BILL REQ. #:  H-3940.2 

Prefiled 01/11/08. Read first time 01/14/08.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring the department of fish and wildlife to identify acceptable stabilization projects for landowners; and adding a new section to chapter 77.55 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 77.55 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall identify no less than three engineered model bank stabilization methods among which riparian landowners may choose from in order to protect their property from flood damage. Each model bank stabilization method must provide for adequate protection of fish life while providing for the protection of riparian property from flood water.
     (2) Each model bank stabilization method identified by the department must include general engineering and design criteria as to its proper use. This criteria can include information as to the project's dimensions in relation to a one hundred year flood level, how far before and after a river bend the project must extend, the proper bottom stabilization edge in relation to the stream bed, and other criteria identified by the department as necessary for the application of a particular model method.
     (3) Of the model bank stabilization methods identified by the department under this section, at least one must utilize only rock products, one must utilize only woody debris or other organic material, and one must utilize a combination of rock and woody material.
     (4) In addition to the engineering details about the model bank stabilization methods, the department must also provide comparative information relating to the estimated materials and engineering cost to the landowner for each method.
     (5) Nothing in this section precludes a landowner from engineering a bank stabilization project not identified by the department under this section as long as the project is completed in a manner consistent with the requirements of this chapter.