2874-S AMS FRAS S4810.1

SHB 2874 - S AMD 805

By Senators Fraser and Morton

                                                  ADOPTED 03/08/02

    On page 1, after line 5, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that delivery of Columbia basin project water through canals and its application to land through irrigation over approximately the past fifty years has dramatically affected ground water in the Pasco basin, located in western Franklin county, along the Columbia river and north of the city of Pasco.  According to studies conducted by the United States geological survey, the volume of ground water has increased by about five million acre-feet.  About eighty-five percent of this increase is the result of percolation following irrigation and seepage from the distribution system.  Ground water levels have also risen as a result of reservoirs formed behind the dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers.  As a result of drainage management, the system is reported to be at equilibrium.  The studies provide the information needed to determine which ground water is a result of the project and which is naturally occurring.  Potential problems associated with the raised ground water levels include landslides and loss of arable land through ponding.  Benefits include dilution of concentrations of nitrate and increase in volume of water potentially available for beneficial use over the naturally occurring volume otherwise available.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  It is the intent of the legislature to grant authority to the department of ecology to enter into agreements with the United States for allocation of ground waters that exist as a result of the Columbia basin project, adopt rules for implementing the agreements and establishing priorities for processing applications, and accept funds for expenses incurred, consistent with applicable state and federal law.  Inasmuch as rules adopted by the department will be significant legislative rules, the legislature intends to assure that it will be able to properly carry out its responsibility to both give direction and review the rules after their adoption by requiring periodic reports by the department."

    Renumber the remaining section consecutively.

SHB 2874 - S AMD

By Senator Fraser

    On page 2, after line 9, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 89.12 RCW to read as follows:

    The department of ecology shall report annually to the standing committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over water resources regarding the activities authorized by section 3 of this act, beginning December 1, 2002, and ending December 1, 2007."

SHB 2874 - S AMD 805

By Senators Fraser and Morton

                                                  ADOPTED 03/08/02

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "allocation of" strike the remainder of the title and insert "ground waters that exist as a result of the Columbia basin project; adding new sections to chapter 89.12 RCW; and creating new sections."

EFFECT:  Adds findings and intent.  Adds reporting requirement.

                            --- END ---