85-20-601. Chippewa Cree Tribe-Montana compact ratified.
85-20-601. Chippewa Cree Tribe-Montana compact ratified. The compact entered into by the State of Montana and the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Montana under the provisions of 85-2-702 on April 15, 1997, is ratified. The compact is as follows:
WATER RIGHTS COMPACT
STATE OF MONTANA
CHIPPEWA CREE TRIBE OF THE ROCKY BOY'S RESERVATION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
This Compact is entered into by and among the State of Montana, the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation, and the United States of America for the purpose of settling any and all existing water rights claims of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in the State of Montana.
ARTICLE I - RECITALS
WHEREAS, in 1979, the United States, on behalf of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation, brought suit in the United States District Court for the District of Montana to obtain a final determination of the Tribe's water rights claims, see, United States v. Aageson, No. CIV-79-21-GF (filed April 5, 1979); and
WHEREAS, Congress consented to state court jurisdiction over the quantification of claims to water rights held by the United States of America in trust for the Tribe; see, "the McCarran Amendment", 43 U.S.C. 666 (1952); Colorado River Water Conservation Dist. v. United States, 424 U.S. 800 (1976); Arizona v. San Carlos Apache Tribe, 463 U.S. 545 (1983); and
WHEREAS, the State of Montana initiated a general stream adjudication pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 697, Laws of Montana 1979, which includes Chippewa Cree tribal water rights; and
WHEREAS, the United States has filed claims on behalf of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in the general stream adjudication initiated by the State of Montana; and
WHEREAS, the Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission, under 85-2-702(1), MCA, is authorized to negotiate settlement of water rights claims filed by Indian tribes or on their behalf by the United States claiming reserved waters within the State of Montana; and
WHEREAS, the federal district court litigation was stayed in 1983 pending the outcome of Montana State court water adjudication proceedings, see, 721 F.2d 1189; and
WHEREAS, the adjudication of Chippewa Cree tribal water rights in the state court proceedings has been suspended while negotiations are proceeding to conclude a compact resolving all water rights claims of the Chippewa Cree Tribe within the State of Montana; and
WHEREAS, the Chippewa Cree Business Committee, or its duly designated representatives, have authority to negotiate this Compact pursuant to 1(a), of Article VI of the Tribal Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the United States Attorney General, or a duly designated official of the United States Department of Justice, has authority to execute this Compact on behalf of the United States pursuant to the authority to settle litigation contained in 28 U.S.C. Sections 516-17 (1993); and
WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Interior, or a duly designated official of the United States Department of the Interior, has authority to execute this Compact on behalf of the United States Department of the Interior pursuant to 43 U.S.C. Section 1457 (1986), inter alia; and
WHEREAS, the Chippewa Cree Tribe, the State of Montana, and the United States agree that the Tribal Water Right described in this Compact shall be in satisfaction of the Tribe's water rights claims within the State of Montana; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of all parties that the water rights claims of the Chippewa Cree Tribe be settled through agreement between and among the Tribe, the State of Montana, and the United States;
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree to enter into this Compact for the purpose of settling the water rights claims of the Chippewa Cree Tribe within the State of Montana.
ARTICLE II - DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this Compact:
1. "Acre-foot" or "AF" means the amount of water necessary to cover one acre to a depth of one foot and is equivalent to 43560 cubic feet.
2. "Adverse effect" means an interference with the reasonable exercise of a water right.
3. "Acre feet per year" or "AFY" means the quantity of water to which the Tribe has a right each year measured in acre feet over a period of a year.
4. "Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer" means that material deposited by the Missouri River prior to Pleistocene glaciation, and glacial deposits underlying post-glacial alluvial deposits in the River valley that are sufficiently permeable to conduct groundwater and to yield water to wells. This aquifer is located in the valley of Big Sandy Creek at a depth of 150 feet or more beneath the surface of the ground as shown in Appendix 11 and described in USGS Water Supply Paper 1460-B, Swenson, Frank, "Geology and Ground-Water Resources of the Lower Marias Irrigation Project Montana," (1957).
5. "Beaver Creek Drainage" means Beaver Creek and its tributaries from its headwaters to the confluence with the Milk River, as shown in Appendices 5 and 6.
6. "Big Sandy Creek Basin" means the mainstem of Big Sandy Creek and its tributaries (exclusive of Sage Creek and Lonesome Lake) in Water Court Basin 40H from the headwaters to the confluence with the Milk River, as shown in Appendices 5 and 6.
7. "Board" means the Chippewa Cree - Montana Compact Board established by Section D. of Article IV of this Compact.
8. "Bonneau Reservoir" means the water impoundment as shown in Appendix 6, including the existing storage capacity and the proposed expanded storage capacity, and for which a water right is described in Article III of this Compact.
9. "Box Elder Creek Drainage" means the sub-basin of Big Sandy Creek Basin containing the reach of Box Elder Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Big Sandy Creek, as shown in Appendix 6.
