FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6329

C 227 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

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

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

Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife

House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks

Background: The Department of Fish and Wildlife is authorized to implement a ballast water management program. The program enters ballast water reporting data, evaluates the vessel exchanges and compliance with the state's requirements and assesses ballast treatment systems. Discharge into waters of the state of Washington are authorized if a vessel has conducted an open sea exchange of ballast water.

A ballast water task force is currently working on recommendations to the Legislature regarding ballast water treatment programs for the state of Washington.

Summary: The date for required treatment of ballast water is changed from July 1, 2004, to July 1, 2007. The ballast water work group is extended to June 30, 2007, and representatives from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the shellfish industry, tribes, and maritime labor are added to the work group. A report to the Legislature is required by December 15, 2006. Staff is provided by the Puget Sound water quality action team.

Masters, owners, operators or persons-in-charge shall submit to the department an interim ballast water management report by July 1, 2006, describing actions needed to implement ballast water requirements.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       26  22

House       96   0   (House amended)

Senate       47   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 10, 2004