SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6024

BYSenate Committee on Agriculture (originally sponsored by Senators Halsan, Barr, Benitz and Hansen)

Prohibiting restriction or denial of certain agriculturally related hydraulic project permits.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987; January 22, 1988; January 28, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6024 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Bailey, Halsan, Hansen.

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

                  March 4, 1988

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Farmers who have lands that abut rivers and streams often desire to install streambank stabilization structures to prevent erosion and loss of farmland.

The Department of Fisheries and Department of Wildlife administer the hydraulic project permit approval process.  Some people are concerned that the conditions placed on hydraulic permits for agricultural streambank stabilization projects interfere with the ability of the farmers to stabilize the streambank.

SUMMARY:

Projects requiring a hydraulic permit for streambank stabilization shall be processed and appealed in the same manner as hydraulic permits for irrigation and stock watering diversions.  Streambank stabilization is defined to include log removal, riprap, and gravel removal.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Halsan; Representative Amondson; Judy Merchant, Fisheries; Chris Drivdahl, Wildlife; Winferd Yallup, Yakima Tribe; Ham Hilpert, Cons. Dist.; Leo Pope; Marshall Huntly; Marlyta Deck; Rick Turner; Girald Howard; Betty Tabbutt; Ed Manary, Fisheries

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The hydraulic approval for streambank stabilization shall remain in effect without need for periodic renewal if the need for the project occurs annually or more frequently (rather than seasonally).

The Departments of Natural Resources and Ecology are directed to study methods of reducing flood risks by encouraging sand and gravel businesses to remove excess accumulations of materials from the beds of rivers and streams in agricultural areas.  The departments shall work with conservation district association, sand and gravel industry, and Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife to identify alternative management policies to diminish the risks of flooding and to adjust sand and gravel prices annually to reflect local market condition.  Results of the studies shall be reported to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 1989.