10. "Brown's Reservoir" means the proposed water impoundment as shown in Appendix 6, including the existing storage capacity and the proposed expanded storage capacity, and for which a water right is described in Article III of this Compact.
11. "Bypass" means the designated streamflow around or through a diversion.
12. "Camp Creek Drainage" means the sub-basin of Big Sandy Creek Basin containing the reach of Camp Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Duck Creek, as shown in Appendix 6.
13. "Change in use" means a change in the point of diversion, the place of use, the purpose of use, or the place or means of storage.
14. "Consumptive use" means use of water other than a "non-consumptive use" as defined in this Article.
15. "Continuously store" or "continuous storage" means the right to fill and then continually refill the active storage capacity of an impoundment from the natural flow of the source on which the impoundment is located.
16. "DNRC" means the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, or any successor agency.
17. "Drainage Stipulation" means an agreement entered into between and among the Tribe, the United States acting in its capacity as trustee for the Tribe, and one or more signatory non-tribal water users for entry as a stipulation in Montana Water Court. Drainage stipulations are set forth in Appendix 2.
18. "Drainage of Origin" means the drainage in which the water initially arises. See Appendix 6 showing drainage area boundaries.
19. "Duck Creek Drainage" means the sub-basin of Big Sandy Creek Basin containing the reach of Duck Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Big Sandy Creek, as shown in Appendix 6.
20. "East Fork Reservoir" means the proposed water impoundment as shown in Appendix 6, including the existing storage capacity and the proposed expanded storage capacity, and for which a water right is described in Article III of this Compact.
21. "Evaporative Loss" means reduction in the quantity of water due to the process of evaporation and shall be three (3) acre feet per surface acre rounded off as set forth in Article III.
22. "Fish and Wildlife Enhancement" means the use of water to improve existing habitat for fish and wildlife use, protection, conservation or management through physical or operational modifications of impoundments, within the areas designated in Appendix 4.
23. "Gorman Creek Drainage" means the sub-basin of Big Sandy Creek Basin containing the reach of Gorman Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Big Sandy Creek, as shown in Appendix 6.
24. "Gravel Coulee Drainage" means the sub-basin of Big Sandy Creek Basin containing the reach of Gravel Coulee from its headwaters to its confluence with Big Sandy Creek, as shown in Appendix 6.
25. "Groundwater" means any water that is beneath the ground surface.
26. "Hydrologically Connected" means the interconnection of groundwater and surface water such that they constitute one water supply and use of either results in an impact to both.
27. "Lake Elwell" means the water impounded on the Marias River by Tiber Dam.
28. "Lonesome Lake Coulee" means the mainstem of Lonesome Lake Coulee and its tributaries in Water Court Basin 40H from its headwaters to its confluence with Big Sandy Creek, as shown in Appendices 5 & 6.
29. "Lower Big Sandy Creek Drainage" means the sub-basin of Big Sandy Creek Basin containing the reach of Big Sandy Creek below its confluence with Box Elder Creek as shown in Appendix 6.
30. "Minimum Pool" means the quantity of water in an impoundment, as measured in acre-feet, or by the water surface elevation in feet above sea level, that is not available for release for designated water uses.
31. "MR&I Water" means water for use for municipal, rural, industrial, domestic, and incidental drought relief purposes on the Reservation.
32. "Municipal/Domestic Uses" means water for domestic, public, commercial and industrial uses.
33. "Net Depletion" means the difference between the quantity of water diverted from a source and the quantity of water returned to the same source at or near the point of diversion.
34. "New reserved water rights" means any reserved water rights created with acquisition of land by the Tribe or the United States to be held in trust by the United States for the Tribe, after the date of ratification of this Compact by the State and the Tribe, whichever is later.
35. "Non-consumptive use" means a use of water that does not cause a reduction in the source of supply and in which substantially all of the water returns without delay to the source of supply, causing little or no disruption in stream or groundwater conditions.
36. "Non-Irrigation Water Uses" means the use of water for purposes other than the production of agricultural commodities, such as, but not limited to domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses, including development of golf courses.
37. "Parties" means the Tribe, the State of Montana, and the United States.
38. "Person" means an individual or any other entity, public or private, including the State, the Tribe and the government of the United States and all officers, agents, and departments thereof.
39. "Ratification date" means the date on which the Compact is finally approved by the Business Committee of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, by the Montana Legislature, and by the Congress of the United States, whichever date is latest.
40. "Recognized under state law" when referring to a water right means a water right arising under state law, but does not include water rights arising under federal law.
41. "Release" means (verb) to discharge water from storage, or (noun) the discharge of water from storage.
42. "Reservation" means the Rocky Boy's Reservation and includes all lands and interests in lands which are held in trust by the United States for the Chippewa Cree Tribe, including future additions to the Reservation.
