SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1499

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Kremen, Holland, Grant, Braddock and May)

Requiring the department of natural resources to study methods of encouraging businesses to remove sand and gravel.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1988

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The State of Washington owns the beds of navigable rivers, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the beds of these rivers for the state.

Sand and gravel has been removed from rivers for use in road construction and for other projects since before statehood.  For many years, this sand and gravel was taken from state-owned rivers without paying the state.  In the mid-1970's, the department began better enforcing the taking of gravel and ensuring that the fair market price was paid. 

The removal of sand and gravel from a river bed can reduce the frequency and severity of flooding of a river depending on where and how much gravel is removed.  This was recognized by the 1984 Legislature which passed legislation that requires DNR to reduce the price of sand and gravel by an amount equal to the flood protection that will result from the removal of the sand and gravel.

DNR's regulations implementing the 1984 legislation allow for a price reduction if an approved comprehensive flood control management plan indicates that flood control benefits would occur.  To date, most rivers do not have completed comprehensive flood control management plans so the price reduction is not available.  Flood control plans are being developed, but they take several years to complete.  As a result, some sand and gravel operators and local officials think that the price of river gravel remains too high and are concerned that the risk of flooding is increasing each year.

It also is thought by some that DNR's negotiated sand and gravel prices in rural areas of the state are uncompetitive with other sources of gravel.  According to DNR, the average charge per cubic yard of gravel varies from a low of $.25 for contracts in Cowlitz and Grays Harbor Counties to a high of $1.09 in Pierce County.

SUMMARY:

The department shall study methods of diminishing flood risks by encouraging sand and gravel businesses to remove excess accumulations of materials from the beds of rivers and streams.  The department also shall identify methods of annually adjusting sand and gravel prices to reflect local market conditions.  Results of the studies shall be reported to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.