SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSJM 8015

               As Passed Senate, March 13, 1995

Brief Description:  Requesting a variance in order to preserve man‑made wetlands.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Swecker, Oke, McDonald, Wojahn, Deccio, McAuliffe, Hargrove, Rasmussen and Winsley).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ecology & Parks:  2/14/95, 2/15/95 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 3/13/95, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 8015 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Fraser, Chair; C. Anderson, Vice Chair; McAuliffe, McDonald, Spanel and Swecker.

Staff:  Cathy Baker (786-7708)

Background:  The Centralia Mining Company operates a surface coal mine at a site located outside the city of Centralia.  The coal produced at the mine is sold to the Centralia Steam Plant which supplies power to Seattle City Light, Tacoma City Light, Snohomish County PUD, and other utilities throughout the Northwest.

Surface coal mining operations are regulated under the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.  Under the act, the Office of Surface Mining within the Department of Interior has adopted regulations that establish standards for the operation and reclamation of surface coal mines.  Coal mine operators are required to obtain a permit ensuring that the operation meets the federal standards.  In Washington State, permits are obtained directly from the Office of Surface Mining.

Permits for surface coal mines include extensive requirements for reclamation of a site after mining operations are complete.  Among these requirements, mine operators are generally required to return the site to the topography and drainage patterns that existed prior to the mining activity.  

Summary of Bill:  Findings are made regarding the importance of preserving wetlands for wildlife habitat.  Findings are also made regarding the importance of certain wetlands created at the site of the Centralia Mining Company's mine in Centralia.  

The Memorial requests that the Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining, amend its surface mining reclamation regulations in order to recognize the climatic differences of surface mine operations in different regions of the U.S. and to allow for the preservation of certain wetlands that have been created as a result of substantial mining activities.  An emphasis is placed on preserving wetlands of significant size and value.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  There should be more flexibility in federal regulations to allow companies like the Centralia Mining Company to retain wetlands that have been created as a result of mining operations.  These wetlands have important ecological values and provide recreational opportunities as well.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Ron Newbry, Pacificorp (pro); Blake Webster, Interwest Mining Corporation (pro); Dave Kuper, Ducks Unlimited (pro).