3061 AMH LINV H5213.1

HB 3061 - H AMD 987

By Representative Linville

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that Washington's watersheds are unique and vary in structure and complexity.  Watershed-specific information is required to address water use, planning, and management in specific watersheds.  A set of technical methods based on best available science, which assesses the relationship between surface and ground water, and the effects of proposed withdrawals on existing rights, is needed before developing legislative proposals on this issue, and for watershed planning and management that protects all water uses in a watershed.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The department of ecology shall convene a group of scientists recognized for their expertise in hydrogeology to review, assess, and recommend methods for determining the effects of proposed well withdrawals on existing water rights.  The department of ecology shall report the group's findings to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1998."

    Correct the title.

EFFECT:  The department of ecology is required to develop information on hydrogeology and the effects of proposed water withdrawals on existing water rights.

                            --- END ---