SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6313

                    As of January 18, 2000

Title:  An act relating to dairy nutrient management.

Brief Description:  Modifying the duties of the department of ecology with respect to dairy nutrient management.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Morton, Stevens and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Rural Economic Development:  1/19/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  The State Water Pollution Control Act requires the Department of Ecology to notify those who discharge pollutants or create a "substantial potential" of discharging pollutants into the waters of the state.  Persons notified must respond with a plan to control such pollution.

The Dairy Nutrient Management Act requires the Department of Ecology to identify "potential" water quality problems resulting from dairy farms.  This act also requires the department to identify corrective actions for "imminent" discharges of pollutants into the waters of the state from dairy farms.

These differing duties of the department, and the ambiguity of the terms, have caused disagreement.  In 1999 the Dairy Nutrient Management Task Force was created to assist the implementation of the Dairy Nutrient Management Program.  The task force has reported to the Legislature that the meanings of these terms, and their application in the field, require clarification.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Ecology has the duty to identify existing or "substantial potential" water quality problems when inspecting dairy farms, as it does under the Water Pollution Control Act.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.