43. "Sage Creek" means the main stem of Sage Creek and its tributaries in Water Court Basin 40G from the headwaters to the confluence with Big Sandy Creek, as shown in Appendices 5 and 6.
44. "Secretary" means the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, or his or her duly authorized representative.
45. "Shallow Alluvium Aquifer" means the material deposited by flowing water generally during, or after Pleistocene glaciation that is sufficiently permeable to conduct groundwater and to yield water to wells and springs.
46. "State" means the state of Montana and all officers, agents, departments, and political subdivisions thereof.
47. "Stockwatering" means the storage and use of water for the purpose of providing water to domesticated animals and wildlife.
48. "Stoneman Farms" means the tribal agricultural projects shown in Appendix 6.
49. "Stoneman Reservoir" means the water impoundment, as shown in Appendix 6, including the existing storage capacity and the proposed expanded storage capacity, and for which a water right is described in Article III of this Compact.
50. "Subordinate" means to rank the priority in which a water right is fulfilled behind other specified water rights without regard to relative priority dates.
51. "Supplemental Irrigation Water" means water used for irrigation, as a secondary supply, once it becomes apparent that the primary supply will be unable to meet the full annual demand.
52. "Surface Acres" means the horizontal area in acres associated with the water surface in an impoundment when filled to the maximum capacity.
53. "Transfer" means (verb) to authorize a person to use all or any part of the Tribal Water Right through a service contract, lease, or other similar agreement of limited duration; (noun) a service contract, lease, or other similar agreement of limited duration authorizing the use of all or any part of the Tribal Water Right.
54. "Tribal Water Resources Department" or "TWRD" means the Chippewa Cree Tribal Water Resources Department, or any successor agency.
55. "Tribal Water Right" means the right of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation to divert, use, or store water as described by Article III of this Compact.
56. "Tribe" means the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation and all officers, agents and departments thereof.
57. "United States" means the federal government and all officers, agencies, departments, and political subdivisions thereof.
58. "Upper Big Sandy Creek Drainage" means the sub-basin of Big Sandy Creek Basin containing the reach of Big Sandy Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Box Elder Creek, as shown in Appendix 6.
59. "Volcanic Bedrock Aquifer" means those Tertiary igneous rock units that are sufficiently permeable to conduct groundwater and to yield water to wells and springs as shown in USGS Miscellaneous Geologic Investigations Map I-234, "Preliminary General Geologic Map of the Laredo Quadrangle, Bearpaw Mountains, Montana," and Map I-235, "Preliminary Geologic Map of the Centennial Mountain Quadrangle, Bearpaw Mountains, Montana," and shown as surface outcrop in Appendix 11.
ARTICLE III - TRIBAL WATER RIGHT
A. Basin 40H: Big Sandy Creek Basin.
1. Gravel Coulee/Lower Big Sandy Creek Drainages - 1690 AFY diversion - 1000 AF continuous storage.
a. Quantification - Source - Volume.
(1) Storage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store or permit the continuous storage of up to a capacity of 1000 AF of water in Stoneman Dam and Reservoir from the natural flow of Gravel Coulee. Subject to the 1000 AF limit on storage capacity, the Tribe shall have the additional right to divert up to 1480 AFY from the direct flow of Lower Big Sandy Creek and up to 445 AFY from groundwater for storage in Stoneman Dam and Reservoir as set forth in Section A.1.a.(2) of Article III. The quantity impounded by continuous storage shall not decrease the 1480 AFY which the Tribe may divert for the purposes allowed in Section A.1.e. of Article III. In addition to the storage right set forth in this section, the Tribe shall have the right to store water for stockwatering and fish and wildlife purposes, as set forth in Sections A.1.e.(3) and (4) of Article III.
(2) Diversion. The Tribe shall have the right to divert or use or permit the diversion or use of 1690 AFY of water from the following sources where they occur on the Reservation in any combination up to the limits on each source and the total limit of 1690 AFY:
(a) Direct Flow. The Tribe shall have the right to divert or use or permit the diversion or use of up to 1690 AFY from the direct flow of Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek and its tributaries. 1480 AFY of the water from direct flow may be diverted to storage prior to application to any purposes allowed in Section A.1.e. of Article III without reducing the amount that can be applied to such purposes until such water is re-diverted from storage and applied to such purposes.
(b) Storage. Of the 1690 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to divert 1480 AFY from storage in Stoneman Reservoir for irrigation and non-irrigation purposes as more specifically provided in Sections A.1.e.(1) and (2) of Article III; provided that, the right to divert 1480 AFY from Lower Big Sandy Creek to storage is not reduced by the amount of water diverted for irrigation or non-irrigation purposes from water derived from storage.
