraska state line. He also discussed the need for rules to regulate groundwater pumping in the Republican River Basin to comply with the Republican River Compact. He explained statutory changes may be needed to allow the development of these rules. He also discussed potential changes to other statutes concerning the Division of Water Resources and the water court process.



10:59 AM



Scott Cuthbertson, Deputy State Engineer, Division of Water Resources, identified statutes that may need to be updated to reflect common practices and to repeal obsolete provisions (Attachment E). For example, under current law, the State Engineer is required to approve the siting of nuclear facilities. Mr. Cuthbertson explained that this provision is unnecessary because the State Engineer does not have expertise in radiation control. Also, other state agencies, including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, currently oversee the siting of such facilities.



Attachment E.pdf



11:08 AM



In response to a question from the committee, Mr. Rein discussed the role and staff of the Division of Water Resources.