SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6317

                    As of January 14, 2000

Title:  An act relating to dairy nutrient management.

Brief Description:  Concerning the design of dairy nutrient management systems.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Morton and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Rural Economic Development:  1/19/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  The Department of Ecology currently administers a dairy nutrient management program established in 1993.  The program regulates discharges to state waters from dairy farms.  One component of the program is the design of dairy nutrient management systems.

In 1999 the Dairy Nutrient Management Task Force was created to assist the implementation of the program.  During the workings of the task force, there was discussion of whether dairy nutrient management systems must be developed by a professional engineer.

The task force has reported to the Legislature that it has received assurances from the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors that the current structure of technicians working with engineers meets the requirements of the engineering statutes.

It is felt that, in order to avoid future questions, the board's interpretation should be codified.

Summary of Bill:  Findings are made that the design and implementation of dairy nutrient management systems are multi-skilled tasks, which include engineering and other knowledge to be done properly.

Work carried out by the technical assistance teams created under the dairy nutrient management laws complies with the requirements of Chapter 18.43 RCW, regulating engineering.  Professional engineers need not have direct supervision over technicians.  The authority is applicable retroactively to all dairy nutrient management plans.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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