(c) Groundwater. Of the 1690 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to withdraw and use or permit the withdrawal and use of up to 445 AFY of groundwater in the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages in compliance with Sections A.6.a. and b. of Article IV. Groundwater may be diverted to storage prior to application to any purposes allowed in Section A.1.e. of Article III without reducing the amount that can be applied to such purposes until such water is re-diverted from storage and applied to such purposes.
(i) Of the 445 AFY, 100 AFY may be appropriated from the shallow alluvium along Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek.
(ii) Of the 445 AFY, 345 AFY may be appropriated from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer in the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages. Groundwater from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer is a primary source for non-irrigation uses; provided that, the non-irrigation uses do not result in discharge of untreated water to land or surface water. Groundwater from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer is a supplemental source for irrigation uses.
b. Priority Date. The water rights to surface flow, groundwater, and storage as set forth in Section A.1. of Article III, for the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy drainages shall have a priority date of September 7, 1916, subject to the subordination agreements set forth in Section A.8. of Article IV, and the drainage stipulations set forth in Appendix 2.
c. Period of Use. The period of use of this water right shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year.
d. Points and means of diversion. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may divert or permit the diversion of this water right from any place and by any means on Lower Big Sandy Creek and Gravel Coulee drainages on the Reservation.
e. Purposes. The Tribe's right to 1690 AFY from the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy drainages may be used for the following purposes; provided that, subject to the limitations set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may make a change in use or transfer of the water identified for irrigation and non-irrigation purposes.
(1) Irrigation.
(a) Volume. 1380 AFY of water in Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages may be used for irrigation.
(b) Source. The 1380 AFY for irrigation may come from a combination of direct flow, storage and groundwater in the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy drainages.
(c) Place of use. The 1380 AFY may be used to irrigate 540 acres at Stoneman Farms on the Reservation.
(2) Non-Irrigation.
(a) Volume. 100 AFY of water in Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages may be used for non-irrigation purposes.
(b) Source. The 100 AFY for non-irrigation purposes may come from a combination of direct flow, storage, and groundwater in the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy drainages.
(c) Point of diversion. The 100 AFY for non-irrigation purposes may be diverted on the Reservation within the Lower Big Sandy and Gravel Coulee drainages.
(3) Stockwatering - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the water right for stockwatering; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for stockwatering within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 160 AFY of water in Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages may be used for stockwatering as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 40 surface acres of impoundments on Lower Big Sandy drainage and 13 surface acres of impoundments on Gravel Coulee drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source.
i. Of the 160 AFY, 120 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Lower Big Sandy Creek.
ii. Of the 160 AFY, 40 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Gravel Coulee.
iii. Water for stockwatering may not be diverted from a perennial stream for off-stream storage other than for a lined storage facility with a capacity of less than 0.5 AF.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages may be used in the drainage of origin, on the Reservation. The current stockwater impoundments are shown in Appendix 7.
(4) Fish and Wildlife Enhancement - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement in Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for fish and wildlife enhancement within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 50 AFY of water may be used for fish and wildlife enhancement as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 16 surface acres of impoundments in the Gravel Coulee and Lower Big Sandy Creek drainages. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 50 AFY for fish and wildlife enhancement may come from the direct flow of Gravel Coulee and Big Sandy Creek.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement may be used in the areas shown in Appendix 4 in the Gravel Coulee and Big Sandy Creek drainages, in the respective drainages of origin.
2. Box Elder Creek Drainage - 6940 AFY diversion - 4800 AF continuous storage.
a. Quantification - Source - Volume.
(1) Storage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store, or permit the continuous storage in Bonneau Reservoir, Brown's Reservoir, and in any new impoundments, of up to a capacity of 4800 AF from the natural flow of Box Elder Creek, or any natural flow from the source on which the impoundment is located. Subject to the 4800 AF limit on storage capacity, the Tribe shall have the additional right to divert up to 6310 AFY from the direct flow of Box Elder Creek for storage in Brown's Reservoir and in any new impoundments not located on Box Elder Creek and to divert 1950 AFY from groundwater for storage in any new or existing impoundment wherever located, as set forth in Section A.2.a.(2) of Article III. The quantity impounded by continuous storage shall not decrease the 6310 AFY, which the Tribe may divert for the purposes allowed in Section A.2.e. of Article III. In addition to the storage right set forth in this section, the Tribe shall have the right to store water for stockwatering and fish and wildlife enhancement purposes as set forth in Sections A.2.e.(4) and (5) of Article III.
(2) Diversion. The Tribe shall have the right to use or permit the use of 6940 AFY of water from the following sources where they occur on the Reservation in any combination up to the limits on each source and the total limit of 6940 AFY:
(a) Direct Flow. Of the 6940 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to divert or use or permit the diversion or use of up to 6590 AFY from Box Elder Creek and its tributaries. 6310 AFY of the water from direct flow may be diverted to storage prior to application to any purposes allowed in Section A.2.e. of Article III without reducing the amount that can be applied to such purposes until such water is re-diverted from storage and applied to such purposes.
