SB 6538 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Directs the ballast water work group to study, and provide a report to the legislature by December 15, 2003, on the following issues: (1) All issues relating to ballast water technology, including exchange and treatment methods and the associated costs;

     (2) The services needed by the industry and the state to protect the marine environment; and

     (3) The costs associated with, and possible funding methods for, implementing the ballast water program.

     Requires the director to also monitor the activities of the task force created by the state of Oregon in 2001 Or. Laws 722, concerning ballast water management.  The director shall provide the ballast water work group with periodic updates of the Oregon task force's efforts at developing a ballast water management system.

     Declares that the ballast water work group expires June 30, 2004.

     Directs the department, working with the United States coast guard and the marine exchanges, to work cooperatively to improve the ballast water information system and make improvements no later than October 1, 2002.  The cooperative effort will strive to obtain ballast water reports for the United States coast guard under contract.  The reports may be used for ballast water management information under this chapter and be forwarded to the United States coast guard for its management purposes.  Prior to July 1, 2002, the department must take steps to reduce or eliminate the costs of reporting.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6538

                   April 1, 2002

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 6, Senate Bill No. 6538 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to ballast water;"

     Senate Bill No. 6538 requires the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish a work group to study issues related to ballast water, including treatment technologies to prevent the spread of invasive species and other pollutants.  The group will also examine rules for the treatment and disposal of ballast water in Washington waters.

     Section 6 of the bill was an emergency clause, which would have made the law effective upon my signature.  I believe the emergency clause is unnecessary for this bill.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 6 of Senate Bill No. 6538.

     With the exception of section 6, Senate Bill No. 6538 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor