Brief Description: Extending the date for implementation of ballast water discharge requirements.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife (originally sponsored by Senator Oke).

Hearing Date: 2/27/04

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

In 2000 the Washington Legislature enacted ballast water management legislation . The legislation included the requirement that after July 1, 2002, nonexempt vessels could only discharge ballast water into waters of the state if they either did an open sea exchange or had treated the ballast water according to standards developed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department). In 2002, legislation was enacted that changed the implementation date to July 1, 2004.

The 2002 legislation also required the Department to establish a ballast water work group. The ballast water work group was directed to study ballast water technology, including exchange and treatment methods and the associated costs, services needed by the industry and the state to protect the marine environment, and funding methods for implementing the ballast water program. The work group was required to submit a report to the Legislature by December 15, 2003, however, no report was completed.

Summary of Bill:

The date for authorizing discharge of ballast water into waters of the state is changed from July 1, 2004, to July 1, 2007. The ballast water work group is extended from June 30, 2004 to June 30, 2007. A representative from the Department is added to the ballast water work group. The Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team must provide staff support to the work group, rather than the Department.

The ballast water work group must provide a report to the legislature by December 15, 2006. The report must include issues relating to ballast water technology and ballast water treatment plans, the services needed by the industry and the state to protect the marine environment including penalties and enforcement, and the costs associated with implementing the program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 2/23/2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.