6666-S.E AMC CONF H5498.1

ESSB 6666 - CONF REPT

By Conference Committee

                                                    ADOPTED 3/7/96

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that Washington's lakes, particularly urban and suburban lakes, are experiencing  pollution problems.  There are frequent conflicts between shoreline property owners, who want a lake free of nuisance and noxious aquatic weeds for health, natural habitat, and recreation purposes, and local and state agencies, who are charged with protecting water quality and habitat quality in the lakes.  Human-caused pollution and natural factors that cause the growth of the nuisance and noxious aquatic weeds in lakes often have diffuse sources and can create dangerous conditions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  There is created a committee to develop a Washington state lake health plan.  The lake health plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following elements:

    (1) An overview of the science of lakes management in general, and aquatic weeds in particular, using peer-reviewed studies and prior completed environmental impact statements, where possible.  This scientific overview should identify and critically evaluate the various methods and techniques available for lake restoration and weed management;

    (2) An analysis of the existing federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies dealing with lakes management.  The plan shall provide recommendations on how to eliminate conflicts and inconsistencies in these legal requirements;

    (3) An assessment of, and recommendations addressing, the problems arising from overlapping state and local agency programs and procedures;

    (4) Recommendations on sources of state and local funding for lakes management.  The funding mechanisms should reflect a preference for local solutions, and on involving all of the contributors to a lake's pollution in the funding of lake management expenses; and

    (5) A plan or program to provide public information and education concerning how to prevent lake pollution and improve lake health.  The committee shall consist of up to two senate members from each caucus of the senate, selected by the president of the senate and up to two representatives from each caucus of the house of representatives, selected by the speaker of the house of representatives.  The committee may create advisory groups to assist them in evaluating these issues and shall consult with the following:

    (a) Lakeside homeowners, lake users, and other citizens interested in lake water quality;

    (b) The director or designee from the departments of fish and wildlife, health, ecology, natural resources, and agriculture;

    (c) County governments and local health departments from both the east side and the west side of the state; 

    (d) Cities;

    (e) Scientific and academic specialists; and

    (f) Pesticide applicators.

    Staff support for the committee shall be provided by the office of program research in the house of representatives and by senate committee services. 

    The committee shall submit a plan with statutory recommendations, if any, to the legislature by January 1, 1998.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The department of ecology shall expedite requests for approval for the application of state or federally registered pesticides by licensed pesticide applicators, including the use of herbicides such as copper sulfate or diquat, to control nuisance and noxious weeds in lakes managed under chapter 90.24 RCW.  Approval for the application of pesticides is subject to compliance with state and federal pesticide laws.  The department of ecology shall condition the permits to ensure that fish within the watershed are not significantly affected. The department of ecology may require applicators to provide reasonable notification to shoreline residents before application and to post signs describing swimming and fishing restrictions.  The department of ecology may require sampling by the local health department to assess the biological effects of pesticide treatments and effects on human and animal health of toxic algae.  This section shall expire April 1, 1998.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately."

ESSB 6666 - CONF REPT

By Conference Committee

                                                    ADOPTED 3/7/96

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "weeds;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "creating new sections; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency."

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