SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5280

As of February 6, 2003

Title: An act relating to the hydraulic project approval program.

Brief Description: Eliminating the hydraulic project approval program.

Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Oke, Prentice, Honeyford, Doumit, Morton, Hale, McAuliffe and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/10/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: A person must obtain an hydraulic project approval (HPA) for any project that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state before beginning the construction. HPA permits are issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the proper protection of fish life. Fish habitat protection projects that receive an HPA are exempt from local permit requirements.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife collects data related to habitat functions and salmon stock status throughout the state. The data is maintained in a central database, and the department produces habitat analysis and maps based on this information.

The hydraulic code also includes provisions to ensure fish passage through any obstruction across a stream, including dams.

Summary of Bill: The hydraulic project approval permit requirement is repealed. References to HPA permit requirements in other program areas are deleted. Provisions in the hydraulic code to ensure fish passage through any obstruction across a stream are retained.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife must make all data collected related to salmon and steelhead habitat assessments or stock assessments available to other agencies, volunteer groups, or other interested parties for the purposes of designing, evaluating, and permitting habitat enhancement projects.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2002.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2003.