SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5561

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Sutherland, Benitz, Vognild, DeJarnatt, Sellar, Hansen, Bauer, Patterson and Nelson)

Assisting fin fish culture facilities.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1989; February 27, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5561 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  April 11, 1989

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 3, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The present public policy is to ensure the purity of state waters by maintaining the highest standards for water quality consistent with public health and enjoyment.  This includes the protection and propagation of wildlife, birds, game, fish and other aquatic life and regulation of any industrial development which would adversely affect water quality.  All known and reasonable methods to prevent and control pollution of state waters (RCW 90.48.010) are to be used.

Fish rearing facilities are nonconsumptive users of water, and return the water to its source.  Prior to discharge, the water from a fish hatchery must be treated to prevent degradation of water quality required by Department of Ecology (DOE).

The fish farming industry reports there are constant delays in administering the wastewater discharge permits by the Department of Ecology.  Directly contrary to both legislative policy and the Governor's program to promote aquaculture, these delays have curtailed the advancement of the fish farming industry.  There are no clear or consistent DOE standards for issuing permits.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology shall adopt waste discharge standards by rule by September 30, 1989, and shall issue a general federal Clean Water Act permit for upland fin fish facilities.  Permits shall be issued within 180 days time unless further public participation is needed.

The department must require a permit if the facility requires a federal discharge permit or if the state permit is needed to implement the state Clean Water Act.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

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

Senate Committee - Testified: John Woodring, citizen (pro); Kahler Martinson, Department of Fisheries (con); Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnet Association (con); Stan Springer, Department of Ecology (con); Elizabeth Tabbutt, Washington Environmental Council (con); Dan Swecker, Swecker Salmon Farms (pro); Edward McLeory, Troutlodge (pro); Denis Schumaker, citizen (pro); Carol Jolly, Department of Ecology (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The House amendment narrows the scope of the Department of Ecology fin fish water permit exemption to facilities which do not need a federal Clean Water Act permit.