46-2,116. Application for instream appropriation; public interest determination; factors.
In determining whether an application for an instream appropriation is in the public interest, the director shall consider the following factors:
(1) The economic, social, and environmental value of the instream use or uses including, but not limited to, recreation, fish and wildlife, induced recharge for municipal water systems, and water quality maintenance; and
(2) The economic, social, and environmental value of reasonably foreseeable alternative out-of-stream uses of water that will be foregone or accorded junior status if the appropriation is granted.
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Annotations
Subsection (1) of this section does not require that all the factors considered be reduced to economic terms. In re Application A-16642, 236 Neb. 671, 463 N.W.2d 591 (1990).
This section does not require the director to document his decision to the hearing record in determining whether an application for an instream appropriation is in the public interest. In re Applications A-17004 et al., 1 Neb. App. 974, 512 N.W.2d 392 (1993).