Brief Description: Eliminating certain fees for hydraulic works inspections.

Sponsors: Senators Morton, Mulliken, Schoesler, Benson, Delvin, Honeyford, Carrell, McCaslin and Stevens.

Hearing Date: 3/24/05

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

In the 2003 - 2005 Legislative Budget Notes, the Department of Ecology (DOE) was directed to increase the fees for plan reviews of new dams and for inspections of existing dams to ensure the fees covered the program's actual costs. The DOE was also directed to conduct inspections of high hazard dams once every five years, rather than the previous schedule of every six to ten years.

The inspection fee for high hazard dams, effective September 4, 2004, are $688/year and the fee for significant hazard dams is $150/year. High hazard dams include those dams located upstream of three or more residences and significant hazard dams are those located upstream of one or two homes.

The Legislature did not provide any relief from the new fees for newly constructed dams.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Ecology (DOE) must not charge an inspection fee for any dam constructed less than 10 years ago when its plans and specifications were approved for safety by DOE. For dams constructed more than 10 years ago and less than 20 years, DOE is restricted to charging a fee no greater than the fee for a "significant hazard dam."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.