(b) Storage. Of the 6940 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to divert a total of 6310 AFY from storage in one or more of the following reservoirs: Bonneau Reservoir, Brown's Reservoir, and any new impoundments for irrigation and non-irrigation purposes. The right to divert 6310 AFY from Box Elder Creek to storage is not reduced by the amount of water diverted for irrigation or non-irrigation purposes from water derived from storage.
(c) Groundwater. Of the 6940 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to withdraw and use or to permit the withdrawal and use of up to 1950 AFY of groundwater in the Box Elder Creek drainage in compliance with Sections A.6.a. and b. of Article IV. Groundwater may be diverted to storage prior to application to any purposes allowed in Section A.2.e. of Article III without reducing the amount that can be applied to such purposes until such water is re-diverted from storage and applied to such purposes.
(i) Of the 1950 AFY, 180 AFY may be appropriated from the shallow alluvium in the Box Elder Creek drainage.
(ii) Of the 1950 AFY, 230 AFY may be appropriated from the volcanic bedrock in the Box Elder Creek drainage.
(iii) Of the 1950 AFY, 1570 AFY may be appropriated from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer; provided that, should water be imported to the Reservation, the entire 1950 AFY may be appropriated from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer. Water from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer is a primary source for non-irrigation uses; provided that, the non-irrigation uses do not result in discharge of untreated water to land or surface water. Groundwater from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer is a supplemental source for irrigation uses.
b. Priority Date. The water rights to surface flow, groundwater, and storage, as set forth in Section A.2. of Article III, for the Box Elder Creek drainage, including water supplied by Box Elder Creek for off-stream storage, shall have a priority date of September 10, 1888, subject to the subordination agreements set forth in Section A.8. of Article IV, and the drainage stipulations set forth in Appendix 2.
c. Period of use. The period of use of this water right shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year.
d. Points and Means of diversion. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may divert or permit the diversion of this water right from any place and by any means in the Box Elder Creek drainage on the Reservation.
e. Purposes. The Tribe's right to 6940 AFY in the Box Elder Creek drainage may be used for the following purposes; provided that, subject to the limitations set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may make a change in use or transfer of the water identified for irrigation, non-irrigation and municipal/domestic purposes.
(1) Irrigation.
(a) Volume. 6280 AFY of water in the Box Elder Creek drainage may be used for irrigation.
(b) Source. The 6280 AFY for irrigation may come from a combination of direct flow, storage and groundwater. Water from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer is a primary source for non-irrigation uses; provided that, the non-irrigation uses do not result in discharge of untreated water to land or surface water. Groundwater from the Ancestral Missouri River Channel Aquifer is a supplemental source for irrigation uses.
(c) Place of use. The 6280 AFY may be used to irrigate 1930 acres at the Stoneman Farms on the Reservation.
(2) Non-Irrigation.
(a) Volume. 30 AFY of water in the Box Elder Creek drainage may be used for non-irrigation purposes.
(b) Source. The 30 AFY for non-irrigation purposes may come from direct flow, storage, or groundwater or a combination thereof in the Box Elder Creek drainage. The 30 AFY for non-irrigation use may be developed from either the shallow alluvium or volcanic bedrock aquifers.
(3) Municipal / Domestic.
(a) Volume. 350 AFY of water in the Box Elder Creek drainage may be used for municipal/domestic purposes.
(b) Source. The 350 AFY for municipal/domestic purposes may come from the following sources:
i. 150 AFY from the shallow alluvium adjacent to Box Elder Creek.
ii. 200 AFY from the volcanic bedrock.
(4) Stockwatering - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right set forth for stockwatering in the Box Elder Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the water right for stockwatering; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for stockwatering within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 130 AFY of water may be used for stockwatering as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 44 surface acres of impoundments in Box Elder Creek drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 130 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Box Elder Creek. Water for stockwatering may not be diverted from a perennial stream for off-stream storage other than for a lined storage facility with a capacity of less than 0.5 AF.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in the Box Elder Creek drainage may be used in the drainage of origin, on the Reservation. The current stockwater impoundments are shown in Appendix 7.
(5) Fish and Wildlife Enhancement - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement in the Box Elder Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for fish and wildlife enhancement within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 150 AFY of water may be used for fish and wildlife enhancement as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 50 surface acres of impoundments in Box Elder Creek drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 150 AFY for fish and wildlife enhancement may come from the direct flow of Box Elder Creek and its tributaries.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement may be used in the areas shown in Appendix 4 in the Box Elder Creek drainage, in the drainage of origin.
3. Camp Creek and Duck Creek Drainages - 280 AFY diversion.
a. Quantification - Source, Volume. The Tribe shall have the right to use or permit the use of 280 AFY of water from the following sources where they occur on the Reservation in any combination up to the limits on each source and the total limit of 280 AFY:
(1) Direct Flow. Of the 280 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to divert or use or permit the diversion or use of up to 230 AFY from Duck and Camp Creeks and their respective tributaries in the following proportions:
(a) 170 AFY from Duck Creek.
