Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Select Committee on Puget Sound

HB 1604

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Introducing oxygen into Hood Canal.

Sponsors: Representatives Eickmeyer, Sump, Morris, Chase, O'Brien and Haigh.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a pilot project to study the effects of introducing oxygen into the waters at Sund Rock on Hood Canal.
  • Determines the feasibility and cost of designing and constructing a system to inject oxygen into Hood Canal.

Hearing Date: 1/31/07

Staff: Karen Rogers (786-7388).

Background:

Hood Canal is a glacier-carved fjord approximately 60 miles in length with approximately 180 miles of shoreline. Portions of Hood Canal have experienced low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations for many years, the lowest reported concentrations occurring in 2004. Recent low-concentration events have resulted in significant fish kills.

Sund Rock is located on the southwest side of Hood Canal, north of Hoodsport, and at the mouth of Sund Creek.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature tasks the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to implement a pilot project that tests the viability and efficiency of introducing oxygen into the waters of Hood Canal. The Legislature further tasks WDFW to evaluate whether such oxygen infusion preserves and enhances aquatic life.

The pilot project entails the design, construction, operation, and evaluation of a pilot facility near Sund Rock on Hood Canal. During the first year, WDFW will determine the best location, depth, size, design, and cost of an oxygen-injecting device. The device will be constructed and deployed during the second year, and WDFW will evaluate the impact of the injected dissolved oxygen on aquatic life.

After the evaluation, WDFW will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature. Recommendations will state whether to proceed with a larger-scale project to inject oxygen into Hood Canal.

Appropriation: The sum of $781,000 from the General Fund.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2007.

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