Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Select Committee on Puget Sound

SB 5778

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: Concerning shellfish protection programs.

Sponsors: Senators Fraser, Rockefeller, Poulsen and Kline; by request of Department of Health.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires a county legislative authority to initiate implementation of a shellfish protection program within 60 days after establishment of the shellfish protection program.
  • Requires the county legislative authority to submit an annual report describing the status and progress of the shellfish protection program.

Hearing Date: 3/28/07

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 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:

County legislative authorities that are required to create shellfish protection districts and establish shellfish protection programs must initiate implementation of these shellfish protection programs within 60 days after they are established. County legislative authorities are also required to consult with the regulating state agencies, submit a copy of their shellfish protection programs to those same agencies, and submit an annual report to the DOH that describes the status and progress of the programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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