HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESB 5364

BYSenators Metcalf, DeJarnatt, Bluechel, Kreidler, Owen, McMullen, Talmadge, Lee, Bailey and West

Addressing plastic debris in marine environment.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; D. Sommers, Ranking Republican Member; Brekke, G. Fisher, Fraser, Phillips, Pruitt and Walker.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives Schoon and Van Luven.

House Staff:Karl Herzog (786-7271)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS MARCH 21, 1989

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 from land-based sources through storm action.  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.  Population decline of northern fur seals has been attributed to entanglement in fishing gear and strapping bands. Sea birds and turtles also become entangled in marine plastic debris.  In addition, some marine species ingest marine plastic debris, apparently mistaking plastic materials for natural food sources.

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 a research program into 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, Commissioner of Public Lands Brian Boyle appointed a task force to develop a state action plan to address marine plastic debris issues.  The following organizations were represented on the task force: state agencies, the legislature, local governments, private industry, citizen groups, and education organizations.  In October, 1988, the task force submitted a plan specifying 20 action recommendations including: coordinating state activities regarding marine plastic debris; developing an environmental monitoring and research program; increasing recycling of potential marine debris;  coordinating marine plastic debris management with local solid waste management; increasing public education and outreach; and evaluating fiscal impacts of marine debris and possible financial incentives for proper disposal of potential debris.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is authorized to coordinate implementation of the Marine Plastic Debris Task Force action plan with appropriate state agencies by: (1) adopting necessary rules for the prevention and cleanup of marine pollution caused by plastic and other marine debris; (2) entering into agreements with federal or state agencies and coordinating agency responsibilities; (3) contracting with interested parties to act as an information clearinghouse for marine plastic debris issues; (4) hiring necessary employees to carry out the action plan; and (5) accepting and disbursing grants and other gifts.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ENGROSSED BILL:  The striking amendment incorporates three changes that make the bill identical to Engrossed House Bill 1249 as passed by the House.  A section providing for nullification of the act if funding is not provided in the omnibus appropriations act is deleted.  Language is added directing the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate implementation of the action plan with other appropriate state agencies.  An unnecessary clause is deleted from the title.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Bob Rose, Office of the Commissioner of Public Lands; Bruce Wishart, Sierra Club, Washington Environmental Council, and Washington Citizens for Recycling.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This bill will help to ensure cleanup and prevention of marine plastic debris.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.