| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Puget Sound | |
HB 2220
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: Regarding shellfish.
Sponsors: Representative Lantz.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/27/07
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
Shorelines Management Act
Under the Shorelines Management Act, certain developments that occur on or near the shorelines
of the state are required to be permitted. Permitting for most development is administered at the
county level, with standards and requirements outlined in the county's master program. Each
county with shorelines within its jurisdiction adopts its own master program, which is a
comprehensive use plan for the area. Once a master program is approved by the Department of
Ecology, the county is the entity responsible for final approval of all programs falling within the
plan's scope.
If a development does not fall within the scope of an approved master plan, then the development
may only go forward if a conditional use permit is approved. The conditional use permit is
issued on the county level; however, it must be approved by the Department of Ecology prior to
issuance.
Geoduck aquaculture on state-owned aquatic lands
The Legislature has assigned to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the responsibility
for managing the state's aquatic lands for the benefit of the public. The DNR manages over two
million acres of tidelands, shorelands, and bedlands. This includes the beds of all navigable
rivers and lakes, along with the beds below the Puget Sound.
The management of aquatic lands must support a balance of goals, including the encouragement
of public access, the fostering of water-dependent uses, the utilization of renewable resources,
and the generation of revenue. Revenues generated from the state's aquatic lands are generally
directed to be used for public benefits, such as shoreline access, environmental protection, and
recreational opportunities. Under current law, the DNR may lease aquatic lands, exchange
state-owned aquatic lands for privately owned lands, and lease aquatic lands for shellfish
aquaculture.
In 2003, the Legislature directed the DNR to conduct a study looking into the feasibility of
leasing state-owned aquatic lands for geoduck aquaculture. The DNR has initiated a fledgling
geoduck aquaculture program and has plans to lease 25 acres of state-owned aquatic lands per
year for the next 10 years for geoduck aquaculture.
Summary of Bill:
An intent is stated for the Legislature to address the challenges inherent in managing and
regulating shellfish aquaculture to begin a process of developing a consistent, predictable
regulatory program that respects the role of local governments, protects the interests of the state,
and operates within the scope of the federal government.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.