SB 5536-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Directs the department to initiate a pilot project for the municipal watershed delineated by the Lake Whatcom hydrographic boundaries to determine what factors need to be considered to achieve water quality standards beyond those required under chapter 90.48 RCW and what additional management actions can be taken on state trust lands that can contribute to such higher water quality standards.  The department shall establish an advisory committee consisting of a representative each of the city of Bellingham, Whatcom county, the Whatcom county water district 10, the department of ecology, the department of fish and wildlife, and the department of health, and three general citizen members to assist in this pilot project.

     Requires the pilot project to be completed by June 30, 2000.  The department shall defer all timber sales in the Lake Whatcom hydrographic boundaries until the pilot project is complete.

     Provides that, upon completion of the study, the department shall provide a report to the natural resources committee of the house of representatives and to the natural resources, parks and recreation committee of the senate summarizing the results of the study.