Hatfield seeks permit simplification at session’s start

OLYMPIA – Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, is starting the new legislative session looking to establish a little more common sense in government with Senate Bill 6504, which streamlines the permitting process for storm water related construction projects.

“I’m glad that we can start off the legislative session with a bill that makes a common sense change in our bureaucracy,” said Hatfield, who is starting his second legislative session in the Senate after serving 10 years in the House of Representatives.

SB 6504 was requested by the Department of Ecology, and will restore a previous exemption for small construction projects disturbing less than five acres of land from the department’s storm water permitting process.

"Our governor has really taken the lead on this kind of streamlining, common sense reform for construction and industrial businesses. I'm more than happy to work with her on simplifying the permitting process,” Hatfield said.

On Jan. 21, SB 6504 was advanced from the Water and Energy & Telecommunications Committee to the Senate Rules Committee, one step away from a vote on the Senate floor.

“Anything that helps local contractors comply with state and federal water quality requirements is going to be a welcome proposal in the 19th District,” Hatfield said.

Hatfield’s 19th district encompasses Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, and contains portions of Grays Harbor and Cowlitz Counties.

Return to Sen. Hatfield's home page