Chapter 10 Oregon Laws 2010 Special Session

AN ACT

[Vetoed SB 545]

[2009 Regular Session]

[Repassed at 2010 Special Session]

Relating to pathogens in fish hatcheries; and declaring an emergency.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall, utilizing information available on the effective date of this 2009 Act, conduct a study of fish hatcheries and make a report of its findings. The report must:

          (a) Summarize the environmental impact of producing trout that carry pathogens.

          (b) Summarize the environmental impact of producing trout that carry pathogens in a hatchery that also produces salmon and other species of fish.

          (c) Summarize the impact on trout production resulting from the production, in the same hatchery, of salmon that carry pathogens.

          (d) Summarize the environmental benefits of producing hatchery trout in a pathogen-free environment.

          (e) Evaluate the risks associated with pathogens carried by trout produced by state-owned hatcheries.

          (f) Compare the feasibility of producing trout that are free, or almost free, of pathogens at state-owned hatcheries with the feasibility of producing trout that are free, or almost free, of pathogens at Desert Springs Trout Farm.

          (g) Compare the capacity of state-owned hatcheries to produce trout with the capacity of Desert Springs Trout Farm to produce trout.

          (h) Assess, with an emphasis on reducing pathogens, the potential costs and benefits of incorporating the Desert Springs Trout Farm into this state’s trout production program after considering:

          (A) Fish health;

          (B) Environmental impacts;

          (C) Fish production quality, quantity and flexibility;

          (D) Fish distribution, holding, redistribution and release; and

          (E) Anticipated necessary facility modifications and upgrades.

          (2) The department shall submit the report required by subsection (1) of this section to the interim legislative committees on environment and natural resources in the manner provided in ORS 192.245 on or before February 1, 2010.

SECTION 2. This 2009 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2009 Act takes effect on its passage.

Filed in the office of Secretary of State February 25, 2010

Effective date February 23, 2010

__________