SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6318

                    As of January 18, 2000

Title:  An act relating to dairy nutrients.

Brief Description:  Providing continuity to monitoring and problem solving efforts relating to dairy nutrients.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Morton, Stevens and Swecker.

Brief History:

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff:  Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background:  In 1998, the Dairy Nutrient Management Act was enacted.  Under this act, each dairy farm in the state is required to develop a farm plan by July 1, 2002 and to fully implement the farm plan by December 31, 2003.  If dairy farms do not meet deadlines, an additional fine of $100 per month per violation is to be assessed.  These fines are in addition to any fines assessed for water quality violations.

The 1998 legislation included the formation of a Dairy Nutrient Advisory Committee.  This committee was vetoed and the veto message directed the Department of Ecology to form an advisory committee.  In 1999, a Dairy Nutrient Task Force that includes four legislative members was created to examine specified issues relating to the Dairy Nutrient Management Program.  Authority for the task force expired on December 31, 1999.

Summary of Bill:  The Dairy Nutrient Task Force is reestablished.  References to the advisory and oversight committee are deleted.  In addition to the previous members of the task force, four members of the agency appointed advisory and oversight committee are added including:  (1) a representative of shellfish growers; (2) a representative of local health districts; (3) the federal natural resource conservation service; and (4) the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The task force is to meet at least three times per year, or more if necessary.  The task force is to examine at least the following topics:

(1)determine whether the necessary progress is being attained so the deadlines will be achieved;

(2)monitor the development of and review recommendations for adequate funding for the various components of the program;

(3)successful incorporation of engineering services into the existing system of technical assistance for the design and construction of the dairy nutrient management plans;

(4)resolution of the conflict between the state public records act and federal privacy laws in regards to release of information relating to dairy plans.

By December 20 of each year, the task force must provide recommendations to the agencies or to the Legislature in regards to implementation of the program.  The task force continues in existence until June 30, 2004, which is six months after the final deadline.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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