I thought there some sort of exemption for newer storage facilities?
There is an exemption. No fees are required for any water-storage project or reservoir that is less than 10 years old, provided that Ecology has already examined and approved the construction plans and specifications for the structure. For dams that are older than 10 but less than 20 years old and had plans approved by the department, Ecology cannot charge a fee greater than that for a significant-hazard dam. Significant-hazard dams are generally defined as dams located upstream of one or two homes that would pose a significant threat to human lives and property if the structures were to fail.
