(a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, the commissioner may authorize the temporary use of a significant amount of water, as determined by the department by regulation, for a period of time not to exceed five consecutive years, if the water applied for has not been appropriated in accordance with this chapter.
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Terms Used In Alaska Statutes 46.15.155

  • appropriate: means to divert, impound, or withdraw a quantity of water from a source of water, for a beneficial use or to reserve water under Alaska Stat. See Alaska Statutes 46.15.260
  • commissioner: means the commissioner of natural resources. See Alaska Statutes 46.15.260
  • person: includes an individual, partnership, association, public or private corporation, state agency, political subdivision of the state, and the United States. See Alaska Statutes 46.15.260
  • water: means all water of the state, surface and subsurface, occurring in a natural state, except mineral and medicinal water. See Alaska Statutes 46.15.260
(b) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, an authorization for a temporary use of less than a significant amount of water is not required under this section unless the commissioner has determined by regulation that the use may have an adverse effect on other water uses and that an authorization must be obtained from the department.
(c) The issuance of an authorization for temporary use of water under this section does not establish a right to appropriate water. The temporary use of water under an authorization remains subject to appropriation under this chapter.
(d) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, the commissioner is not required to provide public notice under Alaska Stat. § 46.15.133 of a proposed authorization for temporary use of water; however, the commissioner shall request comment on an application for temporary use of water from the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
(e) The provisions of Alaska Stat. § 46.15.080 do not apply to the issuance under this section of an authorization for temporary use of water.
(f) The commissioner may impose reasonable conditions or limitations on an authorization for temporary use of water to protect the water rights of other persons or to protect fish and wildlife habitat, human health, or other public interests.
(g) Upon approval by the department, an authorization under this section may be transferred to another person under the same conditions and limitations under which the authorization was issued.
(h) A person to whom an authorization for temporary use of water was issued under this section may allow another person to use the authorization, consistent with the conditions and limitations of the authorization.
(i) The commissioner may modify, suspend, or revoke an authorization issued under this section if the commissioner determines it necessary to protect the water rights of other persons or the public interest.
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