(b) 60 AFY from Camp Creek.
(2) Storage. The Tribe shall have the right to store water for stockwatering and fish and wildlife enhancement purposes as set forth in Sections A.3.e.(2) and (3) of Article III.
(3) Groundwater. Of the 280 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to withdraw and use or permit the withdrawal and use of up to 50 AFY of groundwater in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages on the Reservation, including groundwater that is hydrologically connected to surface water, in compliance with Sections A.6.a. and b. of Article IV. This right shall be exercised in the following proportions:
(a) 40 AFY from Duck Creek.
(b) 10 AFY from Camp Creek.
b. Priority Date. The water rights to surface flow, groundwater, and storage, as set forth in Section A.3. of Article III, for the Camp and Duck Creek drainages shall have a priority date of September 7, 1916, subject to the subordination agreements set forth in Section A.8. of Article IV, and the drainage stipulations set forth in Appendix 2.
c. Period of Use. The period of use of this water right shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year.
d. Points and means of diversion. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may divert or permit the diversion of this water right from any place and by any means in the Camp Creek and Duck Creek drainages on the Reservation.
e. Purposes. The Tribe's right to 280 AFY in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages may be used for the following purposes; provided that, the Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer that results in a change in the place of use, point of diversion or place or means of storage to a place outside the drainage of origin or to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(1) Non-Irrigation.
(a) Volume. 50 AFY of water in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages may be used for non-irrigation purposes.
(b) Source. The 50 AFY for non-irrigation purposes may come from groundwater including groundwater that is hydrologically connected to surface water in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for non-irrigation purposes in Camp and Duck Creek drainages may be used in the drainage of origin on the Reservation.
(2) Stockwatering - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in Camp and Duck Creek drainages is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the water right for stockwatering; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for stockwatering within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 130 AFY of water may be used for stockwatering as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 19 surface acres of impoundments in the Camp Creek drainage and 23 surface acres of impoundments on Duck Creek drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source.
i. Of the 130 AFY, 60 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Camp Creek.
ii. Of the 130 AFY, 70 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Duck Creek.
iii. Water for stockwatering may not be diverted from a perennial stream for off-stream storage other than for a lined storage facility with a capacity of less than 0.5 AF.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages may be used in the drainage of origin on the Reservation. The current stockwater impoundments are shown in Appendix 7.
(3) Fish and Wildlife Enhancement - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for fish and wildlife enhancement within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 100 AFY of water may be used for fish and wildlife enhancement as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 34 surface acres of impoundments in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 100 AFY for fish and wildlife enhancement may come from the direct flow of Camp and Duck Creeks.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement may be used in the areas shown in Appendix 4 in the Camp and Duck Creek drainages, in the drainage of origin.
4. Gorman Creek Drainage - 60 AFY diversion.
a. Quantification - Source, Volume. The Tribe shall have the right to use or permit the use of 60 AFY of water from the following sources where they occur on the Reservation in any combination up to the limits on each source and the total limit of 60 AFY.
(1) Direct Flow. Of the 60 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to divert or use or permit the diversion or use of up to 60 AFY from Gorman Creek and its tributaries.
(2) Storage. The Tribe shall have the right to store water for stockwatering and fish and wildlife enhancement purposes as set forth in Sections A.4.e.(1) and (2) of Article III.
b. Priority Date. The water rights to surface flow, groundwater, and storage, as set forth in Section A.4. of Article III, for the Gorman Creek drainage shall have a priority date of September 7, 1916, subject to the subordination agreements set forth in Section A.8. of Article IV, and the drainage stipulations set forth in Appendix 2.
c. Period of use. The period of use of this water right shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year.
d. Points and means of diversion. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may divert or permit the diversion of this water right from any place and by any means in the Gorman Creek drainage on the Reservation.
e. Purposes. The Tribe's right to 60 AFY in the Gorman Creek drainage may be used for the following purposes; provided that, the Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer that results in a change in the place of use, point of diversion or place or means of storage to a place outside the drainage of origin or to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(1) Stockwatering - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in Gorman Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the water right for stockwatering; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for stockwatering within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 10 AFY of water in the Gorman Creek drainage may be used for stockwatering as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 3 surface acres of impoundments in the Gorman Creek drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 10 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Gorman Creek. Water for stockwatering may not be diverted from a perennial stream for off-stream storage other than for a lined storage facility with a capacity of less than 0.5 AF.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in the Gorman Creek drainage may be used in the drainage of origin, on the Reservation. The current stockwater impoundments are shown in Appendix 7.
