HB 1579 implements recommendations of the Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force that makes changes to the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) statutes and the single-family bulkhead policies. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D–Burien).

On HPAs, which are required state permits for work that will affect the bed or flow of waters of the state, AWC’s approach for the last few years has been to support reasonable civil enforcement and stop work order authority for the agency – as we do not believe that cities are likely offenders. Our desire has been for clarity around the types of activities that need a permit. We believe that there may be a conversation on that front within this bill, which we would participate in; but, as of right now, the bill does not provide that clarity.

HB 1579 also proposes to eliminate the streamlined permitting provided for protective bulkheads or rock walls that benefit single family homes. The bill would repeal RCW 77.55.151, leaving those bulkheads to go through traditional HPA permitting processes. We would like feedback from cities on whether that is something we should support. Please contact Carl Schroeder with your feedback.

Dates to remember

HB 1579 is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, January 29 at 10 am in the House Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee.