| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
SSB 6607
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 protection district wastewater discharge fees, rates, and charges.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel, Haugen and Rasmussen).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: February 25, 2008
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
County legislative authorities may create a shellfish protection district and adopt shellfish
protection programs to address water quality issues affecting growing and harvesting shellfish.
Counties must coordinate and cooperate with cities, towns, and water-related special districts
within their boundaries in establishing shellfish protection districts and carrying out shellfish
protection programs. Counties must also consult with the departments of Health, Ecology,
Agriculture, or the Conservation Commission about the elements of the shellfish protection
program. Twelve districts exist to date, and eight have resulted in classification upgrades and
re-openings.
Counties may finance a shellfish protection program through county tax revenues, inspection fees
and other fees for provided services, rates specified in the protection program, or with federal,
state, or private grants. Fees, rates or charges must not be imposed by districts based on the
following: (1) confined animal feeding operations subject to the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES); (2) other facilities permitted and assessed fees under the NPDES;
and (3) timberlands classified under state timber and open space tax laws.
All dairy animal feeding operations are required to adopt a dairy nutrient management plan to
assure the dairy does not discharge into state waters. These plans must be approved and
certified by the local conservation district.
Summary of Bill:
County shellfish protection district activities should focus on actions targeting shellfish
protection. The NPDES permit exemption for shellfish protection district assessments, fees, and
charges is removed from statute. The assessments that may be levied against dairies with
certified dairy nutrient management plans is limited to $500.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.