(2) Fish and Wildlife Enhancement - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement in the Gorman Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for fish and wildlife enhancement within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 50 AFY of water may be used for fish and wildlife enhancement as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 17 surface acres of impoundments in the Gorman Creek drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 50 AFY for fish and wildlife enhancement may come from the direct flow of Gorman Creek.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement may be used in the areas shown in Appendix 4 in the Gorman Creek drainage, in the drainage of origin.
5. Upper Big Sandy Creek Drainage - 290 AFY diversion.
a. Quantification - Source, Volume. The Tribe shall have the right to use or permit the use of 290 AFY of water from the following sources where they occur on the Reservation in any combination up to the limits on each source and the total limit of 290 AFY.
(1) Direct Flow. Of the 290 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to divert or use or permit the diversion or use of up to 240 AFY from the direct flow of Upper Big Sandy Creek and its tributaries;
(2) Storage. The Tribe shall have the right to store water for stockwatering and fish and wildlife enhancement purposes as set forth in Sections A.5.e.(3) and (4) of Article III.
(3) Groundwater. Of the 290 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to withdraw and use or permit the withdrawal and use of up to 50 AFY of groundwater in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage including groundwater that is hydrologically connected to surface water, in compliance with Section A.6.a. and b. of Article IV.
b. Priority Date. The water rights to surface flow, groundwater, and storage, as set forth in Section A.5. of Article III, for the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage shall have a priority date of September 7, 1916, subject to the subordination agreements set forth in Section A.8. of Article IV, and the drainage stipulations set forth in Appendix 2.
c. Period of use. The period of use of this water right shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year.
d. Points and means of diversion. The Tribe may divert or permit the diversion of this water right from any place and by any means in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage on the Reservation; provided that, the Tribe may not construct or permit the construction of a diversion or diversions with a total capacity in excess of 100 gpm for the irrigation water right with a source on Upper Big Sandy Creek Drainage. This diversion limit also applies to any change(s) of use of this right.
e. Purposes. The Tribe's right to 290 AFY in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage may be used for the following purposes; provided that, the Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer that results in a change in the place of use, point of diversion or place or means of storage to a place outside the drainage of origin, or to a place upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(1) Non-Irrigation.
(a) Volume. 50 AFY of water in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage may be used for non-irrigation purposes.
(b) Source. The 50 AFY for non-irrigation purposes may come from groundwater, including groundwater that is hydrologically connected to surface water, in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage on the Reservation.
(c) Place of use. The 50 AFY for non-irrigation purposes may be used on the Reservation within the drainage of origin.
(2) Irrigation.
(a) Volume. 45 AFY of water in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage may be used for irrigation.
(b) Source. The 45 AFY for irrigation may come from direct flow of Upper Big Sandy Creek on the Reservation.
(c) Place of use. The 45 AFY may be used to irrigate 10 acres in the drainage of origin, on the Reservation.
(3) Stockwatering - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the water right for stockwatering; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for stockwatering within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 45 AFY of water in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage may be used for stockwatering as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 15 surface acres of impoundments in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 45 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Upper Big Sandy Creek. Water for stockwatering may not be diverted from a perennial stream for off-stream storage other than for a lined storage facility with a capacity of less than 0.5 AF.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage may be used in the drainage of origin, on the Reservation. The current stockwater impoundments are shown in Appendix 7.
(4) Fish and Wildlife Enhancement - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement in Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for fish and wildlife enhancement within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(a) Volume. 150 AFY of water may be used for fish and wildlife enhancement as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 50 surface acres of impoundments in the Upper Big Sandy drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(b) Source. The 150 AFY for fish and wildlife enhancement may come from the direct flow of Upper Big Sandy Creek.
(c) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement may be used in the areas shown in Appendix 4 in the Upper Big Sandy Creek drainage, in the drainage of origin.
B. Basin 40J: Beaver Creek Basin - 740 AFY diversion - 260 AFY net depletion - 665 AF continuous storage.
1. Quantification - Source - Volume.
a. Storage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store, or permit the continuous storage in East Fork Reservoir of up to a capacity of 665 AF from the natural flow of the East Fork of Beaver Creek. Subject to the 665 AF limit on storage capacity, the Tribe shall have the additional right to divert up to 390 AFY from the direct flow of the West Fork of Beaver Creek for storage in East Fork Reservoir as set forth in Section B.1.b. of Article III. The quantity impounded by continuous storage of the East Fork of Beaver Creek, shall not decrease the 390 AFY, which the Tribe has a right to divert from storage in East Fork Reservoir for non-irrigation purposes allowed in Section B.5. of Article III; provided that, the limit of 260 AFY on net depletion shall apply. In addition to the storage right set forth in this section, the Tribe shall have the right to store water for stockwatering and fish and wildlife enhancement purposes as set forth in Sections B.5.b. and c. of Article III.
b. Diversion. The Tribe shall have the right to divert 740 AFY of water in the Beaver Creek drainage from a combination of direct flow, storage and groundwater where they occur on the Reservation up to the limits on each source and the total limit of 740 AFY.
