| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Puget Sound | |
HB 1595
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Expanding the protection of shellfish in Puget Sound.
Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Jarrett, Hunt and Lantz.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/07
Staff: Karen Rogers (786-7388).
Background:
The Department of Health (DOH) issues licenses to commercial shellfish operations and certifies
shellfish harvest sites. The commercial harvest of shellfish must be from a growing area that is
classified as "approved" or "conditionally approved" according to provisions of the National
Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance. Shellfish growing areas that the DOH classifies
as "restricted" may be harvested, but only under certain circumstances. Shellfish growing areas
that the DOH classifies as "prohibited" may not be harvested either commercially or
recreationally.
County legislative authorities (county authorities) are required to create shellfish protection
districts and establish shellfish protection programs within 180 days after the DOH closes or
downgrades the classification of a tidal shellfish growing area due to nonpoint-source pollution.
To date, 12 districts exist, and eight have resulted in classification upgrades and re-openings.
Summary of Bill:
Legislative authorities for the twelve counties surrounding Puget Sound (i.e. Clallam, Island,
Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom)
must establish additional shellfish protection districts and shellfish protection programs than
currently exist whenever (1) point-source pollution threatens shellfish-area water quality in tidal
shellfish-growing areas, (2) point-source or nonpoint-source pollution threatens water quality in
sub-tidal areas, or (3) the DOH determines a shellfish area to be a "shellfish area of concern."
"Shellfish area of concern," which this bill defines, is an area that is currently compliant with
existing DOH health standards, but have declining water quality and are at risk of becoming
non-fishable.
For those counties that need additional time to establish a taxing or fee district, or a funding
account or source to pay for the creation of the additional shellfish protection districts and
shellfish protection programs, up to two 30-day extensions are allowed. Furthermore, county
legislative authorities are required to implement the shellfish protection programs within 60 days
after establishment of the shellfish protection districts and programs.
Funding is provided.
Appropriation: The sum of $1,000,000 from the aquatic lands enhancement account.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.