SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5308

                    As of February 10, 1999

Title:  An act relating to a study of sand, gravel, and rock resource mining and its impact on salmon habitat and urban development.

Brief Description:  Providing for a study of sand, gravel, and rock resource mining and its impact on salmon habitat.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Hargrove, Gardner, Swecker, Fraser and Oke; by request of Commissioner of Public Lands.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/17/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  Victor Moon (786-7469)

Background:  Over the next 20 years the state=s population is expected to increase by 2 million people.  As that expansion takes place and new facilities are built, there will be increasing need to extract sand, gravel, and rock from existing sites.  Current mines will not meet future needs.

Summary of Bill:  A thorough study of the impacts of mining sand and gravel from rivers and flood plains is needed to ensure that the operations comply with state law and with the federal Endangered Species Act.  The proposed listing of salmon species in 1999 require that an analysis is made of any impacts which may affect the taking of an endangered species in the state of Washington.  The Department of Natural Resources prepares a report to the  Legislature by July 1, 2000, that outlines the state=s future sand and gravel needs, and reviews the rate at which these sites are being used for other land uses such as housing and commercial buildings.  The study examines alternative sand and gravel supplies such as recyclable materials or quarry bedrock mines.

Appropriation:  $50,000 from the general fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the biennium ending June 30, 2000, and $50,000 from the general fund to the department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001.  A null and void clause is included.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 4, 1999.

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