(a) In the event an RWPG has asserted an interregional conflict and the Board has determined that there is a potential for a substantial adverse effect on that region, or the Board finds that an interregional conflict exists between IPPs, the EA may use the following process:
  (1) notify the affected RWPGs of the nature of the interregional conflict;
  (2) request affected RWPGs appoint a representative or representatives authorized to negotiate on behalf of the RWPG and notify the EA in writing of the appointment;
  (3) request affected RWPGs' assistance in resolving the conflict; and
  (4) negotiate resolutions of conflicts with RWPGs as determined by the EA.
(b) In the event the negotiation is unsuccessful, the EA may:
  (1) determine a proposed recommendation for resolution of the conflict;
  (2) provide notice of its intent to hold a public hearing on proposed recommendations for resolution of the conflict by publishing notice of the proposed change in the Texas Register and in a newspaper of general circulation in each county located in whole or in part in the RWPAs involved in the dispute 30 days before the public hearing and by mailing notice of the public hearing 30 days before public hearing to those persons or entities listed in §357.21(h) of this title (relating to Notice and Public Participation) in the RWPAs proposed to be impacted, and to each county judge of a county located in whole or in part in the RWPAs proposed to be impacted and to each affected RWPG;
  (3) hold a public hearing on the proposed recommendation for resolution of the conflict at a time and place determined by the EA. At the hearing, the EA shall take comments from the RWPGs, Political Subdivisions, and members of the public on the issues identified by the Board as unresolved problems; and
  (4) make a recommendation to the Board for resolution of the conflict.
(c) The Board shall consider the EA's recommendation and any written statements by a representative for each affected RWPG and determine the resolution of the conflict. The Board's decision is final and not appealable.
(d) The EA shall notify affected RWPGs of Board's decision and shall direct changes to the affected RWPs, to be incorporated in accordance with Texas Water Code §16.053(h)(6).

Source Note: The provisions of this §357.62 adopted to be effective August 12, 2012, 37 TexReg 5797; amended to be effective November 30, 2015, 40 TexReg 8648; amended to be effective December 8, 2016, 41 TexReg 9589; amended to be effective April 11, 2018, 43 TexReg 2158; amended to be effective May 1, 2022, 47 TexReg 2527