Utah Administrative Code
Topic - Natural Resources
Title R655 - Natural Resources, Water Rights
Rule R655-14 - Administrative Procedures for Enforcement Proceedings Before the Division of Water Rights
Section R655-14-22 - Rules of Evidence in Hearings

(1) Discovery is prohibited, but the Division may issue subpoenas or other orders to compel production of necessary evidence.

(2) A party may call witnesses and present oral, documentary, and other evidence.

(3) A party may comment on the issues and conduct cross-examination of any witness as may be required for a full and true disclosure of all facts relevant to any issue designated for hearing, and as may affect the disposition of any interest which permits the person participating to be a party.

(4) A witness' testimony shall be under oath or affirmation.

(5) Any evidence may be presented by affidavit rather than by oral testimony, subject to the right of any party to call and examine or cross-examine the affiant.

(6) Relevant evidence shall be admitted.

(7) The Presiding Officer's decision may not be based solely on hearsay.

(8) Official notice may be taken of all facts of which judicial notice may be taken in Utah courts.

(9) All parties shall have access to public information contained in the Division's files and to all materials and information gathered in the investigation, to the extent permitted by law.

(10) No evidence shall be admitted after completion of a hearing or after a case is submitted on the record, unless otherwise ordered by the Presiding Officer.

(11) Intervention is prohibited.

(12) A respondent appearing before the Presiding Officer for the purpose of a hearing may be represented by a licensed attorney. The Enforcement Engineer shall present evidence before a Presiding Officer supporting the State Engineer's claim. At the State Engineer's discretion, a representative from the office of the Attorney General may also present supporting evidence.