New Focus for Evaluating Extension Applications

By Lynn Steyaert 

At the end of last year, the Nevada Division of Water Resources issued a bulletin to water right professionals notifying them that the Division will be refocusing its review of applications for extension of time for proof of completion of works or extensions of time for proof of beneficial use.  NRS 533.380(3) precludes the State Engineer from granting an extension unless the applicant has provided proof that he is proceeding in good faith and with reasonable diligence to perfect the application. Reasonable diligence has been defined by statute as “the steady application of effort to perfect the application in a reasonably expedient and efficient manner under all facts and circumstances.” 

Unfortunately, the Division has not promulgated regulations that would clarify the type of activities that are sufficient to warranting the granting of an extension.  The application form instruction sheet does provide some examples, however, of what types of activities can be highlighted as indicative of progress having been made during the previous year, including descriptions of any facility or feature completed, identification of project reports or engineering drawings submitted for review or recorded pursuant to applicable law, and explanation of conditions that adversely effected the applicant’s ability to establish beneficial use.  Other suggestions are viewable on the Division’s website at http://water.nv.gov/Forms/formroom.cfm, on the instruction page of the form entitled NEW Extension of Time.

The Division ended its commentary suggesting that water right professionals should advise their clients that cancellation of their water use permits will result if they are unable to meet the statutory requirements for approval of an extension.