H-2741

AN ACT Relating to identifying critical ecological functions within a water resource inventory area; adding a new section to chapter 90.71 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) Environmental laws, rules, and policies to improve water quality have generally been developed in response to specific problems;

(b) This case-by-case approach to water quality management has resulted in numerous planning, permit, and funding requirements that are often confusing, contradictory, and inefficient;

(c) Lack of integrated water quality policies has resulted in less effective environmental protection, increased taxpayer costs, and considerable public frustration;

(d) There is broad consensus that integration of water quality policies is best achieved by adopting a broader geographic approach that is based on how that geographic system works;

(e) Scientific knowledge, technology, and data is currently available to identify the critical biological and physical functions of geographic systems, such as watersheds. However, this knowledge, technology, and data is scattered among many federal, state, local, and private entities; and

(f) The Puget Sound action team was organized to coordinate federal, state, local, and private efforts across a broad geographic area.

(2) The legislature therefore declares that the action team shall undertake the actions identified in section 2 of this act to enhance the ability of state and local governments to develop environmental regulations that are better integrated and make better use of existing science.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 90.71 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The action team shall develop, and thereafter shall periodically update a methodology, using geographic information system maps, to identify critical watershed functions within a water resource inventory area. The methodology must identify, at a minimum:

(a) Critical watershed functions;

(b) Areas where critical functions are impaired;

(d) Areas where functions are working properly; and

(e) Current land uses.

(2) The action team shall initiate a case study of at least one Puget Sound water resource inventory area, using the information under subsection (1) of this section, to develop policy recommendations to expedite:

(a) Agency decision making on mitigation proposals other than traditional on-site, in-kind exchanges; and

(b) Preparation of plans required under chapters 36.70A, 86.12, and 90.58 RCW. Recommendations under this subsection shall include specific changes to state laws and rules.

(3) In developing policy recommendations under this section, the action team shall involve all interested units of local government and may involve any other interested group or person.

(4) As used in this section, the following definitions apply.

(a) "Water resource inventory area" has the same meaning as in WAC 173-500-040.

(b) "Critical watershed function" means any geological, hydrological, or biological function that preserves, protects, or enhances water quality, water quantity, fish and wildlife, or flood protection.

(5) The policy recommendations under subsection (2) of this section shall be submitted to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by December 1, 1999.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1997, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.