OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 6070 sponsored by Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, which will reinstate an exemption to fees relating to disposal of dredged materials from rivers. The bill passed 46-2.

“This is about helping local government deal with a huge problem with ash and silt” said Hatfield. “Reinstating this exemption will help the process of removing the sediment that is causing navigation problems, flooding, and even harming smelt runs.”

Originally a part of the recovery following the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, the exemption would allow for the removal of dredged spoils, materials that are generally too costly to transport for sale, and get them to disposal areas without negotiating a fee.

“This will facilitate the disposal of the sediments while enhancing flood control and public safety,” said Hatfield. “The sediment retention structure is full, the ash is back, and we need to be able to get rid of it.”

Following tonight’s approval, SB 6070 now moves on to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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For more information: Chase Gallagher, 360-786-7326

For interviews: Sen. Brian Hatfield, 360-786-7636