Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Environment & Energy Committee
SB 5104
Brief Description: Surveying Puget Sound marine shoreline habitat.
Sponsors: Senators Salomon, Rolfes, Liias, Nobles, Pedersen and Stanford.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Directs the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to conduct a baseline survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines, including creating a comprehensive on-the-water view of the shoreline, by June 30, 2024.
  • Requires Ecology to update marine surveys of Puget Sound shorelines on a regular two-year cycle.
Hearing Date: 3/20/23
Staff: Robert Hatfield (786-7117).
Background:

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) manages and maintains the Washington Coastal Atlas that contains shoreline images of the Washington coast and Puget Sound.  The data presented in the Washington Coastal Atlas is available through the cooperation and partnership of federal and state agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Services Center, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The purpose of the Washington Coastal Atlas is to make relevant information easily available for use in coastal and shoreline resource planning and management.
Summary of Bill:

By June 30, 2024, Ecology must conduct and maintain a baseline survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines that uses new technology to capture geo-referenced oblique aerial and 360 degree on-the-water imagery.   


The survey to document and map existing shoreline conditions, structures, and structure conditions must be completed by June 30, 2025.  The information from the surveys must be available to the public and incorporated into state geographic information system mapping, and updated on a regular two-year cycle thereafter.  


The survey must include Puget Sound shorelines and related inland marine waters including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Hood Canal and the San Juan Islands.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.