FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6609

PARTIAL VETO

C 364 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying the manner in which the department of ecology conducts studies.

Sponsors:  Senators Snyder, Deccio, T. Sheldon, Morton, Rasmussen, Honeyford, Hale and Hargrove.

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Background:  The Department of Ecology (DOE) exercised its statutory authority to conduct a scientific study of the Willapa River, the results of which were disputed by the affected local governments.  The local governments were unable to negotiate with DOE and hired a consultant to review the study.  Ultimately, DOE agreed to problems with its study.

Summary:  The Department of Ecology is required to involve local watershed planning groups, local governments, and affected and concerned citizens when conducting a total maximum daily load study for a water body, and to disclose pertinent study information.  Any technical or procedural disagreements that arise during the process may be submitted to the director of the Department of Ecology for review.  Disagreement with the director's review may be heard by an administrative law judge whose decision is final and  who may order that the study be disregarded and award certain costs to the affected party, including the cost consultants.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate3513

House7126(House amended)

Senate3114(Senate concurred)

Effective:  June 13, 2002

Partial Veto Summary:  The right of the parties to request a review and a remedy by means of an administrative hearing is vetoed.