FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1249

                                   C 23 L 89

BYRepresentatives Rust, D. Sommers, G. Fisher, May, Anderson, S. Wilson, Kremen, Pruitt, Valle, Winsley, Jones, K. Wilson, O'Brien, Locke, Brekke, Phillips, Spanel, Heavey and Miller

Addressing plastic debris in marine environments.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The amount of plastic debris found on coastal beaches and in the open ocean has increased dramatically over the past decade. Plastics enter the marine environment by direct dumping from ships and offshore platforms, abandonment of plastic fishing equipment, and movement via storm action from land-based sources.  Most plastics resist natural decay and persist in the marine environment for long periods of time.  Ocean currents in the North Pacific contribute to high concentrations of marine plastic debris on the Washington State coast.

Plastic debris in the marine environment contributes to coastal litter accumulation, may injure or kill marine animals when ingested or by entanglement, and can cause damage to marine vessels and equipment.  Many marine organisms, including sea birds, become entangled in marine plastic debris.  Some marine species ingest marine plastic debris, apparently mistaking plastic materials for natural food sources.  The population decline of northern fur seals has been attributed to entanglement in plastic fishing gear and strapping bands.

The Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (MPPRCA), enacted by Congress in 1987, established a federal program to address marine dumping in general and marine plastic debris in particular.  MPPRCA prohibits the dumping of plastics into the sea from ships and offshore platforms, provides for research examining the effects of plastics on marine life, and requires ports to provide adequate facilities for handling solid waste from ships.  The Coast Guard is responsible for administering and enforcing MPPRCA requirements.

Several state agency programs address the problem of marine plastic debris.  The Department of Ecology (Ecology) and the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) sponsor beach cleanup programs.  Parks also administers the Boater Environmental Education Program to educate boaters on proper waste disposal practices.  Volunteer groups have also organized and participated in beach cleanup activities and education programs.

In February, 1988, the Commissioner of Public Lands appointed a task force to develop a state action plan to address marine plastic debris issues.  The task force included representatives of state agencies, the legislature, local governments, private industry, citizen groups, and educational organizations.

In October, 1988, the task force completed a plan specifying 20 action recommendations including: (1) coordinating state activities regarding marine plastic debris; (2) developing an environmental monitoring and research program; (3) increasing recycling of potential marine debris; (4) coordinating marine plastic debris management with local solid waste management; (5) increasing public education and outreach; and (6) evaluating fiscal impacts of marine debris and possible financial incentives for proper disposal of potential debris.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is authorized to coordinate implementation of the Marine Plastic Debris Task Force Action Plan in order to clean up and prevent pollution of the state's waters and aquatic lands by plastic and other marine debris.  DNR is authorized to: (1) adopt necessary rules for the prevention and cleanup of marine pollution caused by plastic and other marine debris; (2) enter into agreements with federal and state agencies; (3) coordinate agency responsibilities regarding marine plastic debris; (4) contract with interested parties to act as an information clearinghouse for marine plastic debris issues; (5) hire necessary employees to carry out the action plan; and (6) accept and disburse grants and other gifts.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    46     0

EFFECTIVE:April 18, 1989