SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5104
As of January 18, 2023
Title: An act relating to surveying Puget Sound marine shoreline habitat.
Brief Description: Surveying Puget Sound marine shoreline habitat.
Sponsors: Senators Salomon, Rolfes, Liias, Nobles, Pedersen and Stanford.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/19/23.
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.
  • Tasks Ecology with updating marine surveys of Puget Sound shorelines on a regular two-year cycle.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
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 Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the Washington 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.   By June 30, 2025, the survey to document and map existing shoreline conditions, structures, and structure conditions must be completed.  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: Requested on January 6, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.