HB 2058-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Creates the aquatic nuisance species coordination committee for the purpose of fostering state, federal, tribal, and private cooperation on aquatic nuisance species issues.

     Directs the department of ecology to investigate the risk of introductions of nonnative aquatic species through the discharge of ballast water from ships and recommend state actions to respond to this risk.  In conducting this investigation, the director of ecology shall seek the cooperation and participation of organizations representing the maritime community for both Puget Sound and the Columbia river.  The recommendations shall be submitted in a report to the aquatic nuisance species coordination committee and to the appropriate legislative committees no later than December 1, 2000.

     Authorizes the department of ecology to inspect vessels and sample ballast water to determine whether the vessel's ballast water poses a measurable risk of introducing nonnative aquatic species into the waters of the state.

     Authorizes the department of agriculture to inspect licensed nurseries dealing in aquatic plants for the purpose of detecting aquatic nuisance species and preventing the introduction of these species into Washington waters.  If aquatic nuisance species are detected, the department of agriculture may quarantine the infested aquatic plants, and require the nursery to decontaminate or dispose of the plants in a manner that will prevent their introduction into Washington waters.

     Authorizes the state patrol to inspect boats entering the state at a port of entry for the purpose of detecting zebra mussels and preventing the introduction of this species into Washington waters.

     Declares that a person is guilty of unlawful use or possession of deleterious exotic wildlife or aquatic nuisance species if the person violates any rule of the commission regarding the possession, transportation, holding, reporting, or any other action or restriction regarding a species classified as deleterious exotic wildlife or as an aquatic nuisance species, with knowledge thereof.

     Declares that a violation of this provision is a gross misdemeanor.  This does not affect the existing authority of the department to bring a separate civil action to compel compliance with any rule concerning deleterious exotic wildlife or aquatic nuisance species.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.