This chapter authorizes the removal of wood debris from navigable waters of the state of Washington. It shall be the duty of the department of natural resources to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(1) "Removal" as used in this chapter shall include all activities necessary for the collection and disposal of such wood debris: PROVIDED, That nothing herein provided shall permit removal of wood debris from private property without written consent of the owner.

(2) "Wood debris" as used in this chapter is wood that is adrift on navigable waters or has been adrift thereon and stranded on beaches, marshes, or tidal and shorelands.

The department of natural resources may by contract, license, or permit, or other arrangements, cause such wood debris to be removed by private contractors, department of natural resources employees, or by other public bodies. Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit any individual from using any nonmerchantable wood debris for his or her own personal use.

It shall be unlawful to dispose of wood debris by depositing such material into any of the navigable waters of this state, except as authorized by law including any discharge or deposit allowed to be made under and in compliance with chapter 90.48 RCW and any rules duly adopted thereunder or any deposit allowed to be made under and in compliance with chapter 76.09 or 77.85 RCW and any rules duly adopted under those chapters. Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor.

Part headings not law—1999 sp.s. c 4: See note following RCW 77.85.180.

The department of natural resources shall adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for administering this chapter.