(1) Direct Flow. Of the 740 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to divert or permit the diversion of up to 540 AFY from the direct flow of Beaver Creek and its tributaries on the Reservation. 390 AFY of the water from direct flow may be diverted to storage prior to application to any purposes allowed in Section B.5. of Article III without reducing the amount that can be applied to those purposes until such water is re-diverted from storage and applied to such purposes.
(2) Storage. The Tribe shall have the right to divert 390 AFY for non-irrigation purposes from water stored in East Fork Reservoir. The right to divert 390 AFY from the West Fork of Beaver Creek to storage is not reduced by the amount of water diverted for non-irrigation purposes from water derived from storage.
(3) Groundwater.
(a) Of the 740 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to withdraw and use or permit the withdrawal and use of up to 120 AFY of groundwater including groundwater that is hydrologically connected to surface water in the Beaver Creek drainage in compliance with Section A.6.a. of Article IV. Groundwater may be diverted to storage prior to application to any purposes allowed in Section B.5. of Article III without reducing the amount that can be applied to these purposes until such water is re-diverted and applied to such purposes.
(b) Of the 740 AFY, the Tribe shall have the right to withdraw and use or permit the withdrawal and use of an additional 200 AFY of groundwater from the volcanic bedrock aquifer and other aquifers that are not hydrologically connected to surface water in the Beaver Creek drainage in compliance with Section A.6.a. of Article IV. The limit of 260 AFY on net depletion set forth in Section B.1.a.(2) of Article III, shall not apply to groundwater use pursuant to this section. Groundwater may be diverted to storage prior to application to any purposes allowed in Section B.5. of Article III without reducing the amount that can be applied to these purposes until such water is re-diverted and applied to such purposes.
c. Net Depletion. Of the 740 AFY diverted, the Tribe shall have a right to a net depletion of 260 AFY in the Beaver Creek drainage. The calculation of net depletion shall not include evaporative loss from fish and wildlife habitat, from stockwatering, or from East Fork Reservoir, and use of groundwater that is not hydrologically connected to surface water.
2. Priority Date. The water rights to surface flow, groundwater, and storage, as set forth in Section B. of Article III, for the Beaver Creek drainage shall have a priority date of September 7, 1916, subject to the subordination agreements set forth in Section A.8. of Article IV, and the drainage stipulations set forth in Appendix 2.
3. Period of use. The period of use of this water right shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year.
4. Points and means of diversion. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may divert or permit the diversion of this water right from any place and by any means in the Beaver Creek drainage on the Reservation.
5. Purposes. The Tribe's right to water in the Beaver Creek drainage may be used for the following purposes; provided that, subject to the limitations set forth in Article IV, the Tribe may make a change in use or transfer of the water identified for non-irrigation purposes.
a. Non-Irrigation
(1) Volume. 590 AFY of water in the Beaver Creek drainage may be used for non-irrigation purposes; provided that, the net depletion may not exceed 260 acre-feet per year in accordance with Section B.1.c. of Article III.
(2) Source. The 590 AFY for non-irrigation in the Beaver Creek drainage may come from a combination of direct flow, storage and groundwater.
(3) Place of use. The 590 AFY for non-irrigation may be used in the Beaver Creek drainage on the Reservation.
b. Stockwatering - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in the Beaver Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the water right for stockwatering; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for stockwatering within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(1) Volume. 40 AFY of water in the Beaver Creek drainage may be used for stockwatering as a consumptive use measured by evaporative loss; provided that, the total surface acreage of impoundments shall not exceed 13 surface acres of impoundments in the Beaver Creek drainage. The Tribe shall have the right to continuously store water in these impoundments.
(2) Source. The 40 AFY for stockwatering may come from the direct flow of Beaver Creek on the Reservation. Water for stockwatering may not be diverted from a perennial stream for off-stream storage other than for a lined storage facility with a capacity of less than 0.5 AF.
(3) Place of use. The Tribal Water Right for stockwatering in the Beaver Creek drainage may be used in the drainage of origin, on the Reservation. The current stockwater impoundments are shown in Appendix 7.
c. Fish and Wildlife Enhancement - Evaporative Loss. Use of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement in the Beaver Creek drainage is a consumptive use. The Tribe may not make a change in use or transfer of the Tribal Water Right for fish and wildlife enhancement; provided that, the Tribe may repair or relocate an impoundment for fish and wildlife enhancement within the drainage of origin; and provided further that, the new point of diversion or place of use does not change to a place from upstream of to downstream of, or from downstream of to upstream of the location of the point of diversion of a water right recognized under state law with a priority date before the date the Compact is ratified by the State and the Tribe, whichever date is later.
(1) Volume. 110 AFY of wate