SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5085

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 26, 1993

Brief Description:  Modifying the hydraulic project approval authority of the department of fisheries and the department of wildlife.

SPONSORS: Senators McCaslin and Barr

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Oke, L. Smith, and Snyder.

Minority Report:  Do not pass. 

     Signed by Senators Franklin, Haugen, and Spanel.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:  February 17, 1993; February 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife issue written approvals for hydraulic projects that occur within the waters of the state.  Both departments have proposed rules that would regulate storm water runoff in upland areas.

SUMMARY:

The hydraulic approval authority of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife is limited to projects that occur at or below the mean higher high water line in salt water or at or below the ordinary high water line in fresh water.

Appropriation: none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife should not be allowed to administer hydraulic permits in upland areas.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

Stormwater runoff may affect fish life and both departments desire to control human activities in upland areas.

TESTIFIED:  Anthony M. Meyer, NW Indian Fisheries Commission (con); Robert N. Boehm, registered engineer (pro); Russell J. Trask, Bainbridge Marine Service (pro); Paul Parker, WSAC (pro); Eric Berger, County Road Administration Board (pro); Eric Johnson, Washington Public Ports Association (pro); John Woodring, Washington Public Ports Association (pro); Jack Pittis, City of Port Angeles (pro); Karen Larkin, City of Tacoma (pro); Judy Merchant, WDF, WDW, DOE, PSWQA (con); Patrick Powers, WDF Habitat Management (con); Bob Gustavson, Washington Forest Protection Association (pro); Vallana M. Piccolo, Puget Sound Water Quality Authority (con); Jeff Parson, National Audubon Society (con)