HB 2847-S2.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/16/02)

     Finds that development of consistent and predictable standards for storm water management across multiple state, federal, and local jurisdictions is imperative for the state to achieve environmental protection in a cost-effective manner.

     Finds that storm water management must satisfy state and federal water quality requirements while also providing state and local agencies, development interests, and others with a flexible set of tools and alternatives that can help ensure cost-effective storm water management and detention.

     Finds that significant fragmentation in authority exists between local, state, and federal agencies in managing storm water. The legislature believes state agencies and local governments, and where appropriate, federal and tribal governments, should identify streamlining opportunities to address fragmentation between storm water authority exercised by local, state, and federal jurisdictions.

     Provides that the independent science panel created in RCW 77.85.040 must review the department of ecology's storm water manual for western Washington, dated August 31, 2001.