S-0945.1

SENATE BILL 5597

BySenators Rolfes, Saldaña, McCoy, Conway, and Hasegawa

AN ACT Relating to creating a work group on aerial pesticide applications in forestlands; creating new sections; and providing expiration dates.

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

(b) The legislature further finds that while the use of pesticides is an important tool to the timber industry, the use of chemicals should be integrated within a broader pest management approach that uses natural control agents and other nonchemical methods. Such a judicious use of pesticides when combined and integrated with the use of mechanical and biological controls, holds great promise in achieving the twin objectives of maximizing economic returns from working forests while protecting public health and the environment.

(2) This section expires December 31, 2019.

(2) The work group shall:

(a) Review the roles of all management and regulatory agencies in approving pesticides for use and application on forestlands in Washington state and review existing state and federal programs, policies, and regulations concerning aerial application of pesticides on forestlands;

(b) Review current pesticide application technology in the state and throughout the nation to increase pesticide application accuracy and other best management practices to minimize drift and exposure of humans, fish, and wildlife as well impact on drinking water, surface waters, and wetland areas;

(c) Review research, reports, and data from government agencies, research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and landowners regarding the risks, environmental impacts, and forest management benefits of the most frequently used pesticides in forest practices, to inform the development and update of strategies related to pesticides management on forestlands; and

(d) Develop recommendations for managing working forestlands through an integrated pest management approach that combines chemical and natural control means as well as other silvicultural practices to protect resource values from pests while minimizing the effect on nontarget species as well as ensuring the protection of public safety and human health.

(3) The work group is composed of representatives from each of the following agencies:

(a) One representative of the department of agriculture;

(b) One representative of the department of health;

(c) One representative of the department of natural resources;

(d) One representative of the department of ecology;

(e) One representative of small forestland owners;

(f) One representative of large forestland owners;

(g) One representative of aerial applicators;

(h) Three representatives of environmental or community interests;

(i) One representative of the University of Washington;

(j) One representative of Washington tribes must be invited to participate on the work group; and

(k) Any other interest deemed important to providing scientific, policy, or economic information to the work group.

(4) The work group must be cochaired by representatives from the department of ecology and the department of natural resources.

(5) Staff support for the work group must be provided by the departments of natural resources and agriculture.

(6) Nonlegislative members of the work group are not entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses if they are elected officials or are participating on behalf of an employer, governmental entity, or other organization. Any other reimbursement for nonlegislative members is subject to the limitations of class one groups under RCW 43.03.220.

(7) The work group shall provide a report that includes any findings, recommendations, and draft legislation, to the governor, appropriate committees of the legislature, and the forest practices board, by November 10, 2019.

(8) This section expires December 31, 2019.

--- END ---