HB 2220-S2 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Requires the sea grant program at the University of Washington to, consistent with this act, commission a series of scientific research studies that examines the possible effects, including the cumulative effects, of the current prevalent geoduck aquaculture techniques and practices on the natural environment in and around Puget Sound, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sea grant program shall use funding provided from the geoduck aquaculture research account created in this act to review existing literature, directly perform research identified as needed, or to enter into and manage contracts with scientific organizations or institutions to accomplish these results.

Provides that all research commissioned under this act must be completed and the results reported to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2013. In addition, the sea grant program shall provide the appropriate committees of the legislature with annual reports updating the status and progress of the ongoing studies that are completed in advance of the 2013 deadline.

Directs the department of ecology to develop, by rule, guidelines for the appropriate siting and operation of geoduck aquaculture operations to be included in any master program under this act.

Provides that the guidelines required under this act must be filed for public review and comment no later than six months after the delivery of the final report by the shellfish aquaculture regulatory committee.

Requires the department of ecology to update the guidelines required under this act, as necessary, after the completion of the geoduck research by the sea grant program at the University of Washington.

Establishes the shellfish aquaculture regulatory committee to, consistent with this act, serve as an advisory body to the department of ecology on regulatory processes and approvals for all current and new shellfish aquaculture activities, and the activities conducted pursuant to RCW 90.58.060, as the activities relate to shellfish. The shellfish aquaculture regulatory committee is advisory in nature, and no vote or action of the committee may overrule existing statutes, regulations, or local ordinances.

Requires the department of ecology to report the recommendations and findings of the shellfish aquaculture regulatory committee to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2007, with a further report, if necessary, by December 1, 2008.