Ports, counties and DNR back bill to broaden authority for derelict-vessel removal
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Summary
Substitute House Bill 2199 would change the definition of derelict vessel to allow removal when registration has lapsed for two years or more and remove the requirement that an owner be known and locatable; ports, county officials and DNR partners testified the change would let local entities intervene earlier to avoid costly sinkings and environmental damage.
The Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee heard testimony supporting Substitute House Bill 2199, which modifies statutory definitions and prioritization for the Derelict Vessel Removal Program administered by the Department of Natural Resources.
Jeff Olson, committee staff, said the bill removes the requirement that an owner be known, able to be located and exert control over the vessel, and explicitly includes vessels with registration violations for at least two annual periods, enabling DNR and authorized public entities to prioritize removal. Olson reported no fiscal impact in the bill summary.
Representative Addison Richards, prime sponsor, recounted the Dominion tug sinking in Bremerton Marina and said early intervention prevents far costlier salvage operations and environmental harm. James Coburn of the Washington Public Ports Association said the Port of Allen recently paid about $95,000 to remove a derelict vessel and urged clearer authority for ports to act earlier. Port representatives and county officials described pollution, navigation hazards and habitat damage from deteriorating vessels and urged the committee to pass the bill.
The vice chair reported a large margin of public sign-in support (195 pro, 4 con). The committee closed the public hearing without taking a final vote; the chair said the bill will be listed for possible executive session at the committee’s next meeting.