BILL REQ. #:  S-4728.1 

Read first time 01/27/2006.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.

     AN ACT Relating to barley straw for water clarification; and adding a new section to chapter 90.48 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the application of barley straw to waters of the state for the purposes of water clarification is not a discharge of a pollutant requiring a permit as long as the following provisions are met:
     (a) The water body surface area is calculated into square feet or acres;
     (b) The barley straw is applied at a rate of:
     (i) 0.3 to 0.8 ounces for each ten square feet;
     (ii) Fifty-four to two hundred twenty-five pounds per acre; or
     (iii) One to five bales per acre, where one bale equals forty-five pounds;
     (c) Lower application rates are used for clear water and higher application rates are used for muddy water;
     (d) Whole bales or tightly packed straw are not used. Straw must be loosely packed in nylon or mesh bags;
     (e) Bags of straw are placed where control is desired, such as around docks and swim areas, and around inlets to aid in aeration or mixing;
     (f) The bags must be staked or anchored in place;
     (g) Straw is placed in early spring, prior to the growth of algae;
     (h) Bags are removed four to six months after placement and must not be left in the water over winter;
     (i) Organic straw is used, if possible;
     (j) The recommended amounts are not exceeded. Too much straw may degrade water quality; and
     (k) A hydraulic project approval may be required. The person placing the barley straw must contact the regional department of fish and wildlife office prior to placing the straw.
     (2) The discharge of barley straw into waters of the state in any other instance is not authorized absent a permit.