SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6305

              As Passed Senate, February 6, 1996

Title:  An act relating to off‑site mitigation proposals for hydraulic projects.

Brief Description:  Authorizing approval of off‑site mitigation proposals for hydraulic projects.

Sponsors:  Senator Drew.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  1/16/96, 1/19/96 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/6/96, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Drew, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Morton, Oke, Owen, Snyder, Strannigan and Swecker.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  The Department of Fish and Wildlife administers hydraulic permits.  The department has a policy of requiring on-site mitigation for hydraulic project effects upon fish life.

In some cases, off-site mitigation may provide more benefits to the fish resource than on-site mitigation.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Fish and Wildlife may approve off-site mitigation for hydraulic permits.  If the department does not approve an off-site mitigation proposal, the applicant may submit the proposal to the Hydraulic Project Appeals Board for approval.

The Hydraulic Appeals Board may approve off-site mitigation proposals.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  In some cases, off-site mitigation may be more beneficial to fish resources than on-site mitigation.

Testimony Against:  The Hydraulic Permit Appeals Board will infrequently rule against the initial decision by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Testified:  Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries; Eric Johnson, WA Public Ports Assn.