SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6024

BYSenators 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)

                  January 28, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, JANUARY 28, 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:

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife shall not deny or condition hydraulic project permits for projects that are designed to stabilize stream or river banks in agricultural areas.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

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