In order to establish protected instream flows and adopt water management plans the department shall:

1. (a) Prioritize and select designated rivers in accordance with Env-Wq 1903.02;
2. (b) Hold a public hearing as required by RSA 483:9-c, II in accordance with Env-Wq 1903.02(c)-(g);
3. (c) Conduct a protected instream flow study of a designated river to determine proposed protected instream flows in accordance with Env-Wq 1904.02;
4. (d) Hold a public hearing to receive comments on each proposed protected instream flow study report in accordance with RSA 483:9-c, III and Env-Wq 1904.04;
5. (e) Establish and publish protected instream flows in accordance with Env-Wq 1904.05;
6. (f) Coordinate with affected water users, affected dam owners, lake associations, and property owners on any impoundments created by affected dams within a WMPA to develop water conservation plans, water use plans, or dam management plans, in accordance with Env-Wq 1905.01 through Env-Wq 1905.07;
7. (g) Hold at least one public hearing to receive comments on a proposed water management plan in accordance with RSA 483:9-c, IV and Env-Wq 1905.08; and
8. (h) Adopt and publish a water management plan that meets the criteria in Env-Wq 1905.09.

Source. #12695, eff 12-22-18