2259-S.E AMS RASM WILB 001

ESHB 2259 - S AMD - 534

    By Senator Rasmussen

                                               NOT ADOPTED 4/26/97

    On page 44, after line 6, insert the following:

    "(24) From within the appropriations provided in this section, the department shall prepare a review of its program regarding the exercise of the state's water quality certification authority under section 401 of the federal water pollution control act amendments of 1972, 32 U.S.C. Section 1341.  The review shall include an assessment of the effectiveness of its policies and procedures to provide for public review and comment upon proposed certifications, including the provision of at least one public hearing upon the proposed 401 certification decision, and the disposition of certifications issued by the state in the event that the proposed federal license or permit is denied or otherwise not provided.  The review shall evaluate the status of certifications issued from July 1, 1992 to the present, and determine whether that status should be modified in cases in which the federal permit or license to which the certification was directed was denied or otherwise not issued. The review shall include the department's recommendations for improvements in its existing policies and procedures, and shall be provided to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by December 31, 1997." 

    Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

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EFFECT:   Requires Department of Ecology to review its procedures for making water quality certifications under section 401 of